Rajahmundry history

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Rajahmundry, originally known as Rajamahendravaram, is closely linked to the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. Although some historical evidence points to the possible founding of the city by King Ammaraja Vishnuvardhana I in the 10th century, its true flourishing and emergence as a significant hub began during the reign of King Rajaraja Narendra around 1022. It was he who fortified the city and made it his capital, and remnants of palaces and fortifications dating back to the 11th century can still be found in Rajahmundry today. There are also suggestions that a settlement may have existed on this site even before the arrival of the Chalukyas.

Key Factors of Establishment

The rise of the city was driven by several strategic factors:

• Geographical Location: Rajahmundry is situated on the banks of the sacred and voluminous Godavari River, which provided its inhabitants with water resources, facilitated the development of agriculture, and made it an important transport and trade hub.
• Political Power: The city served as the capital of the powerful Eastern Chalukya kingdom, which ruled the Vengi region for nearly five centuries. This transformed Rajahmundry into an administrative and political centre of South India.
• Trade: Thanks to its location on the river, the city became a vital centre of commerce, connecting the inland regions with the coast.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its golden age, Rajahmundry acquired fame as a cultural and economic centre.

• Cultural Heritage: The city is rightfully called the "Cultural Capital of Andhra Pradesh". The era of Rajaraja Narendra's reign became a golden age for culture and arts. The king patronised the poet Nannaya, who began work on translating the "Mahabharata" into Telugu, laying the foundations for modern Telugu literature.
• Economic Base: The city's economy relied on thriving agriculture in the fertile Godavari delta, where rice and sugarcane were cultivated. Gold coins from the Eastern Chalukya era found in the region testify to its wealth and developed trade.

Key Milestones in the History of Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry, known as the cultural capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, boasts a rich and centuries-old history. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, each leaving its mark on its heritage.

• Around 1022 — The ruler of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, Rajaraja Narendra, makes the city, then called Rajamahendravaram, his capital and cultural centre.
• 11th Century — Under the patronage of Rajaraja Narendra, the poet Nannaya Bhattaraka begins the translation of the great epic "Mahabharata" into Telugu, establishing the foundations of modern Telugu literature.
• 1449 — The city comes under the control of the Gajapati dynasty from Odisha following the conquest by Kapilendra Deva.
• 1515 — Emperor Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire captures Rajahmundry, expanding his influence over the region.
• 16th Century — The city falls under the authority of the Golconda Sultanate, marking the beginning of Islamic rule in the region.
• 1757 — As a result of the Carnatic Wars and increasing British influence, Rajahmundry comes under the control of the British East India Company.
• 1847–1852 — British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton designs and builds a barrage across the Godavari River, which radically transforms the region's agriculture and saves it from drought.
• 1891 — Rajahmundry officially becomes the headquarters of the Godavari District within the Madras Presidency of British India.
• 1900 — Construction of the Old Godavari Bridge (Havelock Bridge) is completed, becoming a vital railway artery connecting Chennai and Howrah.
• 1947 — Rajahmundry, along with the entire nation, becomes part of independent India following the end of British rule.
• 1974 — The Godavari Rail-cum-Road Bridge is opened, one of the longest bridges of its kind in Asia, significantly improving transport connectivity.

The history of the city of Rajahmundry, the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, spans many centuries. During this time, it has journeyed from being the capital of an ancient kingdom to an important economic and transport hub of modern India. Below are the key stages of its development.

• Foundation and Establishment as Capital (11th Century): The flourishing of the city, then known as Rajamahendravaram, began during the reign of King Rajaraja Narendra of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. Around 1022, he made the city his capital, turning it into a major political and administrative centre of the region. Remnants of palaces and fortifications from that era have survived to this day.

• Birth of Telugu Literature (11th Century): It was during the reign of Rajaraja Narendra that Rajahmundry earned the title of cultural capital. The king patronised the poet Nannaya, who began the translation of the great epic "Mahabharata" into Telugu here, thereby laying the foundations of modern literature in this language.

• Beginning of the British Period (18th–19th Centuries): In 1757, the city passed under British control, marking the start of a new administrative era. In 1823, the Rajahmundry District was officially established within the Madras Presidency, strengthening its status as an important colonial centre.

• Construction of the Godavari Barrage (Mid-19th Century): One of the most significant events for the region's economy was the construction of a major barrage across the Godavari River under the leadership of British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton. This grand structure allowed for the regulation of water flow, the development of agriculture, and provided the city with protection against floods.

• Transformation into a Transport Hub (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): At the turn of the century, the first of three major railway bridges across the Godavari was built in the city. This made Rajahmundry a key link on the railway line connecting the east of the country and strengthened its position as an important trade and logistics centre.

• Industrial Development (20th Century): In the 20th century, the city's economy diversified through industrial development. Enterprises for paper production, textiles, and rice milling were established. The mining of local graphite deposits led to the emergence of a unique production of graphite crucibles, which contributed to further economic growth.

The architectural landscape of Rajahmundry represents a multi-layered canvas upon which various historical eras and dynasties have left their mark. From ancient temple complexes to monumental engineering structures of the colonial era, the city demonstrates a rich variety of styles reflecting its long and vibrant history.

Dravidian Temple Style

The foundations of the city's architectural heritage were laid during the reign of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. During this period, the Dravidian style of temple architecture, characteristic of South India, dominated. It is typified by pyramidal towers (vimanas), massive pillared halls (mandapas), and walls richly adorned with sculptures. Striking examples of this style in Rajahmundry and its surroundings are ancient temples such as the Markandeya Swamy Temple and the Kotilingeshwara Ghat Temple. These structures, dedicated to Lord Shiva, remain important spiritual centres of the city today.

Indo-Saracenic and Colonial Styles

With the arrival of the British in the 18th century, a new direction appeared in the city's architecture. Engineers and architects of the British Empire introduced elements of Colonial and Indo-Saracenic styles to Rajahmundry. The most iconic monuments of this era became not so much buildings, but grand engineering projects that changed the landscape and economy of the entire region.

• Bridges across the Godavari River: The Old Havelock Bridge (1900), the Godavari Bridge (1974), and the Godavari Arch Bridge are not just transport arteries but also outstanding examples of the engineering art of their time, combining functionality with the aesthetics of industrial architecture.
• Dowleswaram Barrage: Built under the guidance of Sir Arthur Cotton in the mid-19th century, this barrage is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering that still plays a key role in the region's irrigation system.

Modern Development

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the urban development of Rajahmundry has focused on functionality and meeting the needs of a growing population. New residential areas, commercial buildings, and public spaces are being built in a modern functional style. At the same time, the city continues to expand around its historical core on the banks of the Godavari River, maintaining the river as the central axis of its development. Modern architecture coexists harmoniously with historical structures, creating a unique look where ancient temples stand alongside impressive bridges and contemporary buildings.

The city of Rajahmundry, the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, is the birthplace and centre of activity for many distinguished individuals who have left a significant mark on the history, literature, and public life of India.

Nannaya Bhattaraka (11th Century)

A legendary poet revered as the "Adikavi" (First Poet) of Telugu literature. It was he who began the monumental task of translating the Sanskrit epic "Mahabharata" into Telugu, laying the foundations for the region's modern literary tradition.

Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu (1848–1919)

An outstanding social reformer, writer, and pioneer of the women's rights movement in India. He advocated for girls' education, widow remarriage, and the eradication of child marriage. His activities had a tremendous impact on the society of Andhra Pradesh and the entire country.

Durgabai Deshmukh (1909–1981)

Known as the "Iron Lady of India", she was a freedom fighter, lawyer, social worker, and politician. Durgabai was born in Rajahmundry and founded numerous institutions to assist women and children, and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and the Planning Commission.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986)

A world-renowned philosopher and spiritual teacher. Although he was born in another city, his early years and his "discovery" by the Theosophical Society are closely linked to this region. His teachings on the nature of consciousness, meditation, and freedom from ideologies continue to influence millions of people around the world.

S. V. Ranga Rao (1918–1974)

A legendary actor, director, and producer known for his contributions to cinema in the Telugu and Tamil languages. He was one of the greatest actors of his time, famous for his versatility and powerful performances, especially in mythological and historical roles.