Venkatagiri Samsthanam
History
Venkatagiri was a small village near Kalivelamma temple with the name Kali Mili during Vijayanagar times which was ruled by Gobburu polygars. They were defeated by Venkatadri Naidu,brother's son of Raja who was ruling territories around Madurantakam in 16th Century . He renamed Kalimili with Vaishanava name "Venkatagiri". These Recherla rulers shifted their capital from Velugodu to Venkatagiri during the reign of Pedda Yachama Naidu. He also had ruled his southern territories with Madurantakam as second capital which was granted by Venkatapathi Raya II of Aravidu dynasty of Vijayanagar who ruled from Chandragiri. Later Venkatagiri Rajas abandoned Madhurantakam and ruled their southern territories with North Mallur in Chitoor district as their capital. Raja Bangaru Yachama Naidu Bahudur was trecherously murdered when he was unarmed in 1693AD on the day of Mahanavami by Zu-l-faqar khan, Nawab of vellore during reign of Aurangazeb. Later on 14 taluks were granted to Sarwagna Yachedra, son of assassinated King by Khan with the approval of Emperor in order to prevent heirs of the rajah from complaining to emperor about the murder. After this, the Administration of the kingdom has been transferred completely from north Mallur to Venkatagiri. Raja's Recherla clan was initiated in Nalgonda Dist in Amanagallu village by Chevi reddi around 1198AD - 1208 AD with the sacrifice of life by Rechadu, servant of Chevireddi. The "Gotram" of Venkatagiri rajas was named after him. As per oath gave to him Venkatagiri rajas are celebrating Jatara of Poleramma who is the chief deity of Rechadu's community. The celebration of Jatara in Venkatagiri traced to this tradition. Chevi Reddi also named as Pillalamarri Bethala Naidu was a close associate of Kakatiya King Ganapathi Deva. Rajas of Venkatagiri, Pitauram, Jetprole and Bobbili are his descendents. Thus Chevireddy was the origin person of Venkatagiri Velugoti dynasty of Padma Nayaka Velama Tribe. As per the permanent settlement made with Britishers an "Isthimiral" dated 24 August 1802 was issued to Rajah fixing an annual Periskash of Rs,4,44,232. Thus estate became part of British India. Venkatagiri samsthanam when it was a part of erstwhile Madras Presidency consisted of 736 Villages in addition to that it consisted 617 majara villages.
Notable Venkatagiri Kings
- Nirvana Rayappa Naidu surnamed Pedda Rayudu, 15th descendant, is an important member, for he was the founder of the place and the Dynasty known as Velugodu. He was a contemporary of the great Carnatic Ruler Krishna Deva Raya living in the sixteenth century and was in the earlier part of his life-time a subject Prince and Commander-in-Chief of Krishna Raya
- Kumara Rangappa Naidu,21st descendent, was the foun- der of a line of kings at Bobbili, granted Rajam Estate in 1652 by Sher Muhammed Khan, Nawab of Chicacole, in whose honour it was renamed Bebbooly, later corrupted into Bobbili.
- Velugoti Sri Raja Kumara Yachendra Naidu (1848–1878), 27th Raja of Venkatagiri. Three of his seven sons were given in adoption to Pithapuram, Bobbili and Jetprole.He was awarded "Stars of India" by British Queen for his great administration. He proposed and propagated "Manasakhyam Principle",a principle saying intuition is God.
- Velugoti Sir Raja Gopala Krishna Yachendra (1878–1916), G.C.I.E., K.C.S.I., Member of Legislative Council (Madras) 1888, Kaiser-i-Hind Medal .
- Velugoti Sir Govinda Krishna Yachendra (1916–1937), K.C.I.E.
- Raja Venugopala Krishna Yachendra, born on 11 February 1874, founded the Veterinary Hospital in Madras, and was the recipient of a First-class Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal from the Government of India. He was also known for his love on riding and sports. In 1893 he went to England with his brother, the Maharajah of Bobbili and had an inter- view with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales ; he died unmarried on 25 June 1920.
- Raja Velogoti Muthu Krishna Yachendra is the person who promoted education in the area. He undertook RVM High School, Venkatagiri established in 1860 for developing it and established Venkatagiri Town Club in 1891AD.
In 1947, Venkatagiri became a part of the newly independent Indian Republic and the kingdom was dissolved. The Velugoti Family still commands a great respect and influence in the region. The 32nd raja of Venkatagiri died in 2010.
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