Nagarkurnool (నాగర్ కర్నూల్ , ناگرکرنول) - 1 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History of Nagarkurnool

• Nagarkurnool's Origins: Nagarkurnool has a rich history that stretches back over 500 years. Legend has it that the town was named after two brothers, Nagana and Kandana, who were rulers in the area. A village named Naganool, after Nagana, still exists close to Nagarkurnool. This historical account suggests that the town's name evolved from the original name Kandanool, which meant "the one who sells kandena," referring to the grease that farmers used for their carts.
• Nagarkurnool as a Transport Hub: Approximately a century ago, Nagarkurnool served as a pivotal junction for transportation and was the district headquarters for much of southern Telangana. Farmers passing through the region would purchase and apply kandena for their carts. This practice led to the town's name evolving from Kandanool to Kurnool and then to Nagarkurnool.

Samsthans

• The roots of the Rajas of Hindu Samsthans within the Nizam's Dominion trace back to the ancient Hindu Kingdom of Warangal. They primarily served as Zamindars and military leaders, asserting control over the neighboring regions. Identified as Paligars, they governed territories known as Palayams. Sixteen Samsthans persisted until Independence. 
• Key Samsthans in this vicinity included Wanaparthi, Gadwal, Jetprole, Amarchinta, Palvancha, Gopalpet, Gurugunta, Kollapur, and Anagundi. The Rajas of these Samsthans were forward-thinking and effectively administered their realms.

The Samsthan of Jetprol

• The Samsthan of Jetprol held a significant historical legacy within the dominion. Pillalamarri Bethala Reddy is credited as the founder not only of the Jetprole dynasty but also of the rajas of Bobbili in Ganjam District, Pittapore (now Pittapuram in Godavari District), Malleswaram in Krishna District, and Venkatagiri in Nellore District. 
• Upon ascending the throne, the young Raja, originally named Navanita Krishna Yachandra, was bestowed ruling authority by the Nizam. Renaming himself Raja Venkat Laxman Rao Bahadur, he ruled until his demise in 1929, leaving behind two daughters and his Rani.

Kollapur Samsthan

• Kollapur Samsthan: Kollapur Samsthan is located in a vast area that covers most of the Nallamala Forest Area along the banks of the river Krishna. It houses remnants of architectural marvels dating back to the 2nd century B.C. Within this region, there are numerous ancient temples, some of which were constructed over 1500 years ago. These temples stand as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
• Significance in History: The Kollapur Samsthan played a significant role during the Nizam's era, contributing to the cultural, social, and political landscape of the region. It served as a hub of artistic and architectural excellence, showcasing the grandeur and opulence of the bygone era.

Dynasties

Historical and Cultural Significance of Nagarkurnool

• The term "Telangana" originates from the phrase TrilingaDesa, denoting the existence of three ancient Shiva Temples at Kaleshwaram, Srisailam, and Draksharamam. 
• Nagarkurnool, located in the southern part of Telangana, features Nagarkurnool town as its administrative center. This district was separated from the Mahbubnagar district/Palamoor region and spans across 6,545.00 square kilometers.

Historical Background of Nagarkurnool

The name Nagarkurnool is thought to have originated from two kings named Nagana and Kandana, who were also brothers. Presently, the district is divided into three revenue divisions: Achampet, Nagarkurnool, and Kalwakurthy. To delve into Nagarkurnool's history, it is essential to explore the past of Palamoor (modern-day Mahbubnagar), as this area has been ruled by various local rulers, Samasthans, Jamindars, and Doras.

• Achampet Division
• Nagarkurnool Division
• Kalwakurthy Division

The region of Palamoor belongs to AsmakaJanapada in Dakshinapatham, dating back to the 6th century BC. Notably, it was the southernmost extent of Ashok's empire, with an inscription discovered in Erragudi in the neighboring Kurnool district. Over time, the area witnessed the rule of various dynasties, including Satavahanas, Vishnukundins, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, and the KanduriChodas.

• Satavahanas
• Vishnukundins
• Badami Chalukyas
• Rashtrakutas
• Kalyani Chalukyas
• KanduriChodas

The KanduriChodas, hailing from Mahbubnagar, independently ruled the northern and southern regions of the Krishna and Tungabhadra Rivers, establishing a powerful kingdom that lasted for 250 years. Following them, the Kakatiyas emerged, defeating the KanduriChodas and constructing forts like the Rudradeva Fort in Munnanur.

• Kakatiyas
• Feudatories of Kakatiya dynasty

During subsequent periods, the region saw the governance of various other rulers, including the Malyala Dynasty, Gona Kings, Vavilala Kings, Cherukureddy Kings, RecharlaPadmanayakas, Bahmani Sultanate, Qutb Shahi dynasty, and Asaf Jahi dynasty. Noteworthy reforms were introduced during the rule of Asaf Jahi, leading to the renaming of Palamoor District as Mahaboob Nagar District in honor of Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan Nizam-VI.

• Malyala Dynasty
• Gona Kings
• Vavilala Kings
• Cherukureddy Kings
• RecharlaPadmanayakas

Amid the independence movement, Suravaram Pratapa Reddy from Palamoor District initiated the "Golkonda Patrika" in 1925. This historical journey showcases the rich heritage and cultural tapestry of Nagarkurnool and its surrounding regions.

History of Nagarkurnool

• Jedcherla
• Mahbubnagar
• Amrabad, Rachur
• Kodur
• Lingala village is donated to Somasila temple
• Rudradeva Fort at Munnanur
• Bijinapally
• Amanagallu, Charakonda, Irvin, and Vangur

History of Samsthans

• The Rajas of Hindu Samsthans in the Nizam's era were predominantly Zamindars and military chiefs who asserted their dominance over the neighboring regions.
• They were referred to as Paligars, and their territories were known as Palayams.
• Sixteen Samsthans existed, persisting until Independence.
• Key Samsthans in the area included Wanaparthi, Gadwal, Jetprole, Amarchinta, Palvancha, Gopalpet, Gurugunta, Kollapur, and Anagundi.
• Among these, KollapurSamsthan, a significant division in Nagarkurnool District, covered a vast region along the Nallamala Forest Area on the River Krishna banks.
• Noteworthy architectural remnants dating back to the 2nd century B.C. can be found in this samasthan, such as the Kollapur Palace, Fort, and several ancient temples erected approximately 1500 years ago.
• KollapurSamsthan played a pivotal role during the Nizam's rule.

Wanaparthi, Gadwal, Kollapur

• Mannanur, situated within the Amrabad Tiger Reserve area, is a tribal hamlet.
• The captivating Mallelatheertham waterfall is a prominent attraction in Telangana, nestled in the scenic valley of the Nallamala forest range, renowned for its Shiva temple.
• Achampet division houses the revered Uma Maheswaram, known as the northern gateway of Srisailam.
• The district boasts the popular eco-tourism spot Somasila, near Kollapur, set amidst the backwaters of the Srisailam dam.