CHAPTER II

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In this chapter an attempt is made to give at the

outset a general account of the physiography of the Cuddapah
district to serve as a foundation for the analysis of the
growth of minor dynasties that ruled the region and the role
of these dynasties in religious and artistic developments.

Ek&siojjraphys

The Cuddapah district (1S°27 and 15°-14*N 7?°-61 and

79°-29E) in Andhra Pradesh is one of the south eastern
districts of the Rayalasima region and is bounded by Kumool,
Chittoor, Hellore and Anantapur districts. Physiographically
the Cuddapah district^ belongs to the Cuddapah ranges and
basins of the Eastern hills. This region is in the form of a
great crescent and the main centre of this is the Handyala
valley which is drained by the river Kunderu. This is mainly
formed by the Kumool lime stones and shales which extend to

1. O.H.K. £pate, India and Pakistan,, London, 1957 pp.723-27.

the Cuddapah. This region is separated on the west from the
Deccan plateau by the Erramalais, Seshaehalan and Palakonda
hills which are foamed of massive quartzites interbedded with
slates and lavas# In the south and pilakondas reaeh 3,000 ft,
at its highest point and the spurs of these ranges overlook Anan-
tapur-Chittoor basins. The eastern portion of the Kunderu basin
is dotted by the Sallamalais and Velikondas ranging in height
2,5000-3,000 ft* and separated by the longitudinal valleys.
Thus the Cuddapah district by its physiographical features is
well defined into two natural divisions - the upper and the
lower divisions. The former belongs to the extensions of the
P
Deccan plateau while the latter division is much lower in
altitude and these are separated by the Palakonda and Seshachalam
hill ranges. The major river Pennar flows along the Palakonda
hill ranges. Its tributaries Kunderu aid Sagileru drain the
Western portions of the Cuddapah district. The uplands of the
district are drained by the three main streams called Chltravati,
Cheyyeru and Papaghni which join the Pennar river.

Thus the longitudinal valleys of these river systems

favour cultivation and offer scope for the construction of
Irrigation tanks because of the hill ranges and its spurs.
The present Cuddapah district in the historic times particularly
from 7th Century iUD, onwards is referred to as Rinandu Seven
Thousand in the inscriptions of the Renindu Colas, It is
 < 15

identified on the basis of the distribution of the Renahdu Cola

inscriptions as corresponding to the present Proddutur,
J animal amadugu, Kamalapuram, Cuddapah, Ra^ampet, SLddhavai^aa taluks
of Cuddapah district and parts of Koilkuntla taluk of Kumool
district ,
2 _
It came to be called from 10th century as Mara^ava^L
_ 4 *

with the rise of the Vaidumbas23,4 Yet this region retained the
earlier app elation, Benandu despite the vicissitudes in the
political set 15) of this region,

EaSiY-History:

The early history of the Renandu can be traced to the

period of the Mauryas, The distribution of Asoka's minor-rock-
edicts in the Kumool district would suggest that the Asokan
empire had extended beyond the Pennar river which traverses
through the Anantapur, Cuddapah and Hellore districts of Andhra
Pradesh, After the decline of the Mauryas, the Cuddapah
region came under the sway-of the Satavahanas. Archaeological
evidence in the Andhra region reveals that it is only during the
rule of Gautamlputra Satak ami (A.D.54-88) the coastal and
Rayalasima region of Andhra Pradesh was under the rule of the
_ 4
Satavahanas , In the Cuddapah region, the hoard of lead coins

2. I0AP, CD,, Part I, p.X.

3. Ibid,,
4. I.K,Sanaa, Coinage of the Stavahana Empire, Delhi, 1980,
P.133, ^
 < 1 16

5 _/ / -
discovered at Adapur belong to Vasisthiputra Satakami j ' *

( A. D. 116-145) • She Iksvakus rose to power after the decline

of the Satavahanas. In the Iksvaku inscriptions reference is
- - g
made to the Hiranyakas and Pugiyas . The fonaer were tribe
who were in the hiranya-rastra which comprised Mammal am adugu
and Prodduturu taluks of the Cuddapah district.
r
The Pugiyas
and Hiranyakas were matrimonially related to the Iksvaku ruling
t *

family. Scholars have held that the Xksviku kingdom had

extended as far as the Cuddapah, Kumool, Prakasam and Nellore
districts. The Pallavas had supplanted the Iksvakus in the
early fourth century A.D. The Cuddapah region was included in
7
the Pallava dominion from the later half of fourth century A.D.
However, there is no reference to any kind of information
regarding the rule of Pallavas over the Cuddapah region. From
the middle of sixth century we hear of Telugu Cola ruler in the
Renandu region as a Pallava feudatory.

BMMHJ COLAS
( . k

During the sixth century A.D. two ma^or powers rose

into prominence in the region of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. The

5. Ibid, j pp .42-43.
6. T.?.Mahalingam, Kancinuram in Sarlv Couth Indian History.
Bombay, 1969, p.24.
7. Ibid». pp.37 ff.
 ! I 1 ^
JL i

two powers were the Galukyas of Badami and the Pallavas of Kinchi,
*

From the middle of the Sixth century A.D. the history of the
Cuddapah region was closely connected with the fortunes of the
two above imperial powers. The region holds a strategic position
as it lies close to Tondaimandalam. Hence the subjugation of the
Cuddapah region, was important for either the Galukyas or the
Pallavas in their campaigns to extend its empire. The Renandu
Colas of the Cuddapah tracts are known from the middle of the
* ‘

Sixth century A.D. and the political fortunes of this minor dynasty
were dependent on the conflicts of the major powers•

The stone inscriptions distributed in the Cuddapah, Kumool

and Anantapur districts form the major source and the four copper
plate inscriptions, Boamara Handy ala, Malepadu, Peddaehappeii and
the, Madras Museum plates are the important source material for the
history of Renandu Colas®. The inscriptions of the Pallava and
Cilukyas are useful guide to the reconstruction of the history of
the Renandu Colas,

8. K. A.Nilakahta Sastry and M.Venkataramayya have edited the

stone inscriptions in Bp.Ind.. Vol.XXVII pp. 1 In jj.I.I
Vol.X also most of the epirgraphs were published,
H.Venkataraaanayya had edited the volume entitled Cuddapah
inscriptions under Tarailnadu Government oriental series No.
CLIX incorporating the inscriptions collected by Col .Mackenzie,
later in the Epigraphical series of Government of Andhra
Pradesh, all the inscriptions found in the Cuddapah district
were resurveyed and reedited, recently/by P.V.Parabrahma
Sastry in three parts. Reference is made to this latest
edition unless otherwise stated-.
 ! /
18

K.A.Kilakantha Sastii and M.Venkataramanayya opine that

a branch of the Colas of haver! valley migrated to the Andhra
region as a result of the Kalabhras occupation of haveri valley
some time in late fifth century A.D.9 The Renandu Colas claim
their descent from Karikala Cola of Kaveri valley -who belongs
to the solar race# Since there is no evidence for the Karikala* s
empire extending into Andhra, the above view of K.A.Nllakantha
Sastri is more probable. K. A.Rilakantha Sastri and M.Venkata-
ramanayya have identified the Renlndu capital with Chippili in
in Madanapalli taluk of Chittoor district, While editing the
Pedacheppali plates Parabrahma Sastii has Identified Chippili,
A the capital of the Renandu Colas mentioned in several inscriptions
\ ‘ • ( 10
I as Pedachappali in Kamalapuram taluk of Cuddapah district •
l This is more reasonable because most of the inscriptions are
1 distributed over the taluks of the Cuddapah district and a few
lare found in Madanapalli taluk of Chittoor district.

The geneaology of the Renandu Colas can be reconstructed

* • «

on the basis of the data furnished in the Malepadu, Dommara-

Nandyala plates of Punyakumara, Madras Museum plates of
/- _ ‘ /- /-
Srikantha Cola and Pedachappali plates of Srikantlia 3rd Manohara*
The Malepadu and Dommara Handyala plates^ provide the names of

9. Ed.lad. Vol.XXVII. p.220.

10* EP.Andh- Vol.IV. p.13, I0AP,CD., part I, p.Z.
11* Eu.Indifi 21, p,344-6,, Ep.lnd,Vol.XXVII,pp.274-5. The text Of
idle Dommara Nandyala plates is also provided in I CAP« j3D*,
part I, pp• XXl-2211•
 ! 1 in

the early rulers as -

Earikala

Nandivaiman
t
(
i
t
t
!
V\
Simhavi snu Sundarananda Dhaaajajfavamaa
JL. |

Mahendra Vikrama

i
«

Gunamiidita
i
Punyakuaara

In reconstructing the geneaology a statement made in

the Malepadu plates is significant that the -three sons of
Nandivaiman ruled the kingdom simultaneously (te-putrinu
12 _
putray a manubhuta ragya sriyah) % But in hommaranandyila
plates it is stated that 'they enjoyed the kingdom in succession
(tesham anupurvanu bhuta putranuputraysm) • Therefore the
geneaology proposed by K.A.Nilakantfaa Sastri and Venkataramayya
needs modification for when they edited the Benandu Cola T *

12* IQAP? jCD., Part I,_ p.HI.

1<5* Ibid.. p*xxi, lines 6-7*.
 ' i 20

inscriptions the DommaranandyaLa plates were not discovered.

The successive kings in the line of Sundarananda are not

represented hy any stone inscription except for one stone

inscription at Budidagaddapalii, Hindupur taluk of Anantapur

district, While editing the inscriptions of the Renandu Colas

K. A*Itilakantha Sastri aid Venkataramayya have suggested that

Sundarananda line of kings ruled at Pudili as a separate

branch1^*. Parabrahma Sastri doubts the existence of a separate

branch of the Renandu Colas and states " ’whether the maganru
* ‘ 4 ---

exactly means son or simply warrior and the place name gudall

applies to a capital town, of a province or a small village*

Ol
The word maganru in many cases mefns a warrior and its meaning

as son is not certain as M. Venkataramayya assumes. Similarly

Pudali seems to mean only a village and not a capital town of a

province as it is not stated as Pudalipattugan (cf.Chirpal

Pattugan etc elsewhere). Thirdly the paleography of this record

does not seen to be of 8th century as he thinks, but it is

definitely later by at least one century* With these reservations

it cannot be assumed that Sundarananda* s line was ruling Budali,

be it a province name”
is • Hence we have to treat the successive

names of the chiefs of Sundarananda are not ruling over a

separate province as a separate branch of the Renandu Colas*

14*. Ea*. 3hd* Vol.XXVII, p.216*

15. IO&y CP.T part I, p.XLI*

 ' 1 21

Based on these observations the geneaology of the Renandu

Colas
«
is as follows:

Karikala

Nandivanaan (526-650)
i
Simhavismi (550-575)
'* t
_ Sundarananaa (575-585).
K avarama «■ 1
t Dhanajyavarman (585-610)
EreyJma u. |

Mahendravikrama I (610-630)
Vi^afcama
Viraijuna

i
Agradipidugu Gunadudita Punyakunlara
»
(635-645) (645-670)
I
Kokkili Vikramaditya I
(670-695)
*
Saktikomara
M ahendravaim an (695-720)
Vikramaditya II
(720-745)
t
Elaniola Kapi Bola Mut^uraju »■
i
Nripak ama J
Uttamaditya Satyaditya
Divakara (745-750) l
!
I
3rikantha Cpladhiraja Vijayaditya Col
Srlkantha Srimanohara (750-775)
 ; 1 22
It Is generally agreed by the scholars that the
inscriptions of the Renandu Colas belong to the sixth to eighth
centuries A*D. Based upon the titles, names and contemporary
events, the chronology of the Renandu Colas has been worked
out as noted above and the history of the rulers is as
follows16!

N andivairnan;
His antecedents are not known. Around A.D.525 Nandi varman
must have earved out his kingdom in the Renandu region with
the capital of Chappali. The similarity in the names of his and
his son to that of the Pallava kings indicate the Supremacy of
___ 17
the Pallavas over Renandu •* *

Simhavisifaiu:
Although Dommara Nandyala plates mention the rule of
this king, we do not have any stone inscription.

Rundarananda!
The second son of Nandi vaman has not left any stone
inscriptions. Inscriptions of his successors are known*

Dhanan.i avat
The Kalamalla inscription refers to Dhananj aya as
Erikal Mutturaju and also as Maharaja. ~
The Erragudipadu
i i 1

16* See the discussion on the chronology and geneaology

in Ibid. T pp*XI-XV.
17. T V Mahalineam, Oo.Cit. pp.49-50.
inscription mentions Vallava Dukaraju, i.e., the Crown prince
of the Pallavas and Havaprlya Mutturaju. The contoaporary
ruling king of the Pallavas was Simhavis^nu and the crown
prince was Mahendravannan I. The Pallavankoil plates mention
that Pallava Stmhavls^DU had defeated one Slmhavisnu who might
have been the elder brother of Dhananj aya3^, The subordinate
status and alliance of Dhananjaya is attested by the titles
also - Lord of Pindya, Cola and Kerala3^. Xhanan j ay a must have
assumed this title after he participated in the campaigns of
Pallava Simhavisnu against the Pindya, cSla and Kerala rulers.

M ahendravikramas
The Madras Museum plates and Dommara Wandyila plates
mention the titles of Mahendravikrama as Cola Maharaja,
Muditasiliksara, Navarana and the Pandya, Cola, Kerala -
adhipat^i 20 • These indicate his independent status as a powerful
subordinate of the Pallavas. His contemporary in the Pallava
kingdom was Mahendravaiman and in the Calukyam line, the
Pulakesin II.

Perhaps the cilukyan Invasion under Pulakesin II into

the Pallava territory must have caused Mahendravikrama to
acknowledge the authority of Pulakesin.

18. Ibid.. pp.58-9.

19. W.Yenkataramanayya, Cuddanah Inscriptions. Madras.3972, p.68-9.
20. IQM, Part I, p.XXI lines 8-9.
 ! I

Gunamudltas

Little is known about his rule* His name has similarity

to the title of Pallava Mahendravikrama Vann an, Gunabhara*

Punvakumaras
. * ,

Guhsmudita was succeeded by his Punyakumara. His Calukyan

- J # , ^yvC*w

contemporary was Pulakesin II and the Pallava Naraslmhavaram I*

The titles Maruntrapiduku, Madamuditunru, Uttamottamunru,
Ganyamanunru mentioned in Tippaluru inscription are reminiscent
22 -
of Pallava titles . Another important title is Prthvivallabha
which i3 definitely a Calukyan title2®* These titles do reveal
the changes in political fortunes of the major powers in this
area* Perhaps during the first expedition of Pulakesin around
A.D. 634 when the Renandu was subjugated, the Calukyas might
have cemented their alliance with the Colas hy matrimonial
relations* The RamesWaram pillar inscription refers to
Vasantapori Colamahadevi, the queen who belonged to the Calukyan
04 _
house • This must have led to the adoption of the Calukyan
title and name to his son as Vikramaditya* When Pulakesin died
in the second expedition around A.D. 641, the Pallava authority

21* H,Venkataramanayya, Op*Cit.n.69-71.

22* IOAP, CD.. part X, Ho. 11, pp. 10-11
23* Ibid.. Ho. 14, p*l4.
24* Ibid,.
 25
over the Renindu must have been restored. One of the battles
that Pallava and Calukyas fought took place at Pariyala -which
is identified with Paidela in Cuddapah district. Thus the
Pallava overlordship in this region lasted till the accession
of vikramiditya to the Calukyan throne in A. D.655. Vikramaditya
conquered the lost territories in western. Andhra and northern
2S
portions of ITellore district by 658 A.D. The Tippaluru record
in Cuddapah district proclaims the Calukyan authority over the
Renandu region and this record is dated in the first regnal year
of VikramacLitya. This record also gives us the political
situation in Renandu.t t
It speaks of Punyakumara* s rule over the
»

Bana territory bounded by the Pennar river. Banaraj a was ruling

Turumara Vis aya which included Pulivendala and Rayachoti taluks
of Cuddapah district and he may be identified with Balikula
Tialka Karasimha BanadMraja. Punyakumara* s kingdom included
the Kamalapuram, Cuddapah, Jammalamadugu, Prodduturu of Cuddapah
and Rdayagiri and Darsi taluks of Rellore districts.

Vik.ramidltya. I?.
The Malepadu epigraph refers to Vikramaaitya I but little
is known about his rule.

.Sa£tikumajai
/ _
Baktikumara is mentioned in Malepadu stone inscription of
Vikramaditya XI.

25. H.Venkatarsmanayya, Op.Cit. p.74.

 Vlkramadltya Us
The Ghilamakuru stone inscription motions the conjoint
rule of Uttamaditya and Cola Mahadevi during the reign of
26 _
Vikramaditya • The Calukyan king ruling from Badani during
this period was Vijayaditya. Tho Kondupalli and Betapalli
records of Vij ayaditya Satyasraya refer to one Biinarija ruling
over Turumara visaya. Especially the Kondupalli record mentions
the struggle between the Vikramaditya Bali Indra Baniraja and the
lords of Pugalicheruvu. since the Kondupalli record is dated in
23rd regnal year that is A.D.7I9, Vikramaditya Bali indra BanarSja,
the son of Balikulatllaka Narasimha Banldhiraja can he said to
he the ruler of Turusaravisayas we also encounter the Renindu
chief Kokkili of Sundarananda* s line around A.D.725 issuing a
charter at Fitikayagulla in Cumhum taluk of Prakasam Dist2^.
« * *

The Ram spuram record mentions one Charuna Vasanta whom

N.Venkataramanayya identifies with Taruna VasantjdEa, the Bana
chief as a ruler of Turumaravisaya28 * According to this
—

inscription Taruna Vasanta was the ruler of Rehandu who went

on a piligrimage to siddhavatanu This clearly shows that the
A-S
Renandu Cola rule over the Cuddapah region around^731 was not
much in evidence and troubled conditions prevailed.
267Tog, CD.. part X, Mo. 16,pp. 17-IB.
27* M.Venkataramayya, Fitikayagulla Inscription’ of Kokkili raj a,
The Journal of Oriental Research, Madras. Vol,XXXVIII, pp.14-16.
28. lO^P? CD., part I, No.37.
 ( { 27

The successors of Vikramaditya, as given in the Malepadu

record are Uttamaditya and Satyaditya29 * The rise of Bana
—
power in this area as indicated above and the paucity of evidence
regarding the rule of Renandu Colas led scholars to question
whether Satyaditya did rule at all* We have only one inscription
of Uttamaditya from Veldurti90.

Mother king probably the last one is known as Prithvival-

labha Vijayaditya. K* A.Nilakantha Sastri and M.Venkataramayya
opine that he belonged to the main line81 • The Chamaluru
epigraph is dated in his 22nd regnal year and records that the
Banas were driven away from Renandu.

The history of the later part of the eighth century is

hazy as there are few epigraphical records giving information.
Consent to the fan of the Calohyas of Badami, the Biatrtotaa
under Dantidurga rose to prominence as a ma^or power, and the
western Andhra region including Cuddapah district had come under
the Rastrakuta rule. The Danavulapadu inscription in Jammalamadugu
taluk of Cuddapah district of Indra II is the earliest inscription
of this dynasty33. A Ithough the Rastrakuta suzerainty over this
region was established in the late eighth century itself,
29TTToapY CP*part 1, Wo* 17, pp. 18-39.
30. Ibid., No.18, pp.20»21
31. Bn. Ind. Vol.XXVII,p,248*
32. IOAP. CD., part I, No.83,p.92.
 28

Raatrakuta inscriptions are available from Indra III onwards.

Bat during the Rastrakuta period the Vaiduabas rose to
prominence in the Cuddapah region supplanting the Renindu Colas.

Vaidumbass

The only source of infomation concerning the Vaidumbas

is the stone inscriptions numbering sixty spread over the
districts of Cuddapah and Chittoor, One Copper plate inscription
of Bhuvana Tririetra Vaidumba maharaja dated A.D.969 is now in
the Madras Government museum33. The stone inscriptions are
mostly brief and give the names of the dead warriors and battles.
Infcrmation regarding the history of the family is scanty.

The Vaidumbas were war like chiefs and their original

habitat was in the Chittoor district. Their capital was located
at Vaidumbavrolu in the Chittoor district. After the occupation
of Rinindu, the Vaidumbas changed their capital to Chippili and
subsequently to Pottapi in Cuddapah district. Since the
epigraphs are engraved on hero-stone set up in memory of the
warriors and mostly undated it is difficult to give a connected
genaological and chronological account and events of the Vaidumbas
C,

S3* For the Vaidumba epigraphs and history see IOAP.CD.,nart X,

op* XVI-XXI. We have followed Parabrahma Sastry*s account
on the Vaidumbas as given in the above volume and
l.Venkataramanayya, Annual Report on Epigraphy in A.P. for
the years 3965f 3966 and 3967.
and their rule. However piecing together the information the
following account of the Vaidumbas in Cuddapah region may be
reconstructed.

The Rimanayanikota inscription, dated to the eighth

century A.D. is the earliest record which mentions the king
Valdumba Maharaja and refers to the death of a hero in a battle
at Kotturu. In another record Vaidumba-maharaja is referred to
and records the death of a hero in a battle at Tiruvala against
Lonkulas. Since both these records are datable to the eighth
or the early ninth century and as the Arivalli record mentions
Ganda Trinetra Sri Vira maharaj a* s fight against Banaraja, it
is suggested the Baidumba maharaja of the early records is one
and the same and identical with Ganda Trinetra Sri Vira Maharaja
(V)-
of the Arivalli record. He had the title marapidugu. This
title is identical to the one held by the Renandu Cola Kings.
t v *

Hence it may be probable that the Ganda Trinetra might have

been responsible for putting an end to the Renandu Cola rule
— 34
and sported the title Marapidugu •
i
Since the usual Yaidumba
prasasti as found in the later records is not given in the
Arivalli record, it lends support to the above conclusion that
Ganda Trinetra Sri Vira maharaja was an early member of the
dynasty. Though it is difficult to assign the exact date of

34. IOAPT CD., part I, p.XVII.

Ms rule, It may fall in the late eighth or the early ninth
century A. D, Most of the records of Ganda Irinetra are found
in the Puliyendala and Bayachoti taluks, While the southern
portion of the Cuddapah district was under the sway of Vaidumbas
the north of Pennar river during the late eighth and the early
ninth centuries A.D, was still ruled by the Bina chiefs like
Bhavaliya and Vikramaditya P ervanadhiraj a*3^ as the records from
Balapariuru, Ghilamakuru and Arakatavemula on paleographical
grounds are datable to the late eighth or the early ninth
centuries A,B.

in the first half of the ninth century A.B. Ganda » «

f

irinetra Vaidimba maharaja succeeded to the throne. He was the

most powerful ruler among the Vaidumbas and his reign was most
eventful. His records invariably begin with the prasasti
"Svasty - aneka * samara sanghattanopalabdha - jaya -
laks^flissmalingita ^ vaks^iasthala StL Vaidumba
— _ _ «
The Animela record mentions Coda of Benandu , Earlier the
Vaidiaaba records were not issued in the northern half of
Cuddapah district and as such the Animela record of Vaidumba
maharija implies his success over the Benandu Cola ruler.
With this success Ganda Trinetra was able to extend his

35. Ibid, Nos.47, 48 and 50, pp.52-56.

36. Ibid, No,61, p,65, Text lines 1-3,
37. Ibid, p.XVIII, No,69.
 \
31

authority over the entire Renindu 7000* Thus with the

subordination of the Colas and the Banas, the Vaidumbas
attained the status of an important power* The Vaidumbas
came into conflict with the Gangas of Talkad and the Holambas
38 —
of Hemavati* The Bandapalli inscription in Rayachoti taluk
of Cuddapah district refers to the batted when the Vaidumba
Ganda Tiinetra and the Baba king attacked the fort Soresati*
The confederacy of the enemies is stated as Raehamalla, Nolambi,
Maindadi, Dadigu and they were defeated and the fort was seized.
This battle and the participants who fought and die^ were

mentioned in many hero stones and inscriptions* Concerning the

date and identity of the participants opinions differ among the
39
scholars • M.Venkataramayya fixes the date as A.D* 825,
A.R.Baji on the other hand suggests the date of the battle as
A,D. 935* The Soremati battle was fought among the Ganga
P ermanadi and Ganga king Raehamalla which was in fact a civil
war* In this Ganga king Raehamalla was aided by Holamba king
Mahindra Vikrama while the Pemanadi was supported by the Sana
King Vikramaditya, and the Vaidumba king Ganda Trinetra Vaidumba
maharaja* Ganga Prthvipati had participated in the Srlpurambiyan
battle which oecured in Circa A.D, 879 and was killed in that
encounter. The date of accession of Holamba Mahindra was placed

38. Ibid. Ho*61, pp*64-65.

39. Ibid. Different views on this point are discussed by
Parabrahraa Sastry. See p.XVIII.
in Circa A.D, 870* Hence this Soremati battle must have taken
place between these two dates viz, 870-879,

Although the Bana - Vaidumba confederacy achieved

success in the Goremati battle, the enmity between the Nolambas
and Vaidumbas continued. The prolonged wars with the Nolambas
were a regular feature as evidenced from the records.

Manuka Trinetra was the successor to the Vaidumba throne

after Ganda Trinetra. The Chennarayanipalli epigraph40 states
that he was the ruler of Renandu 7000 which included a major
portion of the Cuddapah district. Two inscriptions of this
_ 4l
ruler are noticed in Rayachoti taluk of Cuddapah district .
Prom Cuddapah district the inscriptions of Kalijiga Trinetra,
Manuja Trinetra and Biruda Trinetra are known and all of than
are associated with the battles of Ganda Trinetra.
I « r
Hence, it is
'

suggested that they are the sons of Ganda Trinetra. The records
of Manuja Trinetra only, refer to him as the ruling king. The
inscription of Manuja Trinetra in Cuddapah district refers to
the death of a hero in a battle against Gang a Racheya who is
probably Richamalla II. Most probably during the later part of
Manuja Trinetra^ reign the Vaidumbas lost their hold over a
part of the kingdom. The Colas during Parantaka I*s reign

40. A.R. No.342 of 3922.

41. IOAP. CD.« part I, No.68 and 70, p.72 & 75.
conquered the Bana and Vaidumba territories as claimed by the
Parantaka in Ms inscriptions before 916 A.D. But in the
Renindu there is no trace of the (fcla rule, Instead, the
Rastrakuta records of Indra III are found in Xamalipursm,
42
Danavulapadu etc* It may be that the southern most parts of
Vaidumba territory became part of Cola territory.
*
It is only
in CMttoor district tde records of Parantaka are found between a d

930-954-5, She distribution of the records in this district

reveal the diminisMng influence of the Colas from the west to
the e|st,

Rastrakuta Krlsna III (939-66) had maintained his authority

over the Cuddapah region as evidenced from his inscriptions at
_ _/ 43
Pushpagiri, Palagiri, Rameswaram etc. During this period one
Iruga Maharaja was ruling the Vaidumba territory. The Mallur
inscription gives the geneaology of four generations of Vaidumba
44 _ _ -
kings * Since Iruga Maharaj a II alias Ehuvana Trinetra*s
accession date is known as A.D. 973, in all probability Iruga
_ _ 45
Maharaja I ruled between A.D, 926-51 ,; He was followed by

42. Ibid, Hos,83-88*

43* Ibid, Ho,88, 91.
44. Eu.Andh, Vol.I, pp. 150-57.
46, IOAP, CD., part I, p.XIX and XXIV.
 ; /
34

Vetta (Betta) Maharaja*- Iruga Maharaja alias Bhuvana Trinetra

« 4 ' • *

ascended the throne in 973* After Kr&sna III

* * , Rastrakutas
* * *

were unable to hold the southern territories* This led to the

rise of these feudatory chiefs, especially the Valdumbas and
the Telugu Codas. Bhuvana Trinetra was opposed by Telugu Coda
King. Jata Coda and his son Bhima. data Coda was driven out of
<X __
Pottapi region by Bhuvan Trinetra around A. D* 973. Later Jata
Coda Shim a who ascended the throne avenged Iris earlier defeat
i

against the Vaidtaabas and assumed the title coda Trinetra. This
goda success against the Vaidianbas must have taken place around
the last years of Ehuvana Trinetra* s rule i.e.} around 990.
With this turn of events probably Jata o5da Bhisa occupied the
entire Renandu. Later he invaded the northern parts of Tondai-
m an dal am and Vengidesa which put an end to the Eastern Calukyan
rule. In these troubled years what the fate of Vaidumbas was
is not known.

IMPERIAL COLAS MD THE KAKATIYAS

With the fall of the Rastrakutas in Deccan, we enter

into a new phase of political history. The rise of the imperial
Cola power undor the Rajaraja (A.D* 986-1014) and his successors
in the south and the Western Calukyas of Kalyani in the west
constitutes a new epoch wherein the influences from the south

\
 * 1 35

made a deep impact on the Cuddapah region. The political

history of the period is hazy particularly during the llth
century. But from the 12th century on, the history of the
Cuddapah region becomes more consistent with the rise of the
Telugu Codas of Pottapi and Hellore.

Prior to the rise of the Telugu Codas, the Vaidumbas,

who were earlier holding away over the major portion of Cuddapah
46
region, were the dominant power. The Tiruvallam records of
Raja^lija I and Raj ohdra provide us the names of the Vaidutaba
chiefs Nanna maralyar, son of Tukkarai. the ruler of IhgaLumadu
i « * ' *

in Maharaja vadi, It is probable that these rulers at the date

of the record A. D. 1004-5 flourished m the Biiffliau region for
Ingaluru is situated in Pulivendla taluk of Cuddapah district#
04 a.
Most of the Vaidumba records are found in Pulivendla and
A

Ksmalapuram taluks of Cuddapah district* R£jaiaja*s

interference in the Veiigi affairs and vanquishing of Jata
Coda Bhima} the ruler of Pedakallu in Kumool district, who
r-

occupied Vengi had brought Cola authority firmly in the Cuddapah

region as evidenced from Tiruvallam record. Ever since
Rajaraja^ conquest, this region had been mostly under the
continuous occupation of the Colas,

46* K,A.Milakanta Bastry, The Colas, Madras, 1975,

p, 338,
 i,

‘ 3B

Rajendra Cola’s (1012-44) records are not found in the

Guddapah region. Similarly Rajadhiraja and Viraraj endra' s
inscription are not available in this region, Viith the
accession of Kulottunga I to the Cola throne in a.D. 3070, the
incidence of the imperial Cola records is noticed in a consistent
manner, The earliest inscription of Kulottunga in this region
47 —
is found at Handalur dated in A,P.1096-7 . Vikrama Cola, the
Successor of Kulottunga I issued a record in A.D. 1125-26 at
HandalUr ’which registers the gift of villages as agrahara
called Vikrama sola c^aturvedlaangalam Mannar48*

Kulottunga II*s rule from A.D. 1133^ 1150 witnessed the

Cola suzerainty in this region as evidenced from the records
— 4Q
dated in A. D. 1137, 1139-4:0, 1141 at Handalur . .

Epigraphs of Rajaraja II are not found while his

successor Raj adhiraja II is represented by a record dated
- 50 _
A.D. 1175 at Handalur • Kulottunga III the successor as
represented by several records dated in A.D. 1180, 1382-83, 1202-3,
51
1208-9, 1209-10 at Handalur and one at Pottapi . During his
reign the emergence of Telugu Codas of Hellore as a major power
47. S.I.I. Vol.23. Ho.600.
48. Ibid., Ho,579.
49. Ibid.. Hos.572, 573, 574.
50. Ibid. t Ho.571.
51. Ibid.. Hos, 601,602,576,578,581,582 and 587.
 i 37

which occupied Kanchi was a major event* However, Kulotturiga

had recovered the city of Kanchi from the Telugu Codas
in A*D*119652.

Rajaraja IIX*s reign witnessed the decline of Cola

powers He is represented by a record dated 1257-58 at
— 53 -
Nandalur • This is the last trace of Cola suzerainty over
this region*

THE TELUGU CODAS OF POTTAPI

A branch of lelugu Codas had asserted their power in

Benandu region in the eleventh century and had their capital at
Pottapi# The epigraphs of these rulers as reported to date
r- • ...
are veiy few#

The early members of this ruling house are

Mahimandalesvara Pinamallideva Coda Maharaja and Rama Coda
Maharaja* Pinamallideva is known from a record dated A*D. 1023
— - 54
and Raaa Coda is mentioned in a record dated A.D« 1099 * ,

Next in line is Bettarasa* He is mentioned in an

inscription dated A.D. 1122 at Nandalur65. Bettarasa owed

52* K*A*Nilakanta Bastri (1975) Op*Cit*

53# S.I.I. Vol.23, Ho.580.
54* N.Venkataramanayya (1972) On.Cit. p*92.
55# S.I.l. Vol.23, No.583.
 38

allegiance to the imperial Cola king Vikrama cola. His

inscriptions range in date from A. D. 1121-25.

Vimaladitya succeeded Bettarasa aid his records are found

at Nandalur and Kalahasti56. In his records he is mentioned as
Maflhurantaka Pottapi Coda, the characteristic title of these
rulers. Vikrama Coda was acknowledged as their lord.

Trailokyamalla Mallideva figures in a record dated

A.D.115© at Pushpagiri. This record mentions that Trailokyamalli-
d|va Maharaja was ruling from Vallur owing allegiance to the
_ _ _ _ /'i

Calukyan emperor Bhulokamalla Somesvara * The exact

relationship of this ruler with either his predecessor or
successor is not known from the records.

Mallideva I is mentioned in Konidena record as the ruler

58
of Pakanadu 21000, with his capital at Pottapi . He was
succeeded by Siddhi or Pottapi Siddhi. He had two sons Pottapi
Somesvara deva and Mallideva who ruled conjointly after Siddhi..
Their records are found at Pattapuravi and Naaalle dinne
59
which do not mention any over lord . In A.D. 1359 Hallasidhi,

56. Ibid. f Ho.584.

57* N.Venkataramanayya (1972) Op.Cit. pp.477-8.
58. V.Yasoda Devi, The History of Andhra Country (1000-3500)
J.A.H.R.S. Vol.XXIII, p.64.
59. Ibid, p.65.
the ruler of Hello re branch of Telugu Codas scored victories

over Mallideva and Somesvara and consequently Pottapi Province

60
became a part of Nallasidhi*s empire .

Mallideva IVa

Probably he owed allegiance to Nallasidhi of the Nellore

Codas* His son Opilisiddhi succeeded to the throne in

A.D.1204*

Qpilisiddhii

The notable event of his reign is his conquest of Kammanadu

by defeating Ballichoda of Konidena Codas* His rule over

Kammanadu probably began in A.D* 1211. Kakatiya Ganapatideva* s

conquest of Velanadu Codas had resulted in Opilisiddhi aeknowledg-

'61
ing the Kakatiya authority •

With this the direct line of Pottapi Codas ended* We

hear of one MahSmandalesvara Vallum Maharajah from Kanchi
• i

epigraph dated 1230 who probably succeeded Opilisiddhi.

60* Ep* Ind. Vol.VII* pp. 119-128*

61* V*Yasoda Devi, Op.CLt* p*66.
 < 40

TELUGU CODAS QF KELL QBE

The earliest members known in the line of Telugu Codas

are Madhurintaka Pottapi Coda and Telugu Vidya about whom
little Is known*

Manumasiddhl I alias SLddhi (A. D* 1175-1292) was the first

ruler whose records date from 1175* He owed allegiance to the
imperial Colas. He had a younger brother SLddhi. Dsyabhlma,
Nallaslddha and Brhasiddhi were the sons of SLddhi, After
Manumasiddhl1 s reign, DayabMma end Hallasiddha ruled conjointly.
Hallasiddhi and Dayabhima were powerful and by their conquests
extended their kingdom as far as Ranchi and over the Cuddapah
region. Their records begin with the Prasasti n$vasti Charana
saroruha”, Hallasiddha seored victory over the Pottapi C^ola
rulers, Mallideva and Scaaesvara, which had resulted in the
annexation of Cuddapah region to their king dean,

Hallasiddha^ records in the Cuddapah region are dated

in Chandur (A*D.1292) C-undlavarip alii (6th regnal year)
_62
Pattuparavi and Dongalasani, The latest record of Hallasiddha
is dated A*9.1213* Er^asiddha who ruled Hellore region from
about 1295 did not issue any record in the Cuddapah region*
Manumasiddhl, the eldest son of Er^asiddha who ruled from
A*D* 1298 also does not figure in the inscriptions of the
Cuddapah region*

62* IOAF. CD.. Part I, Nos.93, 110 and 123.

 /
41

Tsmmusiddha was also a crowned king whose inscriptions

range from A.D.12Q5-9* Thus the Telugu Coda kingdom of N ellore
had three rulers*Er^asiddha, Manumasiddha. alias Nallasidda and
Tammusiddha,

Tikka I or Tirukalatti came to the throne after

Tammusiddha and was renowned amongst the Telugu Coda rulers of
N ellore. His records range in date from A.D. 1210-1248. His
Cola contemporaries were Kulotturiga III and Eajaraja III. His
kingdom extended as far as Kanchi in the south and in the West ,
the Cuddapah region*

His records in the Cuddapah region are found at

Madduletigadda A. D. 1153. Bedusupalli A.D. Oguru A.D. 1159,
Handalur A. D. 1213 Pattupurivi A* H. 1214.

Allutikka was the son-in-law of Tikka. During the last

years of Tikka*s rule Allutikka and Ms son Manumasiddha were
associated in the governance of the kingdom.

After the death of Tikka, the kingdom was divided between

Manumasiddha and Allutikka. Manumasiddha held the territory
with Nellore as the capital and the southern most territory was
ruled by Allutikka with Kanchi as the capital. During this
period the rise of Kayasthas under Gang ay a sahini who acknowledged
the Kakatlya authority had resulted in the diminishing influence
of the Telugu Codas in the Cuddapah region.
 ■' !
42

KAfASTHAS

A line of feudatory chiefs called Kayasthas make their

presence felt in the Cuddapah region in the thirteenth century
A.D* Their original habitat certainly is not the Cuddapah
region as their names end with Sahini and bayi. The village
kaifiyats of the Cuddapah region describes them as Odde Ri^ulu#
But we do not have any evidence to show that the chiefs came
if ■’

from Orissa* They most probably came from the north-western

portions of Andhra Pradesh bordering Maharashtra state* In the
inscriptions they call themselves the Ksatriyas. Originally
they were confined to the Cuddapah and parts of Kumool districts*
When Ganapati conferred bn Gsngaya Sahini. the region of Panugal,
their sway extended into Nalgonda. district. They were powerful
chiefs and when opportunity arose they declared themselves as
independent. From the available inscriptions, the kayaatha
geneaology can be formulated as given below
>
l.Gangayi Sahini Chadumbayi Ama
A. h» 1233—1257 M.Attba —• XI shsmap a
M«Kamaladevi i

} _ } f J[_ _|
2*Mabbugadeva 3.Tripurarideva 4.Aabayeva 5.Padumbayi
&* 1180-1001 S* 1192-34 1272-1302 M.Lakshraideva

Tripurari
S* 1226
 1 43

Gang ay a Sahini A. D. 1239-1257:.

The first known member of the line of Kayastha rulers

is Gang aya Sahini. His earliest inscription dated A. D. 1239
from Gundlapadu does not mention any overlord* He is called
Gandapenjdara Gang aya sihini, But in Turimella record dated
A. D, 1242 Gangaya Sahini acknowledges the Kakatiya Ganapati as
his sovereign. He is styled as Arivara brahmaraksasa. His
capital was located at Koeheherula on the borders of Nellore
and Cuddapah districts. He was the lord of Eruva Thrice-70
division, Gangaya Sahini had come into conflict with VIjaya
Gan^agopala around A.D. 1248* The latter was a scion of the
<V
Telugu Coda family who created ch<Jos by occupying the southern
part of Telugu Coda kingdom which comprises the present
Chingleput and North Arcot districts. Further by aligning
himself with the rulers of Dravida and Karnataka, Vijaya
Gangagopala became powerful. The internal revolts in the Telugu
Cjldda kingdom led by PadihSris, Bayyana and likkana Sss l^cA
Manunasiddhi II to flee from the capital. In these revolts
when Gangaya .Sahini commanded Manumasiddhi* s armies, Tikkarasu
Ganga alias Rakkasa Ganga the Vaidumba chief defeated Gangaya
Sahini* s forces and occupied the Cuddapah region. Kakatiya
Ganapati on an appeal from Manumasiddhi sent his armies under
Samenta Bhoja. The Kakatiya armies were successful In
reinstating the Manumasiddhi at Nellore and subjugated Rakkasa
Ganga, the Vaidumba chief -fcho earlier defeated Gangaya Sahini
 i i 44

and once again the Pakanadu passed on to the Telugu Codas. _ In

these encounters Gangaya Sahini proved his ability which won
recognition, of the Kakatiya Ganapati. The Tripurantaksm
inscription dated A.D. 1250 states that Gangaya Sahini was con­
ferred the region of Marajjavadi as a family estate and also
appointed him as Bhattara-niyogadhipati. The inscriptions of
Gangaya Sahini in Cuddapah district at Machchupelll, Handalur,
Pushpagirl, from A. D. 1250 onwards, demonstrate his rule over
the Cuddapah district especially in Cuddapah, Bi^ampet and
65
Siddhavatam taluks • Especially the Pushpagiri epigraph states
that Gangaya Sahini’s wife Kamalabayi constructed the trlkuta
66
temple at Pushpagiri .

J annigadevas

Jannigadeva was the nephew of Gangaya Sahini who

&7 —
succeeded to the throne • He was the son of Chadumbay! Arana
a. _
and Amba ICsampa. Jannigadeva prior to the accession to the
throne, was associated with Gangaya Sahini in the military
campaigns for he is referred to in the inscription as
mavanjanakaklra. His other titles mentioned in the inscriptions

66* IQAP. £fi., part I, Ho. 137.

66* Ibid.. Ho* 137.
67. The following account is based on M.Venkataramanayya’s survey
of this line of chiefs. See Cuddapah Inscriptions. Madras,
1972, pp. 109-116.
 45
/ _ „ /_
are Paschimaraya Damodara-dl sapatta, Rakkasa-Gangabenkonda-ganda,
and odderaya-abhimana-churakara. By virtue of his participation
in the battles against the Vaidumba king Rakkasa Gariga, along
with Gang aya Sahini, Jannigadiva assumed this title of Rakkasa-
G anga-benkonda- g anda which means the hero who pursued Rakkasa
Gang a* The other title Odderaya- abhimana Ghurakara indicates
J annigadeva* s participation in the Kalinga expedition of tie
Kakatiyas. In an inscription dated A.D. 1267 at Nandalur of
Manumasiddhl II, the Kallnga expedition of the Kakatiyas is
mentioned.^ This edition muetbe the one when the Ganga ting
H arasimhadeva marched into the Godavari region as the Randalur
inscription states that Manumaslddhi crossed the Godavari and
chased the Ganga king Harasimhavarman. This event must have
taken place around A. D. 1243. Most probably Jannigadiva also
Joined the forces of Mamsnasiddbi. Thus the title assumed by
J annigadeva must be in commemoration of that event#

Jannigadiva remained loyal to the Kakatiya Ganapati and

Was considered as the 1 right arm* of the king. Soon after his
accession Jannigadiva had to face the Pandyaa invasion of the
Jatavaiman Sundara Pandya I in or about A.D. 1257. The Pindyas
x _ ^ _
subdued Vijayagada gopala and Kopperunjinga, the Kadava chief
4-*1
and with their alliance the Pandyas attacked Manumasiddhl of
Rellore with success. Kopperunjinga had proceeded further upto
Draksharama where Ganapati repelled the attack. In the mean While
Jatavama Sundara Pandya captured Hellore after a decisive
- . - , j____
battle at Muttukuru in A.D. 1263 where Vira Gang a gopala,
the lelugu Coda chief was killed. In these troubled conditions
Jfannigadeva played an important role as a loyal subordinate of
the Kakatiyas and he was able to recover the lost territory upto
Ba|ampet as his inscription dated A.D, 1264 at landalur attests.
Jannigadeva declared independence as he did not acknowledge
Eudrama as overlord in his inscription dated A.D* 12643 but his
later Inscriptions show that he was loyal to Kakati Budramba*

Tripurari deva ascended the throne after J annigadeva and

his rule was short. His rule as Dr«Y enk at ar am an ayy a opine was
only for 3 years 1270-72 aid he was succeeded by Ambadeva.

Ambadeva was the most powerful ruler among the Kiyastha

chiefs. His inscriptions are numerous and they range from
A.D. 1272-1302. Ambadeva from the beginning of his career set
out to carve an independent kingdom and, in his records he never
acknowledged any overlord, in his defiance to Kakatiya
Budramba's author!ty9 he probably entered into an alliance with
the Pandyas. This is due to the fact ’that the Pandyas under
J at avaiM an Sunday a Pandya II were able to conquer the
v “ *
9

Pottapinadu. His Inscriptions at Handalur from 9th to 17th

regnal years (A.D. 1283-1293) and the one at Lebaka of Maravanaan
Sundara Pandya dated in his 13th regnal year attest the Psndyan
rule over Cuddapah region from A.D. 1285-1293. The military
 47

achievements of Ambadeva are recorded in his inscription at

Tripurantakam, dated A*D. 1290, It Is stated that Ambadeva
struck friendship with the Pandyas and Yadavas of Devagiri.

Ambadeva, in the first instance, defeated a chief called

i -
Sripati Ganapati who was ruling from Gurjala in Guntur district
as a vassal of Rudraniba. This encounter took place in A*D. 1273
i -
and he subjugated the territories of Sripati Ganapati and his
title Raya Sahasra Malla* His title Maha Sahasra Malla suggests
that Ambadeva must have faced 75 nayakas in this battle,
Ambadeva next conquered Kesavadeva and Somadeva, the Vaidumba
chiefs of Kalakadapura and their ally Allu Ganga, the Telugu
Coda ruler of Gutti. Thus the whole of Murikinadu, Pottapiriadu
and Gutti sima came under Ambadeva. Valluru Pattana was made the
9 *>

capital and Gandikota became an important fort of the Kiyasthas.

The ruler of Eruvanadu, Manumallldeva was killed in an encounter
¥

and his territory was annexed. The adjoining territory, the

Pamdekallunadu also became an appendage of the Kayastha territory
as Ambadeva gave his daughter to Raj anna, the son of Bollayya,
the chief of Pemdekallu. Thus, all the subordinates of Kakatlyas
in this region became Ambadeva* s feudatories and Rudrimba proved
unable to check the authority of Ambadeva. An inscription from
Attiralla dated A. D* 128? states Ambadeva was ruling from his
capital vallupattana the territories of Gandikota. Mulkinadu,
Renandu, Pendekallu, Sakili, Eruva, Pottapinadu and Gutti.
' ' y *
 48

As noted earlier the Pandyan rule over Radampet and Pottapi

area was attested by several inscriptions between 1285-1293.
Hence, the claims of Ambadeva as the eonquerer of the whole of
the Cuddapah region are to be viewed in the light of his enmity
with the Kakatiyas and his alliance with the Pandyas and Xadavas.
Although Ambadeva won victory over Jatavarman gundara Pandya,
Maravanaan Sundara Pandya and their allies Scraideva in
A. D. 1282-1283, he must have entered into an alliance with the
Pindyas and his assertion of independence reveals that Rudrama-
devi* s authority over the Cuddapah, Kumool, Nellore and parts
of Guntur district was not in evidence by A.D.1284 when Ambadeva
reinstated Manuma Ganda Gopila in Hellore.

Kakatiya Rudramadevi in order to chief the growing power

of Ambadeva must have led a campaign against Ambadeva. This
event must have taken place around 1289. The Ghandupatla record
dated A. D. 1289 states that a warrior named Puvvula Mwnmidi gave
a gift of land to the god Somanatha for the merit of Kikati
Rudramadevi and her general Mallikarjuna Nay aka who have attained
Sivaloka. While editing this record Parabrahma Sastri suggested
that Rudramadevi died in the batter against Ambadeva and cites
the Tripurantakam record wherein Ambadeva claims to have deprived
Mailikarjunapati of his seven limbs.

Kakati Prataparudra succeeded to the throne after

Rudramadevi in A.D. 1289. In 1291 Prataparudra sent the anaies
 ! 1 49

under the general Manuma Gannayya, son of Kolani Sana mahtrl

and his cousin Annayadeva, the son of Induluri Peda Gunn ay a
raantri. The events of this campaign are not available, hut
it is definitely known from the Kakatiya inscriptions at
Tripurantakam dated in A, D, 1291 that Ambadeva was defeated and
the region around Tripurantakam came under the Kakatiya
authority,

Akhadova* s ally Mamma Ganda Gopala, the Telugu Coda

chief of Nellore whom the foimer reinstated was killed in the
battle when the Kakatiya armies attacked in A, D. 1290. In another
expedition against the Telugu Coda chief Rajaganda Gopala, the
Kdkatiya armies routed the Telugu Codas and their allies, the
Pandyas. An inscription dated A. D. 1297 from Harasaraopet of
Manumaganda Gopala refers to the defeat of the Pandyas and
Ri^aganda Gopala.

Ambadeva further suffered set back when the Seunas were

attacked by the Kakatiyas in A.D. 1294 and occupied the Raichur
Doab by capturing the forts of Raichur, Advahi and Timbal am#
Thus, Ambadeva*s power was considerably reduced by Kakati
Prataparudra. The last years of his rule witnessed famine in
Cuddapah district. The latest record of Ambadeva in Cuddapah
district is dated A.D,1<&2 which mentions that he was ruling
from Gandlkota,
 50

Trlpurari or Tripuran taka, the son of Ambadeva is the

last ruler in that line of Kayasthas. His earliest record is
dated in A*D*13Q2* In his inscriptions he is called
’Mahimandalesvara Tripurarldeva maharaja’ ruling from Vallum
pattana. 3h the Cuddapah. region Tripurarl ’ s inscriptions are
dated in A* D* 1304* Prataparudra sent an array under Juttaya
. A-J>- _ '‘ _
lumka Gonkaya Reddi in^i310 against Kayasthas and Telugu Codas
and this resulted in subduing the Kayasthas* Prataparudra
appointed Kattekola niyaka Juttaya Leika to administer the
Pottapinadu, Mulikinadu and Sakalibhumi and Rudraya letnka was
stationed in Cuddapah* Thus the Kayastha rule came to an end
and the Kakatiya subordinates ruled Cuddapah region*

With the foundation of Vijayanagara kingdom by Harihara

and Bukka in A*D.1336 the Cuddapah region came under the sway of
Harihara* The conquest of Udayagiri region seaas to have been
effected in A. D* 1336 by Bukka, assisted by Sayana’s elder
brother Mahadeva* This brought the entire countryside up to the
\

coast under Vijayanagara banner. Kampana Udaya is described

as the lord of the eastern sea and his minister was Say ana Udaya*
While K amp ana was administering
a t
the Udayagiri rajya, Bukka held
the Guttirajya. Most of the Cuddapah region was part of
_ ' - 68
Udayagiri rajya and the western part belonged to Guttirajya •
68* N• Venkataramanayya, Prolegomena to the study of the History
of Vi jeyanagara, Itihas, Vol*II, No.2, pp*21~28*
 i i 51

A record from Ramapuram dated A. D.1350 declares that

Bukka as the soverign ruler} probably meaning as co-regent,
and mentions Vira Kampana as the lord of eastern sea ruling
69
from Udayagiri • Haiihara* s reign must have come to an end
around A. D. 1357 because after that date inscriptions of
Harihara are not reported,

Bukka, (A, D, 1344-77) as a sole sovereign ruler succeeded

to the Vijayanagara throne. As already noted BUkka* s authority
as co-regent was felt in the Cuddapah region in A. D,1350 itself.
Savanna odayulu was the governor of Udayagiri rajya whose
authority extended over the Badvel, Siddhavatam taluks (Sakali
slma) and Rayachotl taluks (Maharajavadi) as evidenced from his
70
inscription dated A,D. 1363-4 from Godlavidu • The change in
governorship of Udayagiri rajya is noted in the record from
71
Porumamilla, dated A.D. 1369 , It states that Bhaakara alias
Bhavadura, the son of Bukka was the governor of Udayagiri rajya.
. ^ —■ i — ' ■* __
We get a reference to Mahamsndalesvara Katari Saluva Mangayadeva,
the son of Samkideva Maharaja as railing Mulikinadu which
72
corresponds to the present Prodduturu and Cuddapah taluks •

A notable event during Bukkaraya* s reign in this tract,

73
is the construction of an irrigation tank at Porumamilla , The
69. IQAPj CD..Part II, Ho.6, pp.5-6.
70. Ibid,. Ho. 10, pp.9-10.
71* Ibid., Ho. 11, pp, 11-12.
72. Ibid.. Ho. 12, p,l5.
73, Ibid,.,
 i i 52

inscription dated in A* D* 1369 states that 1000 workers were

engaged for two years to complete the excavation# The tank
contains 4 sluices and the dam is 5000 units of rekha damda
long#

After the death of Bukka, his son Harihara II became

the sole soveriegn of the kingdom in A. D, 1377 and ruled till
A*D* 1404. His reign witnessed the consolidation of the
authority of Vi^ayanagara over the southern India. His son
Mahamandalesvara Viradevaraya was ruling Udayagiri ra^ya and
7a
his inscription at Chilamakuru is dated A. D* 1382 The
construction or an Irrigation tank at Indukur by Vira Devaraya
is recorded in epigraph dated A. D. 1386. Saluva Kamparaju and
Viradevaraya are mentioned as ruling Sakaliriadu and Udayagiri
— 75
ra^ya In the Inscriptions dated A. D. 1405 as well .

After the death of Harihara n in A. D. 1404 the contest

between Virupaksa and Bukka for the throne ended In favour of
Virupaksa. But Virupaksa could rule only for one year for Bukka
was able to capture the throne. Bukka II however ruled only
for 2 years (A.D. 1405*6). In this succession of events*
Devaraya I had succeeded to the throne in A.D.1406. Till his.
accession to the throne, Devaraya was the governor of Udayagiri
rajya. Devaraya was successful in wars against Firuz Shah

74. Ibid.. Ho. 16, p.2Q.

75. Ibid.T Ho.31, p.36.
 53

Bahmani but the Reddis of Kondavidu ■who were alligned with

the Bahmanis had attacked Udayagirl and held till A* D. 1413,
His wars against Annadeva, a Telugu Coda chief with the help
of Firuz began in A. D. 1415 and finally Devaraya had emerged
victorious. Devar^ra* s inscriptions in the Cuddapah region
from A* D. 1407 are noticed at Pendlimarii, Lebaka and
76
Dongalasani .

After a short rale of Vi^aya Raya (A. D. 1422-6) Devaraya II

succeeded his father to the throne in A.D. 1426*. His reign was
long and considered as prosperous. The period of his rule is
well represented by several inscriptions in the Cuddapah region*
Benefactions to the temples at Mopuru, Nandalur, Gunclhiru etc. ,
were registered in the inscriptions by the feudatories like
i • _ i , _ _
T^iinalesvara nay aka of Kalakada of Vaidumba family, Mahaman-
dalesvara Rayadeva Maharig a of the Sambeta family who was ruling
- 77
Pottapinadu and Tirumalaraya .

After the death of Devaraya in A. D. 1446 short rule of

Vi j ay a Raya H Mallikarjima VIrupaksa and Praudharaya followed
till A.D* 1486 when Saluva Harasiraha saved the kingdom from
9

disruption and assumed the royal title himself * During this

_ / -
period the Ga^apatl king Kapilesvara after capturing Kondavidu

76. Ibid., Ho.31-36, pp.33-41.

77. Ibid*, Hos*37, 33, 43 and 44.
 * < 54

before A.D.1464, had occupied Warangal, Udayagir! and in the

south as far as Tiruchi rap alii by A. D. 1463. 3h these, difficult
times Saluva Karasimha, the ruler of Udayagiri rajya waged a
war against C-ajapati and captured Udayagiii in A.D, 1470. fill
A.,0.1486 Saluva Karasimha distinguished himself in suppressing
the revolts in the south and pushing back the Invasion of
Mahsmmad III.

In the governance of the Cuddapah region, during this

period, the Saluvas figure prominently. Epigraphs dated A.D. 1458
and 1477 refer to Mahamandalesvara Misaragonda Katari Saluva
_ 78 '1 ' _/
Timmarayadeva as ruling Pottapinadu . Mahamandalesvara
Araviti Bukka is also mentioned in the undated record at Kommanutala
f '

as the governor of Mulikinadu which corresponds to Cuddapah and

Proddutur taitiks79 •

The Saluva dynastic rule began with Saluva Karasimha

(A.D. 1485-91) and the inscriptions of this kind are found in the
/
Cuddapah region., Sivaraja of the Sambeta family who had the
nayankara of Perripadu in the Pullvendla taluk, rose in revolt
80
but was quelled by Another major event was the fall of Mayaglri
fort in A*b. 1490-91 and this fort remained under the Gajapatis
till its conquest by Krisnadeva riya later.

78. Ibid.. Mo.4&, pp.5l—52.

79. Ibid. f Ko.49, pp.57-^58.
80. Ibid.
 (i 55

After the death of Saluva Harasimha, Snmadi Harasimha

succeeded to the throne but the general Narasanayaka was
actually the guardian and wielded the authority. Viranarasimha,
the son of Harasaniyaka after his father*s death ih A.D.1563
engineered a conspiracy and murder of 3inmadi Harasimha which
had thus sided the rule of Saluvas in A*D. 1505. The records of
31
Immadi Harasimha in the Cuddapah region date from A* D. 1493 •
These provide little infoimation regarding the governance of
the Cuddapah region*

Vira Harasimha inaugurated the third dynasty of Vljayar

nagara in A* D* 1505 and ruled till 1509. His records dated
A.D, 1507, 3508 are found at Bameswaram and Ara^katavemula in
the Cuddapah district* Caluva Govindaraju is mentioned in the
RaEvesvjaram record for causing the construction of Kota, mandapa
« * * #

■ _ _, _ 82
and offerings to the god Ramesvara at Ramesvarsm .
Krisnadevaraya succeeded Vira Harasimha on the throne in A.B*
1509. His reign was the period of Yijayanagar5 s greatest
success when its ami.es were every where victorious and the
OX*
city was most prosperous* The earliest record of Kms)dadevaraya
is noticed at Pulivendla dated A.D, 1509. There are about forty
inscriptions in the Cuddapah region representing Krisnadevaraya* s
83 _ " _ _
reign. Pullivendla record refers to Harasayyadeva Mahara^u
81*: Ibid.. Ho.52, pp.6l-62.
82. Ibid.. Ho.62, pp.70-71.
83. Ibid.. Ho.65, pp.74-75.
 i. i 56

who was holding a fief in the Pulivendla Sthala. Mahainan-

d alesvara Raehiraju was holding Potladurti Nayankara8^.
Krisnadevaraya granted the village China Mamchupalli for the
-i 85
worship of Cennakesavadeva at Pushpagiri in A. D. 1564 * The
86
Ramesvaram epigraph of the same date refers to the provinces
where the remission of marriage tax was granted, Aaong them,
Gandikota, Sakali, SLddhavatam and Mulikinadu were part of
the principal Ra^yas - Udayagiri, Penugonda and Gutti •
Inscriptions of this period record the following governors of
the divisions of the empire*
— 87
Peda Simga was ruling Chennuru and Potladurti Simas .
Demarusayya was holding niyamkara of Gandikota Shna and
88 — _ - „
Sakali Sima . Katti Tippinayadu Papanayudu Yerramanayudu was
_ ----- - go _
holding the nayamkara of Renati nandela taluk • Bukkaraju ‘
_ go -
Timmara^u held the Poluri Sima nayamkara . Ray as am ayyaparasayya
is mentioned as the governor of Gandikota in an epigraph dated
91
A*D.15S3 • Benefactions to the temples were on the Increase
during Krisnadevaraya* s period* The temples at Pushpagiri,
Ramesvaram, Mopur etc., were granted land and taxes for the
84. Ihid., Wo,69» pp.80-82.
85. Ibid.. Mo.70, pp.82*83.
86. Ibid,. No.73, pp 85-89.
87. Ibid.T No.87, pp. 106-112.
88. lbid.f Nos.88, and 89, pp* 113-116.
89* Ibid.T No.85, p*105.
90* Ibid.f No.77, pp.94-95.
91. Ibid.. No.97, pp. 123-124.
 i \ 57

upkeep and maintenance of festivals and rituals.

Achyuta devaraya (A.D. 1529-42) began to rule In A.D. 1529

and his inscriptions dating from A.D,1530 are found in the
Cuddapah district. Rayasam Ayyaparasayya, the governor of
Gandiko^a was the donor of the gifts to the Bhairavasvami
92 — — (
temple at Mopur in A.D. 1530 » Mahamandalesvara Salakara^a
Pina Tirumalayyadiva Maharaja^ Mahamandalesvara Nandyala
Auvbhalosraju diva maharaju, were mentioned in the records as
93
administering the Penugonda, Udayagiri and Gutti ,

Achyutadeva raya's reign was full of troubles consequent

to internal revolts, aid foreign aggression.

After the death of Aehyuta Raya, Venkata I a minor

succeeded to the throne. However, Salakaraju Tirumala was the
regent and it was opposed by the Queen mother and Ramariya,
After a year of rivalry Ram aray a was successful in making
_/
Sadasiva as the emperor in A.D. 1543.

Sadaskva* s reign witnessed Ramaraya as the strong man

and Sadasiva was only a nominal ruler. The epigraphs of
Sadasivaraya are fairly nurerous in the Cuddapah region beginning
from A.D. 1543. Numerous gifts were recorded to all the temples

92. Ibid.t No. 105, pp. 130-131.

93* Ibid.. Nos. 122 and 134, pp.154 & 167.
In, this region. Nandyala Timmarayadeva maharaja a great
94
patron of Telugu literature, was in charge of Gandikota Sima •
He figures in several records as the donor of gifts to the
temples.

Ram aray a ruling in the name of Sadasivarlya brought the

ruination of the empire by disastrous policies towards the
Muslim ’states and within the kingdom as well. The battle that
took place at Talikota in A.D. 1564 ended in great disaster.
When Ramaraya fell and the Muslim armies ravaged the city of
Vijayanagara, the successors continued to rule from Penukonda
and Chandragirl till the middle of seventeenth century A.l).
But the authority and prosperity of the Vijayanagara kingdom
had named after the Talikota battle*

SAlYim

_ I - !
Pasuoata Sect* Ixl the Renandu region the pasupata
sect of Saivism was popular since the early medieval period.
The Lakulisa Pasupata Sampradaya had become the main cult in
western Andhra from the sixth century A.D. This certainly had
early beginnings.

94. Ibid.. Ho. 166, p.T99.

 Pasupata Sampradaya as pointed out by V.S.Pathak was
/ - ~i
founded by Srikantha and Lakulisa was the Central figure who
system! tized the faith, J,K,Bener4ea placed Lakulisa in the
95 -/
first half of the second century A.D. Lakulisa was a
native of Kayavarohana in Gujarat (the ancient Lata),
Archaeological excavations conducted here brought to light
;
several brick temples dedicated to Siva \&ieh are dated not
beyond third century A.D, She Pasupata .had become the principal
sect in 1he Gii>ta period. It is Interesting to note that the
f
inscription on the base of the Siva Linga recovered from the
village haremdanda (now in Lucknow museian) dated A.D, 436 refers
to Ayodhya Brahmanas who were proficient in observances* in
* _ • _ 96
sacred study, in the mantras, sutras, bhasyas and pravacanas *
The rulers of the Vikataka dynasty 'and their allies of Bharasiva
t _/
dynasty were ardent worshippers of Siva or Pasupatas. The
— /
impact of Pasupata cult appears to have been felt in Andhra from
circa fourth cantury A.D. numerous shrines dedicated to Siva
at Gumnakonda, Kudaveli, Sidhesvaram, Rangapur, Yirapuram in
the Kii sbna-Tungabhadra doab in the Kumool li strict and
Hagarjunskonda.
* * * Yeleswaram,* Che^arla in Guntur district attest
— /
the spread and popularity of the Saivism, perhaps of the gasupata
97 /-i
cult • In this context mention should be made of Srisailam*

95, J.H.Baner^ea, Puranic and Tantric Religion, Calcutta, 2966,

pp.89-90.
96. Ibid,. p,99.
97. I.K.Sanaa. Development of Saiva Art and Architecture in
Andhra. Delhi, 3982, pp.87*92,
 f- 1 60

Lord Mallikarjuna shrine here \>ion great popularity by the fourth

98
century A.D* as attested by numerous literary references* Its
influence over Andhra as noticed in the epigraphy and literature
of Andhra is phenomenal. Surely its cult in the early stages
must be Pasupata for the KalanUkha cult had Its firm footing only
from the ninth century as attested by the epigraphs at
99
Alampur etc.

As the region under study is closer to the Kurnool

region on the north, it naturally received influences free Hie
/ - i
Krishna valley from the numerous religious centres and Srisailam.

The period of Renandu Colas (550-750) witnessed the /

- i
popularity of Pasupata Cult* ‘ Most of the temples assignable
/
to this period are dedicated to Siva. Further Dommara Handyala
Copper Plates of Punya kimtira and Madras Museum Plates of
f- » „ 100 '
Srikantha Cola Adhiraja begin with an invocation to SLva as
Lakutapani. This is significant because duiing this period an
inscription datable to the eighth century A.D. refers to the
piligrimage to Siddhavatam by Taruna Vasanta, a subordinate
101
ruler of Renandu region •

98. Parabrahma Sastry, P.¥*, Sri sail am ? Its. History and Cult.
Hyderabad, 0982.
99. Rajendra Prasad, B. Chalukyan Temples of Andhradesa, Hew
Delhi, 3983, p#9.
100. I0AP? CD.. Part I, p.XXI, lines 1-2.
.101. Ibid*. Ho.37, p.38.
 11 61

/
Epigraphical references to the temples dedicated to Siva ^
during the Renandu Cola period are God Vasantisvara at
Ramesvaram and Siddhavatam. The Pasupata sect in Andhradesa
102
was popular as evidenced from the epigraphs which mention
the Sivamandala Diksha of Sudarsana Caiya and one Meghavarya as
sraklf^ guru a pointlff at Talamanohi, in Hellore Elstriet.
Apart from this, a Lakulisa Image from Siddhavatam datable to
103
8-9th century A..D. confiims the wide popularity of the cult •
Later epigraphic and art activity at this place shows Siddhavatam
and Jyoti became an influential Pasupata Centre through the
centuries*

Another centre that came up during the eleventh century

is Pushpagiri located further up on the river Pennar. Earliest
temples at this place are the Indranatha and Vaidyanatha
temples* The representation of Lakulisa on the lalatabimba in
these temples is an indicator for the Pasupata as a dominant
sect at this place*

Pushpagiri was called l3Pancanaditirtha” in an inscription

dated A*S* 1182"^ • Another epigraph dated A*D* 1261 mentions

102* Rajondra Prasad, B* (3983), Op.Cit., p.8.

103, I *K* Sanaa (3982), Qp»Cit,,P«S6.
104, IOAPy CD.. Part I, No, 129, line 14.
 / i
62

105
Pushpagiri as the centre of paneamathas They are

1. Kamalasankara sthana Suryarasi gurudeva

2. Vai dyanathadeva sthina Kamalasiva gurudeva
3. Rudrapada sthana Soiaanatha 3iyya
4. Purgidevasthana Itfagajiyya
5i Pushpesvara sthana Somaliatlia jiyya
6* Mallinatha diva Tisiyanatha 3iyya
Reference is also made to Siddhanti Jiyya, the mathadhlpatl
Of Siddhavatam.

Inscriptions from A. P.1250 onwards maisle specific reference

to Golakimatha of the Mattamayura sect, in indated record of
Jannigadeva a Kayastha subordinate, another dated A. D* 1257
/_ t _ i
records the gifts and a village to Samta Siva Desika of
- / - / 106
Abhinava Golaki matha of Srisaila . An inscription of
A* P.1257 refers to the change of control of pontiffs at
Pushpagiri sta^ana"^7.

The influence of the Abhinava Golakimatha in the

I - (
maintenance of religious institutions out side Siisailam,
as noticed from the above inscriptions is largely due to the

105. Ibid.. No*136, line 13.

106. Ibid. T Ho. 140.
107. Ibid. ? No, 141,
 ri 63

_ / _/
growing nexus between the royalty and Golakimatha* Visvesvara
Sivacarya, the raja guru of Kakatiya Ganapatideva was able
to establish a number of mathas throughout Sidhradesa* The
l ~ I /- ' 1
Abhinava Golaklmatha at Sri sail am was managed by Santaslva desika,
• ‘ ' / / / _ -

a"disciple of Visvesvara Slvacharya* The patronage extended by

the KAkatiya Ganapati and Rudraaba as well as the Kayastha
V

subordinate Jannigadeva ruling Cuddapah region contributed to

the control of the Pasupata centres by the presiding pontiff of
/- i
the Abhinava Golaklmatha at Sri sail am*
* •*

/ _ z i
The ©mergence of Srlsailam as a great centre of Saivism
particularly to the Virasaivites from the last quarter of the
twe&th century A*D. onwards is noted in the epigraphs and
literature* Control of Srisailara by the Aradhyas and Virasaivas
mentioned in the inscriptions as Asamkhyltas ms complete by
A*3)*1320 when Aradbya Preggada identified with Ihduluri
^niiayadeva, a minister of Prataparudra effected the change of
control of all lands and villages hitherto maintained by the
- 108
various mathas to the Virasaivas * When this change occured
the Bhiksavrtti
r
matha
*
of the Virasaivas became the sole
■ institution that wielded influence all over indhra and
Karnataka* ,

108. P.V.Parabrahma Sastiy (1982), Qp.dt., pp.31-37.

 ri 04

in the Cuddapah region the earliest reference to

109
Bhiksavrtti matha is made in an epigraph dated A*h. 1370 •
It refers to Shaddarsana dtapanacarya Virasiva Htddha
Bhiksavrtti Ayyavaru, for whose merit the gift was made to
the Wagesvara temple at Vntukurn.

. An inscription from Somireddipalli dated A. B. 1403

/ - i _ _
refers to Srimat Aghora Hivacharyaayyagaru, the preceptor,of
^ ~ 110
Mahamandalesvara Gundayadeva maharaya . He is again referred
to in an epigraph dated A*B* 1501 and 1541 at Pushpagiri 111 .
/ - - / _
Hri Vira Bivagra Bhiksavrtti Ayyavaru who commanded the
following of Ganacaris probably of Yiramusti community is
- 112
mentioned in an epigraph dated A.B. 1512 at fimmaredaipalli .

Hi ddhabkik shavrit ti Ayyavaru of Sri sail a figures in the

records dated A.B. 3531 at Animela and Chidipirala dated
— — / *i, i o

A. B* 1550 and Rameswaram A.B., 1001 “ •

The above recorded evidences concerning the spheres of

of influence of the respective orders reveal that Bhiksavrtti
matha was having wide popularity, Pushpagiri however continued
to be under the control of Golakimatha. » *

109, CD,I Part II,. Wo. 13, pp. 16-17.

110.. Ibid,. Wo.30, pp.34-36#
111* ibid#. Wo*59, p.6S and Ho. 135, pp. 168-169.
112. Ibid.« Ho.6S, p.78#
113# Ibid,,, Wo. 109, pp. 137-138, Ho*213* p*264, Wo.217,pp.268-269.
 The Kriyasakti s who belong to an order of Saiva monks
also figure In the epigraphs of cuddapah region* They are
renowned as Idle raj agurus of Vijayanagara emperors* An
inscription from Abbavarsm ' mentions Kriyasakti Devaraya Odaya
i ' _ ’ '
Sivadevaru whose disciple Hariyannudeva, a devout worshipper of
God Tryhabakadeva* Devara Kriyasakti was the recipient of the
village Konduru as an Agrahara in Mulikinadu during the time of
Bukka I in A* D# 1271*
i", '

Kriyasakti matha was located at Hampi. Chandrabhushana

Kriyasakti was the guru of the royal family and he had an
agrahara village Kondur \*hich he divided into a number of
lib
shares and bestowed en his disciples • The priests of the
—t
Kriyasakti matha played an important role in the religious
life of early Yijayanagara empire. The records of Kalamukhas
—t
and Pasupatas datable to the twelth and thirteenth centuries
_ _/ 216
in Karnataka bore the name of Kriyasakti •
_ /
Lorenzen opines that Kriyasaktis were either the
^ / \37
Kalamukhas or Passat as * They were devout worshippers of
Svy ambhu-Triy ambakadeva*

114... Ibid.. ho.l, pp.1-2.

115* H.Venkataramanayya, Prolegomena • * • • • (1975)
On* Cit*. pp.27-28.
116* David N* Loronzen, The Kaoalikas and Kalamukhas,.
p* 101*
ll7. Ibid., p. 163.
 VAISNAVI34
4 »

Early inscriptions and art In Andhra Pradesh attest to ^

the popularity of Visnu worship during Satavahana and post-
Satavahana periods* The Satavahana inscriptions refer to the
worship of Vaisnava deities like Eh anna, Samharsana, Vasudeva,
Indra, Surya, DikpaLas etc* Hala*s Saptasati provides data
regarding the popularity of Krisna legends and Visnu as
Trivikrama. The names of Satavahana rulers also Indicate the popu­
larity of Visnu in the Deccan* The Astabhu^asvimi temple
Inscription from Higarjunakonda is a significant land mark in
*' iiB ^ _
the popularity of Visnu worship • The worship of Pancaviras
was also popular as evidenced from the sculptural panels from
— 119
Kondamotu and Uppalapadu, datable to 4-5th Centuries A.D*
_ ryL
The cult of Pancaviras or the five„ VrsHi
* * heroes** with the chief
p

god as Vasudeva Krsnaj his identification with Visnu-narayana

by the beginning of Christian era and the avatara theory
developed by the Ehagavatas brought about the growth in the
Vaisiava pantheon by seventh century A.D* Sculptures of
" / _ /-
Hrsimha, Visnu anantasayana, Varaha, Vamana Trivikrama, Sri Laksmi,

118. Ep. Ind. Vol.xmV. pp. 197-204.

119. Waheed Khan. An early Sculpture of Haraslmha (Man Lion
incarnation of Visnu) found from the coastal Andhra along
with the Panchaviras. Hyderabad, 3974. See also
R Champakalakshmi, Vfffanflva Iconography in the Tamil country*
Hew Delhi, 3981, pp.26-27 and 69.
 79330
Krsnayana and Ram ayana are found in Andhra art# By aboStr—
6th-7th century A#D# the Visnu worship was popular though less
patronised by the royalty*

.
The most ancient centre of Vaisnavism
•
is Tirumala
i

which is referred to as Vengaaam in ancient Tamil literature#

The Tamil epic Silapadikiram makes a clear reference to the
120 /
Visnu temple at Vengadam * / The Bhakti movement spear­
headed by the Alwars was responsible for the spread of Vaisnavism
and Vengadam is counted as one of the holiest centres of
Vaisnavas by the Alwars. As Tirumala is close to the Cuddapah
region, the influence of this centre might have been considerable
though data at present are not available to give an out line.
Similarly Ahobalaa situated very close to the Cuddapah region
in the south-eastern forest range of Kumool district was also
a very ancient Vaisnava centre of Brsimha worship those influence
• * *

in the Cuddapah region is great particularly in the later medieval

times#

A survey of the epigraphs in the Cuddapah region reveals

that the royal patronage to Vaisnavism is negligible till the
eleventh century A.D, The active control of the region by the
imperial Colas and the subordinate ruling families like the

120* R Champakalakhmi| Ibid#. pp#3j31-182.

 6S

Telugu Codas of Pottapi and Hellore -witnessed the growth of

Vaisnaviaa from eleventh century A.D. This period also
witnessed the life and activities of the great propounder and
the estahlisher of the ?isistadvaitie philosophy * Bamahujja.
His association with Kanchi and Ti rum ala is well known, and
consequently Hastigiri at Kanchi attained great eminence in
the contemporary religious life, in the post-Ramanuja period
fy/~

Kanchi became the centre of Vadakalal school*

The Telugu Codas of Hellore held Kanchi in the -thirteenth /7

century and made it coital by about A.D* 1236. These chiefs
were patrons of Valsnatisa and caused^ t^pdos to bo
constructed in their dominions aid extended liberal patronage
121
to the Vaisnava temples ; •

The earliest Vaisnava tempi e-of considerable importance

v f r

that came up during the Cola hegemony in the Cuddapah region

is the Saumyanatha temple at landalur. Kulottunga I inscriptions
dating from A.D.1080 are found in this temple. The imperial
Colas, Telugu-Codas of Hellore, Kayasthas, Pandyas and Vi 3 ay an agar
* * 122
kings were liberal in their patronage to this temple • The
temples dedicated to Visnu were also founded at Pushpagirl,
t *

Vallur in the Cuddapah region*

121* B.S.L.Hanumantha Rao, Religion in Andhra. Guntur, 3577,
pp. 256-257.
122. 'S.I.I. Vol.23, Nos.570-611. See also I.Venkataramanayya
43572) Qp.Cit. pp.903-1076. The texts and summaries of all
inscriptions found at Handalur are given.
 f » 6n

/ _
The migration of Siivaisnava families to this region from
* *

r- _ 3.23
the Gol a-m andal am is attested by the epigraphs at Han dalur .
/ _
The Bhattaras
*1 were the Srivaisnava
_ . » family who were in charge of
124
the Saumyanatha temple • There is also a reference in a
record of M adurantak ap o ttapi Coda at Han dal Hr to the migration
9

of 20 Brahmanas from the Cola country who were given an

_ 125 '
agrahara • Despite the political instability during thirteenth
century A.D. the religious institutions flourished and liberal
gifts were given by the invading Pandyas and Hoyasalas.
# W v

Establishment of Ramanuja Kutam is also recorded in an inscription

- 126
dated A. D. 1286 at Handalur •

Madhavacarya, the founder of the Dvaita school flourished

between A* D. 1238 and 13I8. This sehool gave supreme position
to Visnu and was influential* The pontiffs of Dvaita school were
patronised by the Vi jay an agar anperors.

In the Vijayanagar period Ahobalam attained a great

popularity as Tirumala and these centres were highly revered by
the populace as attested by the Telugu literature and epigraphy,
3A -/
The Vijayanar kings also were great devotees of the Lord Venkatesa
and Ahobala Narasimha, Inscriptions of the Sang am a ctynasty
pertaining to the Cuddapah region reveal the pre-eminence of
123. S.1.1. Vol.23. Ho.684 and 580.
124. Ibid.T No.603.
126. Ibid.. No.584.
126, Ibid,T No.589.
 (I 70

Ahobalam. Village grants to the god Ahobala Deva from the

Cuddapah region are frequently referred to in the epigraphs
and the location of the gift village or land is specified in
relation to Ahobalam. inscriptions are also noticed -with an
invocation to Ramanuja. It is noteworthy that Devaraya II
gave Turlmilladinne as the ekabhoga agrahsra to Nachanasoma,
/ 12?
the author of Harivamsa in Telugu • The Saumyanatha temple
at landalur continued to enjoy the royal patronage as evidenced
by an epigraph dated A.D. 1433 which registers income from, a
number of taxes from the villages Lebaka, Tallapaka, Tangaturu
- . . - 128 .
and Gpili and Pottapinadu *

In the period of Saluva dynastic rule A. D. I486*1505,

Tallapaka-Annamayya, a native of Tallapaka, a place near the
famous Vaisnava centre Nandalur, had spent his life time at
Tirumala for popularising the Visistadvaitic doctrines and
-{329
inculcating the spirit of devotion to the Lord Venkatesvara •
The devotional songs composed by him in Telugu are of great
literaiy merit. Aonamaya was bom in A.D.1424 and lived till
1503, covering the regnal periods of the later Sangsma and
Saluva rulers of Vijayanagara. He spent his early life at
Tirumala and took Vaisnava fiiksa at Tirumala Tirupati and later
moved to Ahobalam where he received further instruction in the
religious doctrines and the Vedanta from Adi van Sathakopa muni, *■

127. IQAPrCD^Part II, No.27, p#32.

128. Ibid.? No.pp,43-45.
129* Tallapaka Annamayya life and his activities are dealt with
by Sree Rama Sanaa. See P.Sres Rama Sanaa, The Saluva Rynasty.
Hyderabad, 3979, pp.
 ti 71

U follower of Vedanta-Pesika. His songs composed on Ahobala

Wrslmha are considered as highly devotional. Salnva Harasimha,
the VI jay an agar emperor paid his respects and adoration for
.Annamayya. Apnamayya* s son Peda Tirumalayyangar was patronised
— ISO
by Achyutraya and became his adviser in religious affairs' *
Koneti Ti ruveiig al an ath ayy a the son of Pedatlrmal ayy angar had
131
also actively propagated the Vaisnava doctrine • Thus the
TallapSka family was instrumental in the spread of Vaisnavism
in the Cuddapah region during the fifteenth and sixteenth
centuries*

The reign of Krisnadevaraya (A. D. 1509-1529) witnessed the

* *

growth of the Vaisnava temples and construction of new tenples.

The Cennakesava temple at Pushpagiri is a major centre of
Vaisnavism that received land grants from Krisnadevaraya in
132
A. P.1514 and 15 IB . Another centre that came into prominence
is the Tiruvengalanatha temple at Pevuni Cuddapah which received
133
grants in A.P. 1517 • The Ranganatha temple at Pulivendala
~ ~ 134
was also granted village Kundaludu by Krisnadevaraya in A.P.1509 .
The gift of taxes was registered in an epigraph dated A.D.1513
_/ 135 -1
to the Cennakesava temple at Rotladurti . The Cennakesava temple

130. Ibid. T Nos. 116, 121 and 124.

131. Ibid.
132. Ibid.,- Nos.70,71 and 81.
133. Ibid., No.75.
134. Ibid.. No.65.
135. ibid.. No.69.
 136
at Peddasettipalli was renovated in A.D. 1518 . A record
dated A.D. 1521 registers gift of taxes to the Cennakesava
— 127 — 1
temple at Domara nandyala • She Cennakesava temple at
Eatteragandla received the income from the taxes and a village
138
Narusulapur in A*D. 1525 , To the Lakshmikantasvami temple
_ ^ 139
at Porumanilla a garden and a well were gifted in A.D. 1526 .
A monetaiy gift was recorded in a record dated A.D. 1527 to the
—/ +*■ i4G
Cennakesava temple in Korrapadu * land grants were recorded
in a record dated A.D. 1528 to the Kesava temple at
Pandillapalll-*^. .

During the reign of Aehyuta Devariya (A.D. 1529-42) several

benefactions to the Yaisnava tespies are recorded. To the
* i

Cennakesava temple at Varikunta a land grant was made in

»
a.D.
142 — —
.1531 *
The Sarny ana tha temple at Nandalur received the grant
— 143
of village Eondalapadu and Bodducherlu in A.D. 1536 • The

136* Ibid*« .Ho; 79.

137. Ibid.t No. 85.
138. Ibid.. No. 88.
139. Ibid.. No. 90.
140. Ibid., No. 94.
141. Ibid. T No. '97.
142. Ibid.. No. 107.
143. Ibid.., No. 121.
IIruvengalanathadeva was consecrated in A. D. 1536 at Moyillakahuva
and lands and gardens were granted to the temple for the merit
of Sallapika tirumalayya, the preceptor of the donor, Rayasam
144
Vengalappa • An incomplete record dated A.D. 1539 mentions
_/ 145
the Cennakesava temple at Buttianopuru «

During Sadasivaraya* s reign (A. D. 1542-76) grants to

the Vaisnava temple are also fairly numerous* In A*D* 1543
a •village Gopavaram alias Sathagopavaram was granted to
certain Narayanayya by Kandalsn - Appamgaru and the record
__ • 146
expressly states that they belong to Ramanuja* s faith • The
temple of Jenardhanadeva at Sankepalli received gifts of taxes
147 _ -/ _ -
to in A. D, 1544 * Mahamandalesvara Sammakkarangayya maharaju
gave '-gift of taxes to the Cennakesava taaple at Aguduru in
A« D. 1544i4S* The Lakshmikahta taaple at Porumamilla received
„ _ /
the gift of income from taxes donated by Mahamandalesvara
Nandyala TimmayadeVa in A*D* 1545-46149* The Ranganatha temple
150
at Gandikota was donated the village Ksmbalapalli in A*D. 2545 •
.♦ * *

144, Ibid. * No.* 134*

145, Ibid*T No* 132*
146. Ibid*. No* 161.
147. Ibid*. No. 166*
148* Ibid*. No* 167.
149. Ibid.; No, 171.
180. Ibid.. No. 173*
 rt 74

The Cennakesavs temples at Muttukuru, Peddatkamerla, Tanduru,

Potladurti received grant of income from taxes in A. D. 1546
' ' _ _( - - 161 _<

from Mahamandalesvara Kandy ala Tlmmayadeva * The Cennakesava

temple at Sankhavaram received grant of income from taxes from
IgP *

the same donor in A# D. 1548 • The Narasimha temple at

Eguvapalli also -was donated lands from the seme donor.
>
The
/
Dommara communitygranted money to the Kesava temple at Koduru
TgQ __
in A.D. 1548 • The Raghunatha deva temple at Ontimitta was
„ _i / — .
granted the villagePullapatturu byMahamandalesvara Sri rang a
> ~ __ 154
Ramayyadeva maharaja in A. 9.3550 * Further land grants were
gifted to the temples at Devuni Cuddapah, Nandalur, Koduru,
155
Sambaturu, Gandikota etc*, between the years A. D. 1550-63 •

To sum up, it can be said that the Vijayanagar period

/ —

witnessed the growth of Srivaisnava temples, especially from

the reign of Krisnadevaraya. The cause of Srivaisnavism was
fostered by the Tallapaka Axmamachaiya and Ms family. Naehana
SOmana, the author of Harivamsa was a native of this region and
was the reeeipient of an agrahira in the Cuddapah taluk.
Furthermore the pervading influence of Ahobalam i acid Tirumala was
strong in this region*
151* Ibid*. Mo. 2B2. 185 and 187.
152* ibld.f Ho. 197.
153. Ibid,. .Ho. 199.
154. Ibid.. No*' 214,
155* Ibid* . Nos. 220, 221, 225, 234, 243, 246 and 251.
 BUDDHI&i

The spread of Buddhism in Andhra by about the fourth

century B.C. and its growth in Andhra during the Satavahana
period is well attested by literature, epigraphy and monuments.
Amaravati was the greatest among the early centres. The
Cuddapah region also witnessed the Buddhist Activity. Adapur
near Nandalur had monasteries and Stupa"^ . The discovery

of a hoard of lead coins of Vaslsttiiputra Satakarni at this

site would suggest first century A.D. as the date of this
Buddhist establishment357. At present no other Buddhist
site is reported. Hiuei^tsang had reported that in these parts

(Chu-li-ya identified with the Cuddapah region) Buddhism was

158
in decline and several deva temples were in exL stance .

JAIHI31

According to the literal tradition Jainism had ”

spread to south India in the fourth century B.C.359. The

main centre of Jainism was at Sravanabeigola. In the early

centuries of Christian era Kunda-Kunda earya and his lineage
Eunda Eundanvya-ya were associated with this centre. The

156. V.Krishna Sastry, Annual Report. Department of Archaeology

& Museums, Hyderabad, 3977, pp.6-6..
157. I .E* Sanaa (3980), Op.Clt.. p.133.
158. See for the discussion on Hieun-TSang* s observations on
Chullye: H.Venkataramanayya, (1972), Op.Cit.., p*73.
159. A.Ghosh (ed) 5 Jai-na Art and Architecture. Vol.I, p.25„
S B Beo’s account on Jainism in the' early centuries of
Christian era is followed here.
Jaina order was known as mula-Samgha 'which in later times
gave rise to the formation of Dravida-Samgha.
160 ^
Simhanandl of the Kunda-Kundacarya lineage was the
founder of vakra gachcha. fie was associated with Perur which
has been identified with Ganga-Perur in Cuddapah district,
literary tradition associated states that he was with the
foundation of the Ganga Kingdom. Further it is said that the
Ganga princes had migrated to Perur where they met Slmha-
nandi. WSLth his help it is stated the Ganges princes Dadiga
and Madhava were able to establish the Kingdom with the Capital
at Talkad in the fourth century A.D.' The Caityalaya at Perur
in this context is noteworthy.

Among the Jain centres in the Cuddapah region

hanavulapadu is noteworthy for it yielded inscriptions and
161
Jain antiquities • An inscription of Rastrakuta Indra III
on the water*chute discovered here records that the king
u i— —
caused a water*chute to be made for the ablution of Santlnatha.
Other antiquities include two pillars nisidika stones,.
portable caumukha in the fom of a pillar inside a circular
pitha etc*,

160. B S L Hanmantha Rao, Op. Cit, ? pp. 356-366,

161* Jay anti Ramayya Pantulu had written a note on
Danavulapadu in Mnual Progress Report of the Archaeological
Survey of Madras and Coorg. for the year 1904-1305. pp.37-38
Sri Gopalakrlshna Murthy. Jain vestiges in Andhra, Hyderabad
1963, pp.31-35.
A Ghosh Ced), 197, Qp.Cit^ p.
For the inscriptions see IQAPTCDfPart I,Ros.83,114,168.
 Although Jainism continued to nourish in this region,
we do not have either epigraphical or archaeological evidences
for the later centuries,

PUJAS AND FESTIVALS

Semple inscriptions from the Cuddapah region especially

in a large and influential Yaisnava centre like Nandalur afford
us a picture of the pu^as and festivals conducted to the deities
in the ancient times. Our main focus is on the Saumyariatha
temple at Nandalur -which has preserved inscriptions from
A,D* 1080 to 2568*

Daily worship to the different deities enshrined in

the temple at different times in the day is an essential feature
of Hitya-Puila, Sometimes special ceremonies are conducted in
connection with festivals* These are called Nairn!ttika. The
worship, its nature and regulations of its conduct are governed
by the agamic taxis. Hie Vaisnava temples of anti&ulty by
and large follow the Yaikhanasagama. But Ramanuja popularised
the Parlcharatragama mode of worship and was responsible for
introducing it in Sri rang am and Melkote and this reform had
/ _
influenced almost all the temples of Srivalsnavas, The
Saumyanatha temple at Nandalur at present follows the Yaikhanasa
mode of worship* In the inscriptions reference is made to
nitya puja, Tirimanjanam, naivedya, prasadam, tirunallu, tirupo-
_ , 162
nnagam, harati aid ang a- rang a- bhog a • .
162. S I I. Vol.23T Nandalur inscriptions.
 78

VfiLth regard to nitya puja details of worship are not

mentioned in the inscriptions. The worship is done three
times a day at present. Tirumanj anam is mentioned in an
163
inscription • Probably the morning service consisted of
mantrasana, tlrumanj anan- the holy bath, alamkara-asana,
bhoga-asana- food offering and finally mantra-pushpam.
Luring this period recitation of prabhandams is also done.
Naivedy am-consecrated food is also offered to the Alwars,
separately as mentioned in donative record which was instituted
164 _
for this purpose * Prasadam was distributed to those present
and was also divided among the temple servants, dasas, nambis
and arcakas.

In the food offerings Tiru Ponnagam is mentioned in an

165
epigraph • Tiruponnagam indicates lanon juice mixed with
water and jaggery, ^mrtapadi is also referred to in the
epigraphs which means a sweet cake* Harati is mentioned as a
166
part of the ritual in the epigraph • Lighting of camphor in
a plate and offering it to the deity is a regular feature of
worship. Many epigraphs refer to the institution of lighting
of lamps Cdipiradhana) in the temple16^.

163. lbid.T No.583.

164* IQifft jGD., Part II, No.218.
165. S I I.Vol.23. No.602.
166* Ibid.. No.604.
167. Ibid.. Nos. 581, 582 etc.
 1 1 79

168
Reference is made to Tlrunallu also * The festival
of talcing the Deity to the flower garden is mentioned in a
record,

Anga-ranga-bhoga is mentioned in the epigraphs of the

169 . ' _
temple , Traditionally ahga-bhoga include abhisheka, gandha,
vastra, abharana and pushpaj ranga-bhoga includes dance and
musics it means the Sodasopachara, the sixteen fold propiliatlon.
< * « - - i

/
In the temples dedicated to Siva especially at Pushpagiri
and Mopuru inscriptions refer to the angai'anga-valbhava (bhoga)
) 170
nitya pu^a, rathosvam, tirunallu, sivaratri utsavam .

TEMPLE MD SOCIETY

The temple undoubtedly had played a great role in the x

community formation and social stratification. The agrarian
economy was closely allied with the institution of the temple
which had managed several, lands and. entire villages as seen
in the records of Nandalur. As the present study is mainly
focussed on the architectural and sculptural aspects the above
theme is outside its purview. However it should be noted that

168. Ibid,. No. 614.

169. IQAP? CD.. Part I, No, 131, 139, 143.
170. Ibid.. Part II, Nos, 70, 71, 81 and 105,
 ' 80

the extension of agriculture by founding agraharas in new

areas in the Cuddapah district is indicated in the villages

granted to the temples ty the royalty, Temple centres also

were the market centres and were patronised by the guilds.

 RENAN5U TEMPLE SITES-
li )i
T