History: YSR District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

History of Kadapa District

• The region known today as Kadapa has a rich historical significance dating back to the tenth century A.D.
• Kadapa, originally referred to as 'Threshold' in Telugu, served as a resting point for pilgrims traveling to the Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati.
• In August 2005, the name 'Cuddapah' was officially changed to 'Kadapa' by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Later, in 2010, it was renamed as Y.S.R. District.
• The district was established in the early 19th century during British colonial rule and is recognized for its historical, mineral, flora, and fauna richness.
• Notable historical figures associated with the region include Sri Krishna Devaraya, Pratap Rudra, Sivaji, Tipu Sultan, and Haider Ali.
• The district is traversed by several significant rivers like Papagni, Chitravathi, Mandavya, Pennar, and Penneru, each carrying its own mythological and historical importance.
• The Seshachalam range of hills, culminating in the revered Tirumala shrine in Chittoor district, adds to the area's sanctity.
• Kadapa is believed to have been part of the great Dandaka forest, where Lord Rama and Sita spent a significant part of their exile as narrated in the epic Ramayana.

Historical Events in Kadapa District

• Pallava and Chola Rule: The Pallava kings initially ruled the North of Kadapa District in the 5th century. Subsequently, the Cholas defeated the Pallavas and ruled until the late 8th century. Following them, the Banas established their authority for a significant period.
• Transition of Power: After the Banas, the Rastrakutas took control of Kadapa. Notable rulers like King Indra III and Krishna III governed the region. However, the dynasty's influence declined with the death of Krishna III.
• Rise of Telugu Cholas: The Telugu Cholas, who were Chola dynasty feudatories, regained power in Kadapa after facing challenges from the Pandyas. By the first half of the 13th century, the Cholas firmly reestablished their kingdom.
• Rule of Ambadeva and Kakatiyas: Ambadeva briefly held power in Kadapa, having temporarily taken the Kakatiya crown. Subsequently, Prataparudra succeeded the throne and ruled with Warangal as the capital in the early 14th century.
• Muslim Invasions and Vijayanagar Empire: In 1309, the Deccan faced Muslim invasions under Khilji emperor Allah-ud-din. PratapaRudra was defeated, leading to the rise of the Vijayanagar Kingdom in 1336. A Hindu confederation later drove out the Muslims, establishing the Vijayanagar empire that included Kadapa District.
• Development under Vijayanagar Rule: During the Vijayanagar Empire's ascendancy, Kadapa District's natural resources were significantly developed. Notably, Bhaskara, the viceroy of Udayagiri, constructed the Porumamilla irrigation tank in 1369, enhancing agricultural practices in the region.
• Battles for Supremacy: The Hindus and Muslims clashed in the Tallikota battle for control over the Deccan, resulting in the defeat of the Hindus and the subsequent rise of the Golkonda kingdom.

Early Rulers of the District

• In A.D.1714, Abdul Nabi Khan became the first Governor of the District. Later, the Marathas invaded and defeated the Nawab of Kurnool and Kadapa. 
• Hyder Ali gained control of Gurramkonda and Kadapa from the Marathas and appointed Mir Saheb as the ruler.
• Mir Saheb and his son Kamaluddin were the initial rulers of the District. 
• The region eventually came under the Nizam through treaties with Mysore and Srirangapatnam.

Administration under Munro

• During the early 19th century, Munro was appointed as the Principal Collector of the ceded districts. He had four sub collectors under his command, stationed in Herpanahalli, Kadapa, Adoni, and Cumbum.
• Major General Dugald Campbell was designated as the commander of the ceded Districts. Munro's main objectives were to pacify the Palegars, who posed a threat, and establish a structured government.

Subjugation of Palegars

• Munro's primary focus was to bring the Palegars under control and create a well-organized administration. He identified around 80 Palegars in the region, including those in Kadapa District like Porumamilla, Narsapur, Thippireddipalle, and more.
• To maintain control, Munro issued Public Notifications warning against activities like maintaining armed forces, extortion, or resistance to the government.

Revenue System Establishment

• In addition to pacifying the Palegars, Munro aimed to set up a revenue system that would maximize financial resources for the government. This system was crucial for the stability and growth of the District.
• By implementing effective revenue measures, Munro ensured that the government could sustain itself economically and provide services to the people.

Munro's Efforts in Establishing Governance

• Munro actively pursued delinquent Palegars who tried to evade rent, seeking refuge with other chiefs to foment rebellion.
• In a short span, he successfully resolved these issues, establishing a structured government and a promising revenue system.
• Revenue collection became efficient, and there was widespread satisfaction among the people.
• Upon Munro's departure, the community expressed universal regret, highlighting his impactful service to the Government of Madras.

Freedom Movement in Kadapa District

• The residents of Kadapa District actively participated in the Freedom movement.
• Key figures like Sri Kadapa Koti Reddy, Smt. Rama Subbamma, Sri D. Rama Subba Reddy, and Sri Yeddula Eswar Reddy played significant roles in the struggle for independence.

YSR District Overview

• Location: YSR District, formerly known as Kadapa District, is positioned at the heart of Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh.
• Geographical Features: Situated 8 kilometers south of the Penna River, the district is surrounded by the Nallamala and Palakonda hills, earning it the nickname "Gadapa."
• Climate: YSR District experiences a tropical climate with lower rainfall in winter compared to summer, maintaining an average annual temperature of 29.2 °C.

Geography

• Area: Spanning across 11,228 square kilometers, YSR District is home to significant rivers such as Penna, Chitravathi, Papaghni, and others.

Reservoirs

• YSR District boasts several reservoirs, including Brahmamsagar, Mylavaram Dam, and Gandikota Reservoirs, enhancing its water resources.

Administrative Divisions

• Revenue Divisions: The district is divided into three revenue divisions: Kadapa, Jammalamadugu, and Badvel, with a total of 36 mandals under these divisions.
• Urban Centers: YSR District features one Municipal Corporation in Kadapa and six Municipalities in Badvel, Mydukur, Proddatur, Pulivendula, Jammalamadugu, and Yerraguntla.