CHAPTER-IV

ROLE OF KURNOOL DISTRICT IN INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Kurnool, is popularly known as the gateway of Rayalaseema, located on the

banks of the river Tungabhadra. The area was under the sway of important ruling

dynasties like the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Western Chalukyas, Pallavas,

Kakatiyas, Reddis, Rayas of Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, Moghuls, Nizams, British,

Gadwal Kings and the Nawabs of Kurnool.

According to the inscriptions, Adoni area of Kurnool district, was part of

“satavahanaratta”. Excavations at Veerapuram, on the banks of Krishna river in

Nandikotkur taluk of Kumlool district, led to the discovery of cultural evidences

belonging to three periods (Circa B.C. 1800 to A.D. 400). After the fall of the

Satavahanas, the eastern part of Kurnool district was ruled by the Ikshvakus. Towards

the end of the 3rd century A.D., the Ikshvakus were supplanted by the Pallavas in

Kurnool area. Trilochana Pallava (Mukkanti Kaduvetti) deforested the area South East

of Srisailam hills and established a number of Brahmin agraharas. Subsequently, the

area came under the control of the Cholas of Karikala Chola line. A hoard of Chola

coins was discovered at Parla village of Kurnool taluk on 2nd December, 1918. This

discovery indicates the sway of Cholas in some parts of Kurnool district. Again in the

7th Century A.D., the Pallavas took possession of the area, which became a bone of
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contention between the Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas. At Alampur, near

Kurnool, the Badami Chalukyas erected the famous ‘Nava Brahmeswara’ temple.

Kumool was under the control of the Rastrakutas in the 9th Century A.D.

Evidences of Kalyani Chalukyaus were found at Sangameswaram, Vellala and other

places, when the Kumool area came under the control of Kakatiyas and in the 14th

century A.D. the Reddis of Kondaveedu held sway over the region. There are

evidences to state that Nandyal area was under the control of Anavema Reddy in 1328

A.D. The area came under the control of the Rayas of Vijayanagar and during this

period the Allagadda and Koilkuntla taluks were together known as ‘Owku Seema’.

The Markapuram taluk was known as ‘Dupati Seema’. The Fort of Kumool was

known as ‘Kandenavolu Durga’ in the Vijayanagar period. According to ‘Dwipada

Bala Bhagavatha’ Kandenavolu was the Capital of Aliya Rama Raya’s brother

Venkatadri.1 After the battle of Rakshasi Tangadi in 1565 A.D, the Kumool area fell

into the hands of Sultans of Bijapur. The Nawabs of Bijapur despatched an

Abyssiniyan by name Abdul Wahab in 1590 A.D. to capture Kurnool from Gopala

Raju, the grandson of Aliya Rama Raya. Gopala Raju was defeated in the battle by

Abdul Wahab and in order to save his life Gopala Raju fled through a gateway on the

northern side of the fort, which is now popularly known as “Gopala Darwaja”. After

the capture of Kurnool Abdul Wahab, as a deputy of the Bijapur Sultan, improved and

beautified Kumool town by erecting a number of buildings, shops etc., during his 16-

year rule from 1602 A.D. to 1618 A.D. He also constructed a tomb for himself, on the

banks of the Hundri river. This tomb is now known as ‘Abdul Wahab’s Gumbuz”.

Abdul Wahab was buried in the Gumbuz after his death in 1618. The Maratha ruler

Sivaji, during his southern expedition, led his armies to Kumool in 1674 A.D, but the
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then Deshmukh of Kurnool (Kandanoolu) Ananda Rao, bought peace by paying 3 lakhs

of Rupees. The successors of Abdul Wahab ruled the Kurnool area till 1686 A.D,

when Aurangazeb annexed Bijapur and Golkonda. Aurangazeb appointed

Ghiyasuddin Khan as his deputy for the area to the south of the Krishna river. He

started his rule in the area and named Kurnool as “Qamar Nagar” and Nandyal as

‘Ghazipur’. After a few years Ghiyasuddin appointed Raja Bhim Singh as his deputy to

the Kurnool area. Not satisfied with the administration of Bhim Singh, Ghiyasuddin

recommended the name of Dawood Khan, a Pathan, to Aurangazeb as the Jagirdar of

Kurnool town in 1690 A.D. With this Kandenavplu seema was granted as jagir to

Dawood Khan. It is believed that Dawood Khan got this jagir in return for his help to

Aurangazeb during the latter's expeditions in Camatak area. Dawood Khan enjoyed

supremacy over the entire Kurnool Subha (around Kurnool), but the Kurnool fort was

under the direct control of I ram Khan, who was referred to as Khilladar. After the

death of Dawood Khan, lram Khan continued his authority over entire Kurnool Subha.

Dawood Khan and his successors were known as Nawabs of Kurnool. Ibrahim Khan,

Alaf Khan, Himayat Bahadur Khan, Rusmat Khan, alias Munawar Khan 1, Alaf Khan

II, Munawar Khan 11, MuzafTar Khan and Gulam Rasool Khan ruled the area in

succession as the Nawabs of Kurnool. In 1724 A.D. Nizam ul Mulk invaded the

Deccan, defeated and killed the jagirdar of Kurnool and founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Hyder Ali of Mysore led an expedition against Kandanoolu Mandal and Cuddapah in

A.D. 1767 and 1768, respectively. Munawar Khan of Kurnool Jagir entered into a

peace treaty with Hyder Ali by paying a sum of Rs. 2 lakhs. Meanwhile, Tippu Sultan

attacked Adoni in 1786 A.D. and occupied Adoni fort and demolished its fortifications.

Apprehending danger from Tippu Sultan, Nizam Ali Khan of Hyderabad got into a new
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treaty of offensive and defensive alliance with the British in 1789 A.D. The allied

forces of Nizam and British company inflicted a crushing defeat on Tippu Sultan and

concluded the defensive treaty of Sri Rangapathanam on 19th March, 1792, by which

half of Tippu’s territory was surrendered to the allied forces.. The Nizam, however,

ceded the areas which he had occupied from Mysore under the treaties of 1792 and

1799 A.D. to the British in return for a subsidiary force. The districts of Bellary,

Kumool, Anantapur and Cuddapah were thus handed over to the British in 1800 A.D.

and were known as the Ceded districts.

On 1st November, 1800, the Government of Madras appointed Major Thomas

Munroe as the Principal Collector for the Ceded districts with four sub-collectors under

his immediate control. Of the four sub-collectors, William Thackary and James

Ravenshaw with their headquarters at Adoni and Cumbum, respectively, were in

Kumool District.

Gulam Rasool Khan, a Jagir of Kurnool was dethroned by the English on 18th

October 1839, because he tried to end the Brithsh rule. Later, Gulam Rasool Khan was

killed by his follower, llaji Sahcb. Since then it was under the British rule until

independence. The British Government appointed a Commissioner and a Commander-

in-Chief as the administrators of Kurnool Jagir. After the revolt of 1857, the

administration of Kumool town was entrusted to the district collectors.

Kumool district is situated between the northern latitudes of 1454' and 1618'

and the eastern longitudes of 7658 and 7934. It is bounded on the north by

Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers and Mahaboobnagar district, on the west by

Karnataka State, on the South by Anantapur and Cuddapah districts, and on the east by
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Prakasam district. It contains 892 villages, 11 towns and is devided in to three revenue

divisions - Kumool, Adoni and Nandyal. It was further divided into 13 taluks -

Allagadda, Adoni, Atmakur, Alur, Banaganepalli, Chagalamarri, Dhone, Koilkuntla,

Nandikotkur, Nandyal, Pattikonda, Yemmiganur and Rudravaram.2 In May 1985, the

taluks were abolished and replaced by 54 small units called Mandals.

Kurnool Palegars and the British

When the English East India Company established its political power in India

the Indian rulers who were enjoying power, position and authority, found themselves

under threat of losing them. There were several revolts organised and led by these

Indian rulers.3 In Kurnool district also such trends were ravelled from 1800 A.D. when

the region passed on to the British along with other Ceded districts under the subsidiary

alliance system. The Ryotwari system introduced by Sir Thomas Munroe, Principal

Collector of the region. The British threatened the power, position and prestige of the

Palegars, the traditional leaders of the rural society in the Ceded districts. There were

about 80 Palegars existing in the Ceded districts. While most of the Palegars were

dispossessed and pensioned off, a few revolted against the British. The most notable

among them were the Ternekal Rebellion and Narasimha Reddy of Nossam in Kumool

district.4

Ternekal Rebellion : In 1801, a revolt took place at Ternekal in Adoni Division, led

by Muthukuru Gowdappa5, a prominent person of the area. He encouraged the

Village Munsiff and Karanam of Ternekal not to pay the enhanced taxes to the British.

It may be mentioned here that Ganjihalli Sunki Reddy, Pesaladinne Narappa and

Byluppala Rami Reddy belonging to the neighbouring Pesaladinne village accompanied

Srinivasa Rao, a clerk of the East India Company, to Ternekal. They warned

Gowdappa and others that they were dealing with the East India Company and not with

the dead Mughal administration and hence they had to pay the increased taxes. Under

the leadership of Gowdappa his followers killed the three persons. Ganjihalli Sunk!

Reddy and Byluppala Rami Reddy were burnt by the Mala community of the village.

Since Pesaladinna Narappa was a Brahmin, his body was consigned to the flames and

Srinivasa Rao was injured in the attack.6 Gowdappa’s men feared that Srinivasa Rao

would report the matter to the Tahsildar Rag’nunatha Rao but Srinivasa Rao promised

them that he would not do so. In fact .Srinivasa Rao reported the matter to William

Thackery, the Sub-Collector. Thackery kept his army at Kadivella village and went
alone to Ternekal. He called and advised the Village Iviunsiff and others to go to

Adoni and pay the enhanced taxes, and, if not, he threatened the whole village would

be ransacked. The Village Mousin'and others agreed to pay the taxes but they did not

do so. Thackery left to his stationed army at Kadivella village and the company’s

forces ransacked Ternekal for fifteen days. The people of Ternekal under the

leadership of Gowdappa fought heroically with the British army. All the rebel leaders

of Ternekal were imprisoned and Muthukuru Gowdappa and others were hanged later.

The women folk at Temekal jumped into the Giddaiah well and committed suicide. It

is also said that the British threw the dead bodies into the Kukkala Bavi in front of the

village.7

PttSagfir Narasimhii Reddy's Revolt, 1845-47: Much before the Sepoy Mutiny against

the East India Company in 1857, South India witnessed one of the famous revolts in

1846 in Koilkuntla taluk of Kumool district. Palegar Narasimha Reddy of Uyyalawada

grouped together a large number of dispossessed Kattubadi Inamdars and dissatisfied

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peasants successfully to raise the flag of revolt against the Company. The revolt

assumed significance for it was a major revolt in entire South India. Narasimha

Reddy's ancestors were Patels of Chencamulla and Deshmukhs of Cumbum. They

served under the rulers of Vijayanagar, the Qutb Shahis, the Sultans of Mysore and the

Asaf Jahis. In 1800, their territory was taken over by the Company along with other

areas of Rayalaseema.

Narasimha Reddy was a paternal grandson of the Uyyalawada Zamindar as

also maternal grandson of the Nossum Zamindar. The East India Company had

sanctioned a meagre pension of Rs. 11-10-8 per mensum, which was highly insufficient

to meet the needs of his large family and extravagant lifestyle. It is said that Narasimha

Reddy received the support of the Rajas of Wanaparthi, Munagala, Jataprolu, Owk,

Penukonda, the Nawabs of Banaganapallc and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Gosayi

Venkanna of Akumalla, Karanam Aswathama, Dasari Roshi Reddy and Jangam

Mallaiah also supported Narasimha Reddy in his cause. Besides, the Kattubadidars and

lower peasantry like Odderas, Chenchus, Yanadis and a few Arab residents in the

Hyderabad Territory also helped Narasimha Reddy in his revolt.8

Gosayi Venkanna, the family guru of Narasimha Reddy, was said to have

instigated the latter to take up arms against the British to regain his patrimony.

Narasimha Reddy's plan was to fan little rebellion and then to withdraw to some of hill

fortresses with his followers and hold on until he could induce the Government to

bestow upon him the estate he claimed. There was a copy of letter he had addressed to

the Board of Revenue in the papers discovered at Kothakota promising his allegiance

to his patrimonial estate or part of it was restored to him.9 Narasimha Reddy visited

Hyderabad, Kurnool and palegars in neighbouring Cuddapah district and also the
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villages which formerly comprised the jaghirs of his ancestors and obtained the

assistance of Kattubadidars. He was accompanied from village to village by armed

Kattubadidars numbering about 30 men.10 When the Tehasildar of Koilkuntla,

Raghavacharyulu, came to know about the preparations of a revolt he summoned

Narasimha Reddy to his court but the latter refused. Then the Tehasildar issued a

warrant for Narasimha Reddy's apprehension. But when the peons sent for the purpose

failed to execute the orders the Tehasildar sent a party of 106 peons and Kattubadidars.

While the peons were made prisoners, the Kattubadidars joined the rebels of Narasimha

Reddy.

Soon Narasimha Reddy's force swelled upto 300 and they attacked treasury

at Koilkuntla. He killed a Daffedar and a peon belonging to the treasury and a few of

his rebels were shot by the two. Tehsildars Srinivasa Reddy and Narsi Reddy made

futile attempts to nab Narasimha Reddy when he attended the annual jathara at

Rudravaram. Narasimha Reddy attacked Rudravaram and killed a Daffedar and 9

peons. He also killed the forest ranger of the area and other officials of the forest

department for their corrupt practices. As the Collector, Mr. Cochrane, was

intensifying efforts to apprehend Narasimha Reddy, he crossed the Nallamala hills and

marched on to Cumbum, the then headquarters of Sub-Collector. At Giddalur

Narasimha Reddy and about 5,000 men were encountered by Lieutenant Watson and

his 100 men force along with Cumbum Tehasildar and a few peons. Lt. Watson

retreated to a ruined fort and held the rebels for six hours, driving back the palegar and

killing 200 of his men. While Narasimha Reddy retreated to Mundlapadu, Watson

retreated to Satyavole. The Cumbum Tehasildar was also killed in the battle.
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Narasimha Reddy then plundered Krishnamsettipalli and Mundlapadu in

Cumbum taluk." A force of 250 men and 50 Kurnool sawars led by Capt. Russel, the

Assistant Commissioner of Kurnool, was sent to fight the rebels by crossing the

Nandikanuma pass. The rebels killed 4 English sepoys at Giddalur and 21 sawars at

Mundlapadu. Capt. Russel was also shot dead by Narasimha Reddy. Later, Capt. Nott

encountered the rebels killing 25 of them and held the same number as prisoners. He

also attacked Owk, Nossum and Munnemadugu before fleding in the direction of

Kothakota, where his family was left. Narasimha Reddy's followers dispersed all over

the country after his defeat at the hand of Capt. Nott. He himself took refuge in the

almost impenetrable jungles of Nallamala hills. When it was being thought that he might

have fled to Hyderabad territory he reappeared along with about 400 followers on the

hills near his family estate six weeks later. They proceeded to a pagoda on the

Perusomula hills.12 However, about 50 sawars from Kurnool surrounded the hills

within no time. Capt. Nott and Younghusband, Lt. Newlyn and Col. Grantham oversaw

the operation of capturing Narasimha Reddy after a slight resistance. About 50 of

Narasimha Reddy's men were killed and another 90 were apprehended by the British

forces. Dasari Roshi Reddy and Gosayi Venkanna were also captured in. Hyderabad

terriroty."

The Court of Foujdaree Adalat sentenced him death by hanging and

subsequently his body was ordered to be suspended in chains in a cage on a high gibbet

to be erected on the spot. Narasimha Reddy was paraded in shackles in the streets of

Koilkuntla and was hanged at 7 am on 22 February, 1847 on the banks of river Jurreru

near Koilakuntla. His head was kept hanging in the fort on the gibbet till 1877 as a

warning to rebels.14 The revolt by Narasimha Reddy, though crushed, greately altered
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the British attitude towards the Inam tenures in South India. The establishment of the

Inam Commission was a direct result of the revolt. The heroism exhibited by Narasimha

Reddy is sung in folk songs in the region even now.

Wahabi Movement : It would be interesting to note that Ghulam Rasool Khan (1828

- 1839), the Nawab of Kurnool, took an active part in the Wahabi Movement of 1838 -

1839.” Ghulam Rasool Khan was one of the rulers in the Deccan who came into

contact with the Moulvis of the Wahabi Movement and also with Mubariz ud Dowla,

brother of Nasir-ud-Dowla, the Nizam of Hyderabad.16 Ghulam Rasool Khan not only

collected troops but also converted his palace gardens into arsenals14 with the object of

overthrowing the British in India. It was planned in the beginning that the armies were

to be collected at Kurnool and Muzarib-ud-Dowla was to command them.18 When

Ghulam Rasool Khan wanted to attack the British Power, Lord Auckland’s

Government interfered by force in 1838,19

The British Government brought the following charges against Ghulam Rassol

Khan. T hey are, charges of disaffection, of harbouring designs hostile to the British

Power or its allies, of the augmentation of his military establishments, of the repairs of

his fortifications and of secret accumulation of military stores. Charges of acts of

violence, tyranny and mal administration of the country, of inflicting injuries on the

British subjects and of indifference to demands for preparation made thereof.20

To investigate into the above charges, a Commission was constituted with T.L.

Blane and Colonel S.W. Steel, the Military Secretary to Government. A body of

troops under Colonel A.B. Dyce was despatched from Bellary to overawe the Nawab

and render assistance to the Commission if required.21 The British Government also
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instructed General Fraser, the Acting Resident at Hyderabad to send troops against the

Nawab of Kurnool. The Resident despatched a detachment of the Nizam’s contingent

forces to cooperate with the Madras troops in reducing the Nawab.22 The commission

arrived in Kurnool on 12 September, 1839. The Nawab sent his brother Ghulam

Khader Khan and his Vazir, Namdar Khan to escort the members of the Commission.

The Nawab extended full cooperation and provided all facilities for free and detailed

enquiry.23

Nawab Ghulam Rasool Khan became frustrated when the Commission

alongwith the armies reached the fort. He thought it was futile to face the mighty

British and advised his armed followers to wait for a suitable opportunity to show their

valour.23 On the orders of the Commission, Nawab Ghulam Rasool Khan led his

fortress and took up his abode at the Dargah 1 mausoleum of Hazarath Syed Ahmed

shah Qadri at Zohrapur alongwith the Arab and Rohilla soldiers under the command of

Jamcdar Shah Wali Khan Rohilla.25 The commission captured arms and ammunition

accumulated in the fort of Kurnool. The Commission instructed Lt. Col. A.B. Dyee,

the Commander of Detachment of the Kurnool Field Force to march towards

Zohrapur. On 18 October, 1839, Dyee marched towards the destination with a force

consisting of two suqadrons of Light Cavalry, two companies of H.M. 39th Regiment

and 34th Regiment of C.L.I. Shah Wali Khan totally rejected the terms offered by the

British saying that he had no faith in the promises of the “ferengis”. The Nawab’s

armies refused to be disarmed and the British soldiers charged them.26 After a short

and sharp struggle Nawab’s army was routed at Zohrapur. The important military

commanders of the Nawab like Shah Wali Khan Rohilla, Noor Khan and Shaik Sayeed

died fighting heroically in the battle. Many officers and soldiers of the Company’s army
 146

WUttfll. tottivt Atimimm &* tne *4ih tSL.i. setzsa Nawats Cinuiam Kasooi

Khan. The British Government not only deposed and deported the Nawab as a

prisoner to Trichinopoly but also annexed his principality on 18 October, 1839.27 After

annexation, Kumool was placed under the charge of a Commissioner and Military

Assistant to be administered as a non-regulation province. The Nawab’s immediate

family was pensioned for Rs. 81,000/- a year, out of which his grandson Dawood Khan

Bahadur was granted a pension of Rs. 700/- per month in 1890. No amount was

granted towards the liquidation of any debts and the daughters of the Nawab were

granted only life pensions.2* While Ghulam Rasool Khan was in Trichinopaly Jail, his

life was cut short by the knife of a Mussalman fanatic.29 British Government later

hanged the murderer of the Nawab. The body of Ghulam Rasool Khan was handed

over to his family and it was buried in the compound of Dargah Hazarath Moulvi

Miskeen, the patron saint of the Pathan Nawabs of Kumool.30

Growth of Nationalism in Kurnool District

Many factors were responsible for the growth of national consciousness among

the people of Kumool district. English education paved the way partly for the growth

of social and political awakening. The well to do families taught their childem at

homes and others sent their children to the “Pial” schools ran in the local temples or

under the shade of trees. The curriculum was mostly on religions, philosophy and

morals. This system was continued until the advent of the English East India Company

in India.31 When Thomas Munroe became the Governor of Madras Presidency in 1820

he proposed a scheme for starting one Tehasildari school in every taluk and two

collectorate schools in every district. But this scheme did not succeed due to caste
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prejudices, destitution and long distance of schools. Lord William Bentinck, the then

Governor General of India abolished these schools in 1836.32

The Christian Missionaries opened a Boarding school for Boys at Nandyal in

1855. The Society for the Propagation of Gospel (SPG) mission opened a school at

Mutyalapadu in 1857 for the propagation of Christianity. In 1850 the first Anglo

Vernacular School was started at Adoni, the present Municipal School at Kurnool was

opened in 1860 and it became a Zilla School in 1861. S.P.G. High School was opened

at Nandyal in 1884, and Coles Memorial High School at Kurnool were started in 1890.

Social reforms

Western education penetrated the spirit of indignity, indignation against British

rule and the spirit of modernity and brought social reforms among the traditional

people. The enlightened Indians like Raja Rama Mohan Roy (1828), Dayananda

Saraswathi and Swami Vivekananda, made efforts for the eradication of evil practices

such as infanticide, sati and for revival of Hindu religion through their messages and

writings.

Kundukuri Veerasalingam Panthulu a renowned social reformer of Telugu

districts was deeply influenced by the activities and ideals of the Brahma Samaj. He

was pained by the obnoxius social customs. He started schools for girls, and performed

widow remarriages, worked for emanicipation of women from the tabooes of the

society, through his writings and speeches. His movement had a great influence on

Rayalaseema. His publications and addresses to the people of Andhra in 1882,

received tremendous response from the region. Rao Bahadur Sabhapati Mudaliar, a

philanthropist and leading businessman of Bellary, agreed to undertake the mission at

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his place. On 12 February 1882, two young widows of 12 and 15 years age were

married to Jataprolu Rama Rao and Chittoor Subba Rao, respectively in Bellary.33

In order to encourage and council the women, towards liberty and freedom

from their bondages an association by name Sarada Mandiram was started in 1909 at

Destavarapeta in Kumool district. The Kurnool district conference (1914) and Bellary

District Conference (1914) discussed female education as one of the main items on

their agenda and the question of female education received special attention.34

The growth of literary, cultural education, scientific, reform association and

debating societies and social clubs in Kumool district was remarkable during this

period. There were six such associations existed in the district.35 Sri Sadhana from

Anantapur put efforts for social reform in Rayalaseema. Some illustrations, news,

stories and articles besides editorials on the subject of widows, created public opinion

in favour of widow remarriages.36 The ideals of Brahma Samaj influenced greatly the

Andhra leaders. Gadicherla Harisarvothama Rao put enormous efforts for the

eradication of untouchability and for widow remarriages in Kumool and other

Rayalaseema districts through his speeches and writings.37

District conference

The spread of English education, paved the way for modernisation, and the

development of political and social organisations such as the Madras Native

Association in 1852, Madras Mahajanasabha in 1884, the Indian National Congress in

1885 and other district associations had profound influence on the people of Kumool

district and raged them against the English Government.

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Although there was no proper political organisation in this district some

sympathisers of the Congress movement, mostly vakils, who held informal meetings

once in a year used to send small sums subscribed to the Congress funds.38 According

to the secret abstracts of Madras police intelligence in February 1906 the following

were noted as leading Congress men in the district. They were : S.B. Narasimha Rao,

B.A. Secretary, S.Sesha Sastri, B.A., B.L., S. Narasinga Rao, B.A., B.L., K. Dakshina

Murthi Aiyar, B.A., B.L., K. Venkataranga Reddiar, B.A., B.L., K. Srinivasa Rao,

Public Prosecutor.39

Their gatherings and meetings developed step by step and gave birth to District

conference, which was held on 22nd August 1914 at Kumool under the presidentship

of K. Karunakara Menon, the Editor of the Indian Patriot.40 The welcome address was

given by Rao Bahadur N.V. Narasimha Rao Panthulu. This conference raised curtain

and revealed the total backwardness of the district in social, political and educational

aspects.41

Rao Bahadur N.V. Narasimha Rao Panthulu in his welcome address exclaimed

the need of irrigation works as well as education to eradicate the poverty of the district

and criticised the local self government and stressed the need of separate Andhra

Province. He stated that “Our conferences have a value and significance all their own

in the attainment of the ideals we strive for. The National spirit will be fostered by

bringing together men of all creads and casts to work conjointly for the benefit of their

country and their country men”.42 The favourable public opinion for Andhra Province

began to grow in the second District conference in 1915.43 Another district

conference and a session of the Kumool district social conference were held at

Cumbum in 1916 under the presidentship of K.R.V.Krishna Rao, and Gadicherla

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Harisarvothama Rao emphasised the need for the national agitation and the formation

of a separate Province for Andhras. At the same time the Muslims of Adoni town

affirmed their loyalty to the British Government at a general meeting held under the

Presidentship of F.g. Moscardi, the Collector of the Kurnool Districts.44 This

ultimately resulted in the formation of the District congress committee by 1917 in

Kurnool district.45 The district associations carried out the message of the Indian

National Congress to the people of all parts of the district.

Library Movement

In Kurnool district, the Library Movement developed mostly through the

bcncficicnt influence of private enterprise and patronage. Its progress was also

intimately connected with the national struggle on the one side and on the other side

the series of adult literacy campaign organised from time to time. Gadicherla

Ilarisarvolhama Ra, K. Narasinga Rao of Kurnool and Desapandya Subba Rao, Kypa

Subramanya Sarma and Vavilala Para Brahma Sashtri from Nandyal have played a

remarkable role in Library Movement. 46

Kurnool started its first reading club called the ‘Book Club of European

Gentleman’ in 1864. A decade later the people of the town set up a reading room

presumable as a rival to the Book Club. Alur, Adoni, Nandyal, Peaupaiiy, Yemmiganur

and Kosigi also started a few reading rooms between 1893 and 1899. The Reading

Room at Nandyal in 1898 is still in existence.47

Muchukota Venkataramaiah was the pioneer and the founder of “Andhra

Grandhalayam” at Kurnool. He donated 20 acres of wet land, for the maintenance of

the library. Meetings were conducted to awaken the people from their superstitious
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belief at Village, Taluk and District level. It revealed the urgency of need to develop

themselves for Swadeshi and Swaraj. Several dcligates from Kurnool attended the first

Library meeting which was held at Vijayawada on 10th April 1914.48 After this

meeting, Andhra Sarada Nilayam at Nandyal, Andhra Samajam at Panyam, Sri Sugana

Varlhini Samajam at Yerraguntla, Sree Krishna Grandhalayam at Owk and Sugnana

Vardhini Grandhalayam at Sirivella were started.49 Subsequently by 1920 number of

Libraries were started both by local bodies and private agencies. Private agencies also

displayed an abiding interest in the development of Public libraries.50 The eighth

Grandhalaya Maha Sabha was held at Mahanandi under the presidentship of Chilukuri

Veerabhadra Rao.51 All these helped to create in the people the love of selfless

sacrifice for their motherland and carried the gospel of freedom to the nook and

corners of the district.

Growth of press in Kurnool

The first half of the 20th century gave some impetus to the publication of

political as well as social journals and periodicals in the Kurnool district, which played a

notable part in the educational and political advancement of the district.52 C.

Sreenivasa Rao’s “Arunodayam” (1920) fortnightly from Adoni,53 and “Suvyasa” a

Telugu monthly (1924) were the earliest.54 Vanam Sankara Sarma’s “Aindravathi”55

(1926) and “Sarad” 1932 from Penukonda are notable among them. N those days

Aindravathi was a terror to the British administrators of the district. It vehimently

condemned the mal administration and suggested the remedies for local problems.56

“Kowmodiki” (1930) by Subramanyam Sarma and ‘Pinikini’ did efforts to unite the

masses and worked strongly to create militant nationalism57 Non Cooperation

Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement gave birth to the political, social and
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economic journals such as “Upadhyaya” Patrika (1930) by B.E. Dwary, “Manikya

Prabhu” patrika (1930) from Alur, “Prcma Tungabhadra” (1930) from Adoni58

“Sarada” (1931) from Nandyal,50 “Kadhakalpam (1931) by Nagendrappa60, Navasakti

(1931)61 from Nandyal, “Satyaprabha” (1938) by Munigoti Sreenivasa Rao from

Nandyal,62 “Vijayabheri” (1932) by Anumula Venkata Sesha Kavi from Kumool.63

Two weeklies “Matruseva” and “Bhadravani” (1938) were published from Nandyal and

Kurnool respectively.61 “Jayabharati” (1938) telugu monthly65, “Telugu Jenda” (1941)

from Kurnool66 Reddy (1941) from Kurnool67 and Indravati (1928)68 were started by

the eminent personalities who were nationalistic in spirit and took pains to mould the

public opinion and encouraged the folks to follow the Congress ideals.

The influence of the Bengali Patriotic literature also influenced the people of

Kurnool district. Bankim Chandra’s “Vendemataram” had been a national anthem in

the schools as well as at public meetings in the district till Independence. Garimella

Satyanarayana’s song “Makoddee Telladoratanam” (We do not want white man’s rule)

brimmed over the heart of the people with full of ecstasy and fire. Educated patriots

pierced at heart by the Unnava Lakshminarayana’s novel “Malapilla” and realised and

reconstructed their lives on the lines of humanity. By all these developments in political

and social fields the Kurnool district people awakened and showed their nationalistic

zeal by participating in the Swadeshi and Home Rule movements actively.

Swadeshi Movement

The partition of Bengal in 1905 stemmed the Swadeshi Movement all over the

country. It witnessed a tremendous political upheaval in the Kumool district also.

Associations were formed to work for the Movement. As there were no political
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organisation in the district, Associations were formed on the lines of the Indian

National Congress. Several people, particularly Lawyers, who solaced with the

Congress Movement, arranged informal meetings and endowed small sums to the

Congress funds.69

The Vakils of Kurnool spread the Nationalist message and political trends to

their clients. A C.I.D report stated that no single influential or intelligent person who

comes to a vakil, goes away without being treated to some hint on the present state of

affairs”70 The United Native Club at Kurnool supported by the local Lawyers was the

venue of political confrontations and brimmed over its high nationalist spirit even by

suspending its subscription to the Madras Mail.71 The Swadeshi, and National

Education vigorously advocated by the Bengalees captured the imagination of the

people of Kurnool district. Nationalist leaders like Kopalli Hanumantha Rao and Kona

Sita Rama Rao of Machilipatnam (Krishna District) visited Kurnool in 1908, and

heartened to folks by every clear utterance. This resulted in large collection of funds

for the National College at Machilipatnam.72 Subscriptions were also collected in

Kurnool to send a student to Japan for learning glass making.7'1 The opening of reading

rooms, in Kurnool and other places was another important method observed by the

Swadeshi leaders to enrich the movement. These reading rooms served as main centres

for gatherings and debates on Swadeshi problems and to uplift the Swadeshi

Enterprises. Important nationalist papers such as “Dsabhimani” and “Krishna Patrika”

were widely read by the people in the Reading rooms.74

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Home Rule Movement

The Home Rule Movement launched by Mrs. Annie Besant in 1916 inaugurated

new spirit for local self government in Kurnool district. Gadicherla Harisarvothama

Rao was appointed as Secretary to a separate branch and to popularise the ideals of

Home Rule Movement in Andhra.75 At the 1917annual session of the Kurnool district

conference it was stated that the local boards are dominated by officials and demanded

proper action to provide more representation to the people in the local boards so as to

encourage the local self government institutions.76

The Madras Government passed interment orders on Mrs. Annie Besant, Wadia

and Aruandale. In protest against the orders, public meeting was held at Kurnool town

it was presided over by T. chidambara Rao and resolved in criticising the action of the

Government under the defence of India Act and urged the Viceroy and the Secretary of

State for India to remove the orders.77 The meeting also resolved to work vigorously

for the attainment of Home Rule.78 This development as well as the threat of “Panaiva

Resistance” convinced the Government that it was not expedient to continue Besant’s

interniment. So Besant and her collegues were released on 17 September 1917, This

gave an end to the Home Rule Movement. K.V.R.Krishna Rao delivered presidential

address at the Third Kumool District Conference in which he advocated the gathering

that the primary need of the hour was to educate the people regarding Home Rule “so

that the agitation in this respect may have the weight of a strong and influential public

opinion behind.79
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The Non Co-operation Movement in Kurnool District.

The year 1919 brought a revolutionary change in the national movement.

Thenovel method of Satyagraha by Gandhi had yielded good results. Nehru rightly

stated that “Gandhi, for the first time entered the Congress organisation and

immediately brought about a complete change in its constitution. He made it

democratic and as a mass organisation. The peasants rolled in and, in its new grab, it

began to assume the look of a vast agrarian organisation with a stray sprinkling of the

middle class.”80

Gandhi, entered the Indian politics in the year 1919 on the eve of passing

Rowlatt Act. This act was rushed through the Imperial Legislative Council between

6th February and 18th March, 1919 to replace the defence of the India Act. Under

this Act the Government of India acquired emergency powers to deport the individuals,

to set up tribunals to try political offenders and muzzle the press. The people who

were already hard pressed due in post war shortages, epidemics and inflation were

indignant over the new attempts of the Government to arm themselves with power to

suppress their freedom. The result was the birth of a Satyagraha campaign launched

under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.81 He called upon the people to observe April

6th, as a day of fasting, prayer, and of a national humiliation. In accordance with his

appeal all the telugu districts of the Madras Presidency observed that day as a day of

prayers, and fasting. There was complete hartal, the first of its kind in all towns and

even in some villages. All shops were closed, meetings were held and resolutions were

passed demanding the repeal of the Rowlatt Act .82

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Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy : The Government struck the activities of congress in a

ruthless manner. Many people were arrested on mere suspicion of being nationalists.

A meeting was held on the 13th April in Amritsar at the Jallianwala Bagh in protest

against the Government policy of repression. General Dyer regarded it as a challenge

to his authority. He reached with a force of 90 soldiers and opened fire indiscriminately

till all his ammunition were exhausted as a result of which 400 people were killed while

1200 were wounded.83 The whole country was filled with anguish, anger and

indignation, bearing about Litis deliberate massacre. It reaffirmed their decision to defy

the law at any cost. Country wide protests were made against the ruthless act of the

Government in the Punjab. Hartals and strikes became the order of the day and the

year 1919 was witnessedby a phenomenal growth of the mass movement in India.84

Andhra provincial Congress Committee (APCC) met at Mahanandi in Kumool

district in the summer of 1920, presided by Prakasam, where the repressive measures of

the Government were utterly condemned.85 The 8th Andhra Mahasabha was held at

Mahanandi under the presidentship of Ranganathamodaliyar. The Mahasabha deeply

criticised the policies of Mountage and Punjab horrors.86

The Indian Muslims were deeply hurt by the Treaty of Severs which dismembered the

Turkish Empire. The muslims of India forced the Government to change its policy on

Turkey and an agitation was started in India under the leadership of Ali brothers.87

Gandhi supported the sentimental feelings of muslim brothers. Khilafat Day was

observed on October 17, 1919, Gandhi stated that “The 17th October long be

remembered as a great day in Indian history”.88 Khilafat Committee met in November

at Delhi to fight against the Balkan States, and it gained the strength when Ali Brothers

were released from interminent in December 1919.89 The Muslims of Adoni, and
 157

Kurnool under Khilafat leaders took out processions as protest against the arrest of Ali

brothers.90 As soon as the terms of the Treaty of Severs were published in May, 1920,

a Conference was convened at Allahabad in June consisting of Gandhi, and other

prominent muslim leaders. Gandhi was highly dissatisfied with the Mount Ford reforms

and decided to completely identify himself with the ‘Khilafat agitation’ thereby he was

able to win over the muslims in the cause of the struggle of Independence.91

Gandhiji launched Non Cooperation movement against the British, advocated

national fasting and believed in the irresistible power of passive resistance. He gave the

signal for the non cooperation campaign. He addressed a letter to the British

Government on August 1, 1920 to drew the attention of the Viceroy towards the

Khilafat and Punjab happenings. In protest he renounced Qaiser-I-Hind Gold medal,

the Zulu War Medal and the Boer War Medal on the plea that in the prevailing

circumstances he could not wear them with an easy conscious. He preached the ideals

of non cooperation and delivered great speeches on its merits in various parts of the
07
counrtry.

A special session of the INC was held in Calcutta from 4th to 9th September

1920. Gandhiji’s resolution for non violent non cooperation was carried after some

opposition from top most leaders of the congress.91 In Andhra, Duggirala

Gopalakrishnaiah, Konda Venkatappaiah, Ayyadevara Kalcswara Rao, Pattabhi

Sitaramaiah. Peta Bapaiah attended this session, and some of these leaders also

opposed the non cooperation resolution proposed by Gandhiji, but it was implemented

as it was a Congress resolution.94 After the Calcutta session, the congress leaders in

Andhra undertook a tour of their respective districts to explain the policy of non­

cooperation to the people and to appeal them to obstain from exercising their franchise
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in the ensuing elections and to persuade lawyers to give up their practice in the

Courts.95 Konda Venkatappaiah as the Secretary of the provincial congress committee

under took a special tour of the Andhra districts.96

Nagpur Congress Session : The annual session of the congress was held at Nagpur in

December 1920 presided over by Sri Vijaya Raghava Chary. Scores of people attended

to the Session Wearing Khaddar, and Gandhi cap,97 the joy and enthusiasm of Hindus

and Muslims those days was really something special, and were marching shoulder to

shoulder for the national cause.98 Gandhi declared that the object of the congress was

to attain Swaraj by all legitimate and peaceful means. He also declared that, Swaraj

would be achieved within one year if his non co operation policy was strictly adhered to

by all congress men.99

Vijayawada All India Congress Committee : The Vijayawada session of A.I C C.

had a great impact on the progress, of freedom struggle in Andhra as well as in

Southern India. It was decided to raise one crorc rupees for the Tilak Swaraj Fund and

also to enrol one crore Congress members and to introduce 20 lakh Charkhas in order

to promote the ‘Khaddar movement’ and the organisation of Panchayats, prohibition of

liquor, removal of untouchability, working for Hindu Muslim unity, encouragement of

national educational institutions and Hindu language agenda was decided. This session

gained a unique importance event in the history of freedom stmgglc in Andhra.100

The Vijayawada Session made a tremendous impact on the progress of freedom

movement in Kumool District. Many Ryots, from Kurnool District came to the session

in groups marching through villages by singing “Bazan Kirthans” and raising slogans in

praise of Gandhiji and the Congress.101 The Andhra Congress Committee met at
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Guntur under the presidentship of Konda Venkatappayya after this session. It was

decided that Ayyadevara Kaleswar Rao should visit Rayalaseema districts in order to

propagate the method of non violent is, non cooperation of the movement.102 Kaleswar

visited Nandyal and conducted a meeting, which was presided over by Panyam

Ramachandraiah a lawyer who gave up his practice in response to the call given by

Gandhi. Subsequently a meeting was also convened at Kurnool, under the presidenthip

of B. Narayana Murthy, a lawyer who also gave up his practice in response to the call

of Gandhiji. The people who attended to their meetings very much impressed by the

patriotic speeches of of Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao.103

After the Vijayawada Congress session Gandhiji undertook a tour of Andhra

country during the course, he visited Kurnool on 30th September, 1921 Desabhakta

Konda Venkatappaiah Pantulu accompanied Mahatma Gandhi. People of all classes

and castes began to pour into the town. Gandhi desired that there should be no

procession or demonstration, so the people of the town, decorated the main streets of

the town with festoons, welcome arches erected with the slogans like with “May God

protect Mahatma Gandhiji”, etc., on the banks of Tungabhadra river.

The police did not make any arrangements, to the meeting, everything was left

to the Khilafat and Congress volunteers they managed the business admirably well. As

per resolution of the Kurnool Municipal Council, the Chairman of the Kurnool

Municipal Council read an address printed on Swadeshi paper. The public of Kurnool

also presented an address in Telugu on Swadeshi Khaddar cloth. The Muslim’s of the

Kurnool town presented a silver toy moving charka beautifully mounted on a Swadeshi

box containing the people’s address to Gandhiji. He was also presented with pure

Swadeshi clothes of handspun yarn and woven at Kurnool. The Mahatmaji

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appreciated the silver cliarka but desired that it may be donated and the sale proceeds

may be donated to Khilafat, Tilak Swaraj and Famine Funds. Mahatmaji chiefly dwelt

on the imperative need for using Swadeshi cloth alone and said that otherwise Swaraj

will not come. He also dwelt on the imperative need for Hindu Muslim Unity and

eradication of untouchability also. Moulana Abdul Khader Ajad Sobhani also spoke

laying special stress upon the supreme necessity of Hindu Muslim Unity. Madam

Venkaiah Chetty, the richest banker of the place, contributed Rs. 1116/- for the Tilak

Swaraj Fund.10'*

Boycott of elections : Under the programme of boycott of the elections, schools,

offices etc., various congress leaders toured the Andhra, and they appealed to the

people to boycott the 1910 elections. In response to the programme of non

cooperation the people of the Kumool district boycotted the 1920 elections.105 The

students came under the influence of the local Congress leaders as well as the teachings

of their, patriotic school teachers they boycotted the schools in support of the

movements. Students of S.P.G. High School at Nandyal boycotted the school in

response to the non cooperation movement. This activity went on for several days. In

order to encourage the students, meetings were held by local congressmen and to take

steps to strengthen the movement.106 Mr. Shankar Reddy of Kurnool gave up his

education at B.A. in response to the call of Gandhiji and participated in the movement

with great enthusiasm.107 Few congress men of the district like B. Mahanandayya, N.

Venkatasubbayya and M. Rama Subbayya etc., established schools and night schools at

Nandyal, Kurnool and Chagalamarri respectively, to meet the educational needs of

down trodden people of the district. They also provided food to the poor students.108
 161

The district people boycotted the law courts and established few panchayat

courts. In the welcome address presented to Gandhiji on September 30, 1921, by the

people of Kurnool Mandalam established mention is made to few panchayat courts in

the district by a few dedicated congress workers.109 Nandyal Bar Association and

United Native Club of Kurnool suspended practice for some time. Prominent lawyers

who gave up their practice during this period were Panyam Rahacnahdraiah from

Nandyal and S. Narayana Murthi from Kurnool,110

Congress committees were set up at Kurnool, Brahmanakotkur, Nandyal,

Karevena, Atmakur and in some villages of the Nandyal firka and Sirivel, by the efforts

of Harisarvotham Rao, B. Narayana Murthy, and Medam Venkayya, Congress leaders

like Sriman Kirthanakesari, Jayaramacharya deputed by Karnataka provincial congress

committee, Dcsabandhu Raghavendra Rao, Krishna Rao, Modvedkar, N. C.Kelkar,

Kowjigi and Tarnath visited Adoni, and delivered inspiring lectures on Swadeshi and

Swaraj and the people were greatly responded to these speeches.111

Anti Arrack campaign : During 1921 - 1922 there were campaigns against the

consumption of liquor. Both the Hindus and Muslims went hand in hand to organise

the anti drink campaign. The programme including preventing bidders from bidding at

sales of arrack and Toddy shops and picketing before them after they were leased.112

Mohammadans adopting an old Turkish custom made their co-peer’s give up drinking

and oath taken before a red post specially planted for this purpose. About 40 such

posts were erected in different parts of the town.11'1 Hindus publicly took oath before

the posts not to drink. Between April and November 1921 the arrack shop at Kurnool

was constantly picketed by non co operators who made a bid to stop the sales

completely. But their efforts were failed because the district collector posted the
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police, to patrol around the shops. Inspite of the police Vigilance the sales of the

arrackshops were adversely affected and it incurred losses.114

In Kurnool the toddy shops of Peddapaka, Jolapuram and Budavarpet had no

sales from the middle of February 1921 due to the picketing by the congress workers.

The shops of Adoni and Alur were either picketed or the regular customers were

pressurised not to patronise the shops. In result of the campaign against anti arrack,

the excise income to the government and collection of rentals fell from Rs. 2,22,900 in

1920 - 21 to Rs. 90,360 in 1921 - 22 in Kurnool district.115

Agrarian problems: it is very important to understand the peasant grievances during

1920 - 22 in Kurnool district. There was a serious drought in Adoni, Alur, pattikonda,

Dhone, Nandikotkur taluks of the district. Relief works were carried from the end of

the year 1920 to 1922.116 The demand and collection of land revenue was as for Fasli

1330 (1920 - 21) 21.74 and 20.0 for Fasli 1331 (1921 - 22) 21.69 and 21.45 and for

fasli 1332 (1922 - 23) 22.57 and 22.56.117 All these show that though there was

drought and less cultivation instead of giving relief to the farmers, the Government

collected the land revenue as demanded earlier by hook or crook.

The ryot demanded, the reduction of land revenue of every resettlement. Right

from the beginning of the 20lh Century, the demand for permanently fixing the land

revenue in ryotwari areas had been put forward and the contemporary paper never tired

of attacking the Government for enhancing the burden of land revenue on the poverty

stricken ryots.1111

Theoretically land revenue assessment had to be fixed to as not to exceed the

half of the net produce after deducting the expenses of cultivation etc. But the Madras
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government started absorbing more and more agricultural surplus to the system of

enhancing the water cess and other local cesses. This enhancement was strongly

resented by the ryots.119

The peasants of Kurnool district agreed that the time had come for Civil

Disobedience. They said that the people of Kurnool district were enthusiastic and

ready to face all troubles from civil disobedience.120 Reports also revealed that two

attempts were made in Kurnool to organise no tax campaign movement.121 Political

plays, singing of Kirtanas, poems and songs and conducting of Bhajana Marches were

used to spread the National consciousness among the people. The play ‘Gandhi

Vijayam’ was staged several times in every nook and corner of the district.122 One of

the most popular songs of the period was “Makoddu Ee tella doratanam” by Garimella

Salhyanarayana, danced on the lips of every nationalist of Kurnool district and

influenced them to participated in the movement. 123

The Hartal against the visits of Prince of Wales visit: The Prince of Wales visited

India on 17th November, 1921. Hartal was observed all over the country. Congress

Committees at Kurnool, Nandyal, Sirivel, Nandikotkur, Atmakur, Karivena,

Brahmankotkur and other villages convened meetings by local congress leaders and

passed resolutions to boycott the visit of Prince of Wales, whom the British

Government invited to India.12*1 In response to this resolution Congress workers

collected the foreign cloth from all the houses and made bonfire in streets.123 Due to

Ibis, several leaders like A. Gopal Rao for 4 months Gani Ramaehandraiah for 4

months68 Kameswara Rao for 2 months, M. Sankar Reddy from Mudumala for 9

months B. Seshanna from Yemmiganur for 9 months K. Sriranga Charyulu of Kurnool

for 8 months and U. Subba Rao for 6 months, suffered with rigorous imprisonment.
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The prominent Congress leaders from the district such as Gadicherla

Harisarvothama Rao, Medam Venkaiah Chetty, Panyam Ramachandraiah, Kasarabada

Narasimha Rao. Kypa Subramanyam Sarma, Despande Subba Rao all these from

Nandyal and B. Narayana Murthy Taranath Sankar Reddy, a student, from Kumool, B.

Subba Rao of Velugode, B. Mahanandaiah from Nandyal Akbar Ali Saheb from

Koilkuntla, Nuti Vcnkatasubbaiah of Kumool M. Ramasubbaiah from Chagalamarry ct

al made efforts for poorna swaraj. 17r’

The Government of India held the Non cooperation Movement responsible for

all disturbances in India during 1921 - 22. On the 5th February, 1922 an outburst of

violence took place at Chauri Choura in Uttar Pradesh. This hurt the feelings of

Mahatma Gandhi and he suspended the movement. Gandhi was arrested on 1st March,

1922 for the violence in non cooperation movement. He felt guilty at the trial and

accepted the total responsibility for every deed in Chauri Chaura, and other similar

incidents. In result, Gandhi was sentenced for six years imprisonment. A large number

of non cooperaters were also arrested in Andhra. Thus with the arrest of Gandhi the

non cooperation movement in Kumool district came to an end as other parts of the

country.

The suspension of Non cooperation Movement created a great dissappointment

among the Congress leaders. Several leaders wanted to enter the Legislative Councils.

This idea was opposed by some leaders and this gave birth to two groups in Congress,

one in favour of change and the other for against change. It was reached to apex at

the A1CC session (1922) at Gaya. The President of the session C.R.Das resigned the

presidentship of AICC and founded Swaraj party in 1923, with himself as the president

and Motilal Nehru as its Secretary.

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The main objective of the Swaraj party was to attain Dominion status for India,

within the British empire. In June 1923, C.R. Das undertook a tour of Andhra and

addressed public meetings at many places. The majority of congressmen from Kumool

district for against change so the views of Das were critised.127 Further in 1923

elections, the Muslim voters displayed a clean loyalty, as a result the two sitting

members, Rao Bahadur C.V. Ranga Reddy, and K. Sarabha Reddy, who were returned

unopposed in the elections from the Kurnool General Non Muhammadan constituency.

Because the people of Kurnool were not attracted towards Swaraj party, rather they

showed their honesty towards Gandhi’s principles.128

The Nagpur Falg Satyagraha - 1923 : In 1923, the Nagpur Flag Satyagraha was

organised under the leaderhip of Jamanlal Bajaj. Andhra sent five batches of eight

Satyagrahis each every week to the Nagpur Flag Satyagrah. These Satyagrahis were

drawn from all parts of the districts of Andhra region. S.M.K. Biyabani from Kurnool

district was sent to participate in the Nagpur Flag Satyagraha movement.129

The demand for complete Independence

In the mean time several district confererences passed resolutions to

‘Sampoorna Swatantramu’ (Purna Swaraj) instead of Dominion status. They wanted

complete independence outside the British empire. Thus Andhra had the distinction of

passing the resolution on Purna Swaraj or complete Independence even two years

earlier than the Indian National Congress which adopted Poorna Swaraj as its aim only

in the Madras session in 1927. The Swarjist leaders, Gadichcrla I larisarvothama Rao

from Kurnool district and A. Kaleswar Rao the president of the Andhra Swaraj Party

welcomed this resolution. no

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The elections to the legislature : -

T. Prakasam the President of the Andhra Congress Committee, came to

Kumool district on election campaign for 1926 legislative elections.131 At this

elections in Kumool district, besides the Swarajits who stood on behalf of the

Congress, the Khilafatists, the Justicites and the Independents were contested for the

two seats pertaining to Kurnool non Mohammadan Rural Constituency. One seat was

won by is G. Harisarvotham Rao a Congress candidate and the other by the candidates

of Justice Party K. Sarbha Reddy.132 The Kurnool district Congress Committee

was started collecting funds on Khaddar sales and enrolling the members in Congress

party. The fund collected on Khaddar sales was Rs. 5,813 from 13 villages and the

congress members enrolled as on 21.8.1929 were 500 in Kumool district.133

Boycott of Simon Commission

The boycott of the Simon Commission became one of the main pre occupations

of Kurnool as it was the other parts of the country. Public meetings were conducted in

and around the district and steps were taken in favour of the boycott of the commission

and the closure of all local self bodies on the day of its landing in India.134

All parties conference at Nandyal - 1928 : All parties conference was held at

Nandyal on November 16, 1928. It was presided by Dr. Annie Besant and C.D.

Doraiswami Iyyengar, T. Prakasham, K. Nageswar Rao Panthulu, G. Harisarvothama

Rao, V. Ramadass Pantulu and Dr. Pattabhi Scctaramayya were the prominent leaders

attended the session. After a long discussion the report of the Nehru committee was

adopted and the session passed a resolution.133

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Gandhiji tour to Kurnool district - 1929 : All India Charka Society was set up by

Gandhiji in 1925. Simultaneously branches were also set up through the Andhra for

sales and production of Khaddar, A similar branch was also opened in Kurnool

District.1'16 Gandhiji visited Kurnool district second time to collect the Khaddar fund

and observed the boycott of foreign cloth in 1929. He visited Pattikonda on May, 21,

1929. V. Sankara Sarina the editor of ‘Aindravati’ gave Rs. 1,116/- for Khaddar fund.

Gandhiji addressed masses for the use of Swadeshi cloth to attain Swaraj. All his

speeches were translated into Telugu by Harisarvothama Rao.137

Civil Disobedience Movement in Kurnool

The Lahore session of the congress declared Purna Swaraj as the goal of the

Congress. The session also authorised the All India Congress committee, wherever it

deemed fit, to launch a programme of Civil disobedience and January 26, 1930 was

declared as the “day of Purna Swaraj or complete Independence”138 Jawaharlal Nehru

drafted a pledge to set complete Independence as the goal to be pursued by means of

non violent Civil Disobedience.139 Gandhiji decided to start Civil Disobedience by

breaking salt laws. On March 12, 1930 Gandhiji set out on the March to Dandi with 78

followers, to break the Salt law and on April 6, he walked in to the water of sea at

Dandi and picked up a lump of salt and violated the salt law.140 After breaking Salt

law, he appealed to all the Congress workers. “This war against the salt tax should be

continued during the National week, this is, upto the 13th April, 1930, Those who are

not engaged in this sacred work should themselves do rigorous propaganda for the

boycott of foreign cloth and the use of Khaddar.....”141 He also appealed to the Hindus

to avoid untouchability. The boycott of foreign cloth and liquor enforced by methods of

picketing, succeeded tremendously.142

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Salt Satyagraha in Kurnool District : Andhra provincial working committee

appointed Deshabhakta Kondavenkatappayya as the Director for the entire Andhra

province to lead the satyagraha movement. For each district dictator and a war council

was appointed, to advise the dictator. A “Sibiram” was also established in each

district.141

The Kurnool District enthusiastically responded to the call given by the

National Congress to launch Civil Disobedience Movement in the district. A “Sibiram”

was located at Bellary for the Rayalaseema region under the leadership of Kalluri

Subba Rao.144 As the Rayalaseema is far away from the sea coast so it was not

possible to break the salt laws, hence the programme of triple boycott was

implemented. This programme was highly successful in Kurnool district.145

Gadicherla Harisarvothama Rao resigned from the Madras Council and sent his

resignation to the Madras Governor from Nandyal on 21st May 1930.146 In response to

the call given by Gandhiji A. Vcnkatasubbayya of Nandyal and M. Shamshcr Baig of

Panyam gave up their studies and joined the movement. Under the Moda system the

earth salt was manufactured in Koilkuntla, Sirvel, Dhone, Owk, Kurnool and other

taluks of the district. The British imposed restrictions on sales of the earth salt in order

to reduce salt the production. These restrictions were only lifted after the inspection by

the Salt Revenue Inspector.

Another feature of the Salt Satyagraha Movement was picketing the toddy

shops and the shops selling of foreign cloth. Several people courted arrest; after

persistently picketing the toddy shops at “Rudiyala”.147 Elukuri Ellayya and R.

Subramanya Sarma from Nandyal gave financial support to taluk congress committes

to carry out the Civil Disobedience movement148 and they also actively participated in
 169

distribution of phamplets in support of khadi movement and boycott of foreign

goods.149 The Government passed an order for the local bodies not to associate with

the movement, but the local bodies and professional associations cooperated with the

movement and passed resolutions against the government by asking the people to

boycott foreign cloth and picketing of shops.150

Gadicherfa Harisarvothama Rao inspired and motivated the people of Kurnool

through his speeches and articles published in “Aindravati” and “Kowmodaki” News

papers.151 He requested the people to form volunteer organisations and to set up

‘Sibirams’ and to salute the and hoist the National Flag. On 26th April 193 1.152 He

himself started a Sibiram at Nandyal called “Hindusthan Sevadal” at Nandyal.153 The

congress volunteers of picketed the taluk office of Nandyal on 21st August 1931 and

requested the abkari contractors not to participate in the biddings. But T.N.

Swaminadhan, the Sub-Collector conducted the abkari auction with the help of police

and gave notice to Gadicherla not to interfere in the abkari auctions.154

Gandhi.Irwin Pact

After the release of Gandhi on January 26,1931 negotiations started between

Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy. According to the pact the congress agreed to

discontinue the Civil Disobedience Movement and to participate in Round Table

Conference for the constitutional reforms. The government agreed to release all

political prisioners and to allow people to collect salt for personal consumptions and to

withdraw ordinance promulgated in connection with Civil Disobedience Movement.155

Gandhi came to Bombay on 28th December 1931 and found repression in full force all

over the country. Gandhi passed the news to the Willington, the new Viceroy on
 170

January 3, 1923” 1 wish to assure Government that every endeavour will be made on

the part of the congress to carry on struggle without malice and in strictly non violent

manner”. Gandhi and other congress leaders were arrested. The Government attacked

the Congress ruthlessly and all the District congress committees in Andhra were

declared as unlawful associations.156 Prominent Congress leaders of Kumool District

were arrested for picketing the foreign shops and were sentenced to various terms of

rigorous impriosonment.157

In 1930 Harisvarthoma Rao and Kypa Subramanya Sarma started a weekly

called Kowmodaki at Nandyal. The weekly used to publish under the heading “News

of my views”, they wrote articles against ruthless imprisonments, Civil Disobedience,

and the spirit of Nationalism.158 The Government warned the press and for anti

government writings, and blacklisted the journals regarding their activities in respect of

the national movement. The Public Department imposed restrictions on advertisements

through G.O.No. 629 dated May, 12, 1930.159 A security was demanded from

Indravathy Press under the press ordinance II of 1930 and a G.O. was issued the

prohibiting the publication of the speeches of Subash Chandra Bose.160 This gave birth

to the new journals such as Navashakthi, Sarada, Satyaprabha and Jaya Bharati.161

These journals tried to bring changes in the society as well as to strengthen the masses

in all spheres.

Impact of Communal award : Communal award wanted a separate electorates for

Harijans, Gandhi announced his fast unto death against the communal award.162

Gandhi began his fast from Yerawada Jail on 20th September 1932. Leaders of all

political parties held discussions with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and reached to an agreement

which is known as Poona pact. Gandhi broke his fast on 26th September 1932.163 At
 171

Nandyal a meeting was convened in the premises of Mahanandeswar Temple, under the

chairmanship of B. Maddileti Harisarvothama Rao explained the intricacies of

communal award and convinced all the members in favour of the joint electorates.164

In Kurnool district several programmes were organised on the eve of Gandhiji’s

birthday on 2nd October, 1934. Gandhiji’s photo was taken in procession singing

bhajan kirtans. A community dining was arranged at Harijanawada for over 150

people. In the evening a public meeting was organised by Kurnool Yuvajana Sangham,

Swami Narayana Nanda spoke about Gandhi’s life, The mass prayers were conducted

for the soundhealth of Gandhiji.163

On 2nd October 1935 a meeting was held at Nandyal in memory of Gandhiji’s

birthday. Harisarvothama Rao was delivered a speech on Mahatma’s life. Leaders like

Kaipa Subramanya Sarma, Ellukuri Ellayya, and Kodi Narasimhudu sold Khaddar and

prayed for Gandhi’s health.166 Non cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements

boosted Khaddar industry. Khaddar boards were replaced by charka sanghas in the

district. Kurnool Swadeshi stores helped to establish a Khadi store at Guntur, with the

total investment Rs. 15000.167 The ‘Ten number’ Khaddar was more in use than

‘Forty’ number Khaddar in the district.

Famine Relief work : The Rayalaseema region witnessed famine in 1934 and 1936.

The prominent leaders of the congress toured in Kurnool district to organise the famine

relief programmes and to study the famine situation.168 On January 27th 1935 a

famine relief committee was set up at Guntakal. Rao Bahadur Sesha Reddy, MLC,

Kurnool was elected as its Sub-President. A central advocating committee was also set

up with Harisarvotham Rao, Kalluri Subba Rao and others to collect subscriptions from
 172

the people either in cash or in kind for famine relief.169 It demanded for the early relief

and for revenue remissions, reduction of Pullari, provision of irrigation facilities, works

for the labourers from the government. A famine relief committee was set up at

Nandyal in 1935, under the Presidentship of Desaponde Subba Rao. A. Ramasubbayya,

an Advocate, Nivarthi Venkata Suibbayya, Kodi Narasimham were contributed for the

famine relief.170

The most important development in 1933 was the establishment of ‘Indian

peasant Institute’ at Nidibrolti by N.G. Ranga. It’s first session was held at Ramanccdu

Vidhyalaya in April 1934. Students from Kurnool district also attended this session.171

Some of the students of that batch rose to the very prominent positions in Andhra

politics. Harisarvothama Rao established a Telugu ryot sangh at Nandyal in 1934 and a

Zilla Ryot Sangham at Kurnool.172 N.G. Ranga and Harisarvotham Rao visited the

entire Rayalaseema region. Through meetings they demanded the Government to solve

the peasant problems.17'7 At Kurnool meeting Harisarvotham Rao passed the

resolutions for the resettlement of the land revenue. He also wrote a book entitled

“Madras Land Revenue System” on behalf of the Nandyal Yuvajana Sangh.174 A

School of “Politics and econics” was also established at Giddalur for Rayayalseema

peasants,173

N.G. Ranga, Gadicherla, Kodi Narasimha Rao conducted meetings at all levels

such as, Rayalaseema Ryot conference, economic development conference student

conference, Famine relief conference etc., they used to celebrate the Kisaan days,

Harijan days etc., once or twice in a year. Many rural youth came forward to join this
176
movement.
 173

1937 elections

The government of India Act of 1935 for the Madras Presidency elections were

held for both upper and lower houses in 1937.177 In Madras Presidency the congress

completely rooted the justice party as well as the Peoples party.178 The elections were

held to the upper house in February 1937. The Congress, the Muslim progressive

party, the Justice party, the peoples party and independents were in the field in the

Kumool district. N. Sankar Reddy a congress nominee secured 110 votes out of 220

votes elected to the provincial legislative council and the term of his office was fixed at

three years.179 Regarding the elections to the assembly, the congress party swept the

polls in the district, except Kurnool rural constituency, in which Abdul Rahim Khan

was elected as an independent.180 The two general Non-Mohammadan Kurnool rural

seats were gone in favour of Congress candidates O. Lakshmana Swamy Rao and S.

Nagappa the congress candidates. For general non-mohammaden Nandyal Rural

constituency, G. Venkata Reddy of Congress was elected.181 With this, the Congress

emerged as the single largest party in Madras Presidency and formed the Ministry in

April 1937 with C. Rajagopala Chary as its Premier.182

Economic and political schools

The products of summer school of politics, held at Kottapatnam in May 1937

gave birth to the spread of Communist ideology in the district.183 Several students

from Kurnool district such as, Kodi narasimham and Balaram from Nandyal, Tippa

Reddy, Narasimha Reddy, Nagappa from Kumool attended the school.184 This school

generated the socialist ideologies in the minds of the students.183 A Hindi school was

started at Turimella in this district by Darba Krishna Murthy (Guntur) with the help of
 174

B. Sayanna. This school was a centre for spreading communist ideas through out the

district.186 In 1937 Jayaprakash Narayan visited Kurnool district on behalf of the All

India Congress Socialist Party to propagate the socialist ideas. Several students were

joined the Congress in order to work for the development of the socialist party. In

1938, N.G. Ranga organised on Kissan march which developed into a potent political

force against the British. The prominent leaders represented from the district were

N.V. Subbayya, K. Obula Reddy, D. Sankara Reddy.187

A political school was organised at Kalva Bugga in Kurnool district from May

20 to June 20, 1939. This was conducted by the district congress and congress

socialist party under the leaderhsip of Harisarvothama Rao and there were 24 leaders

worked as teachers. 64 students attended the school from various parts of the

district.188 This school was reported to be a “Gandhian One”. This built up real

leadership which is to be the “Back bone of the rural people.”189

On September 3rd 1939 Britain declared Second World War on Germany,

when India was dragged into the war without taking the consent of Indian people.

The congress committee met at Wardha and resolved not to cooperate in the war so

long as equality of status and freedom was not granted. On 22nd October the working

committee passed a resolution calling all the congress Ministers to resign.190 In

response to the resolution Rajaji Ministry resigned on 29th October 1939. The AICC

on September 15, 1940, requested Mahatma Gandhi to resume the leadership of the

Congress. Gandhi met the Viceroy on September 27 but the Viceroy refused to give

freedom to the congress men, the congress working committee met on October 11 and

decided to start Individual Civil Disobedience.191

 175

The Individual Civil Disobedience or Individual Satyagraha was started in

October 17, 1940 with Vinobha Bhave’s speech. The Satyagraha went on till the end

of 1941192 The new satyagraha campaign passed through several stages. In the first

stage which lasted till November 17, 1940, prominent individuals were selected for

individual Satyagraha. In second stage the campaign became “representative

Satyagraha.” From Kurnool, S. Nagappa was the first one from Kumool who offered

the Individual Satyagraha. The campaign started in Andhra in the 3rd week of

November 1940, and before the close of the year all the Congress men in the front rank

found themselves in Jails. G. Venkata Reddy and Sankara Reddy from Kurnool district

were among the first detenues.193 Several arrests were made through out the district.

Many Satyagrahis were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. Even women like S.

Amaravatamma, lakshmidevamma, E. Subbarathnamma were imprisoned.194 Some of

Congress volunteers in the district paid the fine besides imprisonment, the lawyers who

participated from Nandyal and Kurnool Bar in the movement were deprived of their

licence.195

Ryots associations were formed in many places, the presidents of these

associations have participated in the movement and imprisoned. Nivarthi Venkata

Subbayya, a member of the editorial staff of the “Swarajya”, the President of ryots

association, Member of the AICC and District Board, was given a sentence of 8

months imprisonment for shouting anti war slogans.196 In order to enlighten the masses,

printed pamphlets and cyclostyled copies were distributed for anti war propaganda.197

The British government made efforts to collect war fund by organising dramas, film

shows etc. The Local Congressmen appealed to the people and requested them not to

buy tickets for dramas in aid of the war fund.198 Makham Subbarayudu Gupta of
 176

Nandyal appealed to the Government servants to resign their jobs and join the

Individual Satyagraha. For this he was sentenced for two month imprisonment.199

Gandhi gave a call to the Congressmen to march on foot towards Delhi,

explaining to the people the war policy congress. In response to this call 190

satyagrahis of Kumool district participated in the march to Delhi.200 They marched

through villages and towns by carrying the congress message to the people. Some of

them marched upto Vijayawada and from there returned to Kumool in response to the

call of Mahatma.

Quit India Movement in Kurnool district

The “Quit India movement of 1942 is a landmark in India’s struggle for

Independence. It was the last and, undoubtedly, the bitterest fight for freedom ever

waged against the British governance in India. The Congress felt the British policy to

continue the war without the Indian consent was a deliberate insult to Indian

Nationalism. The security of India was endangered by the rapid success of the

Japanese in south East Asia. The British government tried to enlist the support of the

Indians for the war and it sent Sir Stafford Cripps in March 1942 for negotiations with

the Indian leaders.

The proposals of Cripps were rejected by all the political parties. Gandhiji told

Sir, Stafford “If this is your entire proposal to India, I would advise you to take the

next plane home.201 Gandhiji turned the Cripps proposal as “a post dated cheque”

because it did not envisage the granting of immediate independence to India.202

The AICC met at Allahabad and passed a resolution, that “on the basis of

gratuity Independence alone that India can deal with the British or other nations.”
 177

After, this, Gandhi wrote articles in the ‘Harijan’ in which he asked the British to

withdraw from India in an orderly manner.

The Congress working committee met in July 1942 and passed resolution

calling up on the British to withdraw from India. If the appeal failed the resolution

stated “they would take all non violent steps for the realisation of political rights and

liberty under the leadership of Gandhi.20'1 The Government quickly reacted by giving

instructions to provincial government to mobilise public opinion against the congress

resolutions. On August 8 Government levelled several charges against the congress.

In this tense atmosphere the AICC met at Bombay on 7th August 1942 and adopted

the “Quit India” resolution. The Government with a lightening speed, took Mahatma

Gandhi and other members of the Congress working committee into custody in the

early hours of 9th August 1942. All Congress Committee were declared unlawful and

jailed almost all congressmen.20'1

At Kumool on July 1942 Pidatala Ranga Reddy the president Nivarthi Venkata

Subbayya the Secretary of Kurnool D.C.C. appealed to the people to be ready to

participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement.205 The Kumool D.C.C. observed and

stated that “Mahatmaji may begin this mass Civil Disobedience in the near future. This

movement may in all probability be begun a few hours after the close of the AICC

meeting.206

The news of the arrests in Bombay of the leaders reached several places in

Andhra on August 9. On the next day continuously meetings were held in all the

districts in defence of prohibitory orders and the action of the Government was

severely condemned. Processions and demonstrations were organised.207 After passing

 178

of the “Quit India” resolution at Bombay A.I.C.C. meeting, several prominent leaders

of Kurnool district were arrested and taken as detenues. They were N. Sankar Reddy.

B.V.Subba Reddy, G. Venkata Reddy of Nandyal taken as detenues.208 After the

passing of the ‘Quit India’ resolution by the AICC, Kurnool District Board passed a

similar resolution, making the British to quit India. The motion was moved by Sirdar

Nagappa a member of Madras Legislative Assembly and also Member of Kurnool

district Board, it was seconded by P. Lakshmi Reddy Vice President of the District

Board. Both of them were arrested in the meeting hall itself and were put in sub-jail for

18 days.

The sudden arrest of the leaders at all levels of the country left without any

experienced and responsible leaders to lead the movement. Groups of people in anger

damaged the symbols of British power and paralysed the entire administration of the

British in the country.209 One of the features of the plan of action according to the

Kurnool circular was to paralyse all means of communication and machinery of

administration, so that the Government would be brought to a stand still. The

movement attracted a large section of the student groups and several students were

went on strike during this period. Government property was burnt at several places

during the course of the movement.210 M.V. Subba Reddy alias “Gamago” influenced

by the nationalistic spirit and refused to join in the Government service. Bhajan parties,

prabhataberis, Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, Independence day celebrations on January

26 were patronised in every nook and corner of the district. The Kurnool circular

recommended, the Congress flags, to hoist them every where. S. Basappa was

awarded twelve cane strokes and imprisoned for two years for hoisting the flag at

Kurnool police station.

 179

Inspite of the 144 section prohibitary orders at Adoni large number of people

assembled at a public place to protest against of the leaders who were dispersed only

after lathi charge by the police. Six people were taken into custody. About twenty

Youth of Adoni who took out procession on 2nd October in connection with Gandhi

Jayanti were arrested. On September 20 about twenty persons of Uravakonda village,

went to Burjula village of Pattikonda taluk and damaged forty date trees.2'1

The president of the District Congress Committee issued an appeal to the

Government servants to resign their jobs in support of the national movement. In the

Municipal High School at Kurnool, two Telugu posters were pasted, asking the public

“not to rent out the buildings to Government servants. The Kamam of Bychigeri

village in Adoni taluk was resigned, but his resignation was refused and he was

dismissed. M. Subbarayudu of Yerraguntala, the Head Master of the District Board

Elementary School at Jakksani Kuntla and D. Bayanna were arrested for sending notice

asking the revenue clerks and village officials to resign.212

During the movement, telephone wires received a special attention of the mobs.

Telegraph wires cut down near Jolapuram at Kurnool. Ratna village Pattikonda taluk,

Budavarpeta, Mondi Kota, Adoni, Venkayapalli and at the bank of Handri river,

telegraph wires were cut down. Railway line was removed at Dupadu, and fish plates

were removed at Nandyala.213 The Kurnool District Board was abolished for a period

of six months due to passing a resolution on 3rd October 1942 approving the illegal

action of the President of the District Board, in ordering closure of the District Board

office on 13th August 1942 in support of the moment.214

 180

The students of Madras Presidency protested against the arrest of the

Congress leaders by a spontaneous strike which virtually emptied almost all the

educational institutions.215 T.K.R. Sharma of Kurnool was a prominent leader in the

Ceded District college at Anantapur. On 11th September 1942 the chemical laboratory

of the Ceded District college was burnt by T.K.R. Sharma alongwith his friend. But

G. Venkata Reddy was arrested.216 Subsequently Sharma’s involvement in the incident

was discovered and was suspended from the final B.A., class by K.P.J. Menon the then

Principal.

The Role of Communists : The influence of the communist creed on the student

organisations was rather significant. In Andhra the communists wishes to start Kisan

Sabha against the existing organisation controlled by N.G. Ranga.217

The Communists had described the government as “Imperialistic” when the

Second World War broke out. But they changed their stand when Russia joined the

war and they started to describe it as ‘People’s war”. They extended full support to the

Government in the war effort and demanded the withdrawal of the Quit India

Resolution passed by the Indian National Congress. This was the general policy of the

Communists in India. The British Government in India also responded favourably

towards the Communists and lifted the ban on the Communist Party of India and its

organs, the National Front and the New Age. Though the Communist Party decided

against participation in the Quit India Movement, however, it is significant to note that

the communists in Kurnool district were in patronage with the national movement

under the leadership of Chandra Pulla Reddy and Gurram Venkat Reddy, even after the

entiy of Russia into the Second World War. This was happened to the divergence

from Communist ideology regarding the Congress policy. Some communists were
 181

diverted from the Congress programme of the movement towards the British. But

some clung together with congress when the time came to part and they were in

patronage with the Congress Movement. The nationalistic mind students of the

“Students Federaton”, who sympathised the Congress either supported the congress

programme or quited their party to join the nationalist wing.218

On 17th August 1942 Chandra Pulla Reddy the Communist leader organised

the students strike at Nandyal as a result of which forty students of Municipal High

School went on strike. At the same evening they organised a meeting and expressed

sympathy for the arrest of the leaders and demanded for their immediate release.219

The students had burnt down the shed attached to the Municipal High School, and

damaged the office of the Deputy Inspector of Schools both at Nandyal and Kurnool

on 24th and 27th August 1942 respectively.220 He also made an abortive attempt at

Kurnool to indulge the students of the local Municipal High School to go on a strike.

Failing in his attempt at Kurnool, he proceeded to Atmakur and induced successfully

the students of the Board High School to go on a strike.221 With the help of the

Guranatha Sarma of Guntur, he visited Koilakuntla and made attempts to instigate the

students of the Board High School to go on strike in support of the arrest of the

congress leaders.

During the Quit India Movement, several communist leaders from different

places were arrested. In Kurnool district also Mr. G. Venkata Reddy, the organiser of

theJCurnool District student Federation was arrested. This show that the extent to

which the nationalist faction of the communist party supported the 1942 movement.222
 182

After the arrest of the communist leaders, Kurnool district Kisan Sangham

protested against N.G. Ranga’s divergent activities and made efforts for the United

Kisan movement.221 All the Communists fought for the betterment of farmers. By

1943 the Kisans were united in Kurnool district, Primary Ryot Sanghas were

established on 23rd January 1943.22,1 The Kurnoool District Kisan Workers meeting

was held at krishnamsetlipalli, and it was resolved to set up on District Ryots

Organising Committee, V. Rama Sastri was elected as its Secretary.225

The Ryots committee were guided by State Ryot Sangham. They worked, to

eradicate the food crises, for famine relief in Rayalseema, to unite the Ryot cooley

Associations and for the release of Gandhi. By the efforts of communists these

committees were strengthened and developed so much.226 Youth leagues were started

by T.K.R. Sharma with forty muslim students and eighty Hindu students. Sharma also

started a daily paper called “Jwala” (1943) this paper and youth league, worked for the

Hindu Muslim unity, Social service, at the same time they also strengthened the

nationalistic spirit among the students,

People of Andhra wanted to celebrate 9th August as the anniversary of the Quit

India Movement. Gandhiji advised them to keep apart all the risk but he asked the

people to observe the 9th August by fasting and prayer and he also appealed to all

Congress workers who had gone underground to discover themselves.227 Response to

this call, Mr. Nivarthi Venkata Subbayya a member of A.I.C.C. and General Secretary

of the D C C. Kurnool, who was in under ground since September, 1942, came to

Sevagram. Asharamam and on Gandhi’s advice, he wrote a letter to the District

Magistrate, Kurnool informing his decision to surrender to the police.228 He was put
 183

on trial for having incited students to boycott schools and village officials to resign, but

later on the Government withdraw all the case against him. 229

In this direction, the Kurnool district made a very significant progress in several

fields. Many night schools were established to improve adult literacy. Doors of the

1 lindu temples were opened for 1 Iarijans. The evil practice of untouchability is almost

disappeared. Communists as well as congress men fought for the welfare of the kisans,

and organised famine relief works in Rayalaseema, They formed peoples food

committees and worked for proper distribution of grain. They also carried on agitation

against the Nawab of Banaganipalli as well as the Nizam of Telengana,

The British Government had made full preparations to suppress the movement

even before it was launched. The first stage planned was to initiate propaganda in India

and outside to justify strong action against the congress and actually it was completed

by 3 August 1942. In the second stage, which was to commence with the ratification

of the “Quit India” resolution by the AICC, the Government proposed that all

provincial Governments should simultaneously proclaim the AICC, the Government

proposed that all provincial Governments should simultaneously proclaim the AICC

and PCC unlawful, but not the Congress as a whole, under the criminal Law

Amendment Act. It was planned that first Gandhi and all members of working

committee should be simultaneously arrested in Bombay. All provincial Governments

seized congress committee offices and funds and arrested all provincial leaders and

organizers of real importance. This involved proclamation of the whole congress

unlawful and promulgation of Emergency powers ordinance.230 Therefore the

Government reacted sharply and wanted to create a reign of terror. Lathi charges,

firing and mass arrests became a common feature and the country was transformed into

S. K. U. Lu'RAItY
acc. no1Q15&JL.
 184

a police state. Police atrocities became daily occurrence and puritive fines and

summary sentences became the order of the day. So that the revolt was short lived but

intense.

The revolt of 1942 short lived because an unarmed people without leaders and

proper organisation could not win against mighty strength of the British power. After

the 1942 Revolt there could have been no doubt left in the minds of the British rulers

that the days of imperialistic domination of India were strictly numbered.231 The violent

mass upsurge of 1942 the enthusiastic response of the people and collective heroism

and bravery in the face of heavy odds and their untold sufferings and sacrifices hastened

the minds of British to Quit India.232

Mountbatten and the Dawn of Independence : On 3rd June 1947 the British

Government sent Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy of India to arrange the transfer of

power which was known as the Mountbatten plan, which provided for the

establishment of two separate dominions India and Pakistan. And the with drawal of

British government from the sub continent the British parliament passed the Indian

Independence on 15th July 1947 and accordingly 15th August 1947 India became

Independent.

The declaration of Independence to India was received with overwhelming joy

by the people of Kurnool district. The day was marked by Prabatabheris, processions,

flag hoistings and public meetings. The people of the Kurnool district paid homage to

the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Independence.
 185

REFERENCES

1. Source of Vijayanagar History P. 81 014 and 205.

2. Krishna RaoV.V. and Balarama Murthy E., “Andhra Pradesh Darshini”

(Telugu) P. 905.

3. Tarachand. History of the Freedom movement in India : Vol. 11. pp. 2-3.

4. Rajagopal M.V. Op. cit. P. 54 and Rama Rao A.V.

5. It is not clearly known whether Muthukuru Gowdappa was a poligar or patel

or headman of Ternekal.

6. D. Ramachandra Rao, Kurnool Mandala Charitra. (Pattikonda, 1936), Pp.

62 - 65.

7. British Vidhanalapai Ternekallu Tirugubatu in Seema Vaibhavaniki Anavallu

: 186 Vasanthala Kurnool, Ecnadu, Special Supplement (anantapur, n.d.).
P.94.

8. H. Heeralal “Kurnool Zilla Samagra Swatantrya Rajakeeya Charitra” Andhra

Pratika. 191'1 March, 1987 pp. 1 -4.

9. J.D.B. Gribblc, Op.cit., pp. 142 -145.

10. N.Gopala Krishnan Chetty, Op. Cit., pp. 55 - 56.

11. Official report of the acting Collector Op. Cit.,

12. J.D.B. Gribble, Op. Cit., pp. 142 - 145

13. Official report of the acting Collector, Op. Cit.,

14. Ibid.,

15. Wahabiis,a sect of Muslims founded about 1760 by Abdul Wahab (1691 -
1787) of Najd in Central Arabia. In India, the Wahabi Movement was
sponsored by Syed Ahmed Brailvi (1786 - 1831) of Rae Bareli. Syed Ahmed
after his return from Mecca in 1820 preached for the eradication of all the
evils and the impurities that had crept into Islam. For 46 years (1822 -
1868), the Wahabi Movement had its permanent headquarters at Patna.
For details, see Fasthuddin Balki, Wahabi Movement (New Delhi, 1983), pp.
1 - 16.
 186

16. Sarojini Regani, Nizam British Relations : 1724 - 1857, (Hyderabad, 1963),
pp. 251 - 252.
See also K. Maddaiah, “Role of Kurnool Nawab in the Wahabi Movement :
1838 - 1839”, paper presented at the First Kurnool District History
conference held at Kurnool on 29 April, 1990.
Also see D. Siva Rao, “Company Sakarupai tirugubatlu” Krishna Patrika,
(Machilipatnam, 16 August, 1947), n.p.
(Saraswatha Nikethananu, Vetapalan hereafter SNV).

17. Sarojini Regani, Nizam British Relations, Op. cit., P. 255.

18. The Freedom Struggle in Hyderbad : 1800 - 1857), (Hyderabad, 1936), Vol.
I. P.146.

19. W.W. Hunter (ed.). Rulers of India : Lord Auckland (Oxford, 1905). P.34.

20. A. Chandrasekhar, Census 1961, Andhra Pradesh District Census hand Book
: Kurnool District, (Hyderabad, 1964), P. XXIV.
See also N. Gopalakrishnaiah Chetty, A Manual of Kurnool District in the
Presidency of Madras, (Madras, 1886), pp. 53 - 55.

21. A. Chandrasekhar, Op.cit., P.XXIV.

22. Sarojini Regani, Nizam British Relations, Op. cit., P. 256.

23. H. Khaja Hussain, “History of the Nawabs of Kurnool : 1651 - 1839”

published in the Souvenir released on the eve of the Xith session of the A.P.
History Congress held at Kurnool on 7 and 8 January, 1985, P.8.

24. Syed Moosa Miah, “The Political Relations between the Nawabs of Kurnool
and the English East India Company ; 1702 - 1839” published in the
Proceedings of the IX Session of the A.P. History Congress held at Kurnool
on 7 and 8 January, 1985, P. 156.

25. Zohrapur also known as Jolapuram (once a small village and now a part of
Kurnool Corporation) is situated at the confluence of the two rivers namely
Tungabhadra and Handri. According to some schloars Handri is a corruption
of the word Aindravathi. It has several ancient Hindu Temples and Dargahs
of Muslim saints.
 187

26. Syed Moosa Miah, Op. cit., Pp. 156 -15:

See also D. Ramachandra Rao, “Kurnool Nawabulu” Bharathi (Madras, 7
October, 1930), Pp. 861 - 865 (SNV)
Also see G. Subbaramayya, “Lekha : Kurnool” Bharathi (Madras, 1 January,
1930), Pp. 167- 180 (SNV).

27. Syed Moosa Miah, Op. cit., P. 157.

28. A. Chandrasekhar, Op.cit., Pp. XXIV - XXV.

See also H. Heera Lai, “Noorellakritham Kurnool” published in the souvenir
released on the eve of the Ixth Session of the A.P. History Congress held at
Kurnool on 7 and 8 January, 1985, p, 2.

29. W.W. Hunter, Op.cit., P.35.

There are various theories regarding the death of Ghulam Rasool Khan.
Mallapalli Somasekhara Sarma writes : “the motive behind the murder was
that the Nawab had falsely implicated his own servant in a theft case.
Enraged by this the servant had killed the Nawab”. See M. Somasekhara
Sarma “Kurnool Nawabulu” in Vignana Sarvaswam” (Hyderabad, 1961),
Vol. IV, P. 749.
A. Nagabhushanam says, “Nawab Ghulam Rasool Khan was killed as a result
of poisoning by the British Government”
See A. Nagabhushanam, “Kurnool Kota” published in the souvenir released
on the eve of the IXth Session of the A.P. Congress held at Kurnool on 7 and
8 January, 1985. P.7.
But the Nawab was assassinated by one of his own followers as he was
coming out of the Mission Chapel in the fort of Trichinopoly. A report was
spread that he was meditating Christianity but his visit to the Chapel was one
of mere curiosity and the cause of the murder was revenge on account of his
ill usage of some of the murderer’s family. See a Gazetter of South India
with the Tanasserim Provinces and Singapore” by Pharoah & Co., Madras,
1855), 1571.

30. Syed Moosa Miah, Op.cit. P. 157.

31. Raja Gopal M.V. pp. 118 - 121.

32. Ibid., p. 187.

33. Kutumba Rao K. “Sweeya Charitra Sangrahamu Kandukuri Veeresalingam”

(Telugu) p. 73.

34. Ramakrishna V. “Social reform in Andhra” 1848 - 1919, p. 99.

35. Ibid., p. 102.

 188

36. Subramanyam K. The Press and National movement in Andhra pp. 131 -
132.

37. Madala Verabhadra Rao “Sri Sarvothama Jeevitamu” (Telugu) pp. 295 -
299.

38. Sivasankar Narayana Bh. Kumool District Gazeteer draft Vol. I pp. 228 -
229

39. Venkata Rangaiah M. “Freedom Struggle in Andhra Pradesh” Vol. 11 pp. 171
- 172.

40. Siva Sankar Narayana Op.Cit., Vol. I p. 229.

41. Andhra Patrika July 14, 1915. P. 49.

42. The Welcome Address by Rao Bahadur N.V. Narasimha Rao I, Kumool
District Conference 22nd Aug. 1914 Kurnool (T.A.).p,3

43. Narayana Rao K.V. The Emergence of Andhra Pradesh p. 147.

44. Siva Sankar Narayana Bh. Op. Cit., Vol. I p. 229.

45. Krishna Rao Y.V. and others Op.cit., p. 1282.

46. Siva Sankar Narayana Op.Cit., Vol. II p. 1188.

47. Venkatappaiah V. “Andhra Pradesh Grandhalayodhyamam (Telugu) p. 253.

48. Ibid., p. 59.

49. Andhra Patrika May. 28 1911. Pp. 224 - 255.

50. Siva Sankar Narayana Op. cit., Vol. II PP. 1188 - 1190.

51. Venkatappaiah Op. Cit., P.

52. Rajagopal M.V. Op. Cit., p. 232.

53. Bhuman “Charitralo Rayalasccma” p. 184.

54. Raja Gopal M..V. Op, cit., p. 232.

55. D.dis.No. 1452/1927 May Kurnool District Collectorate office (K.D.C.O)

56. Bhuman Op. Cit. P. 178.

57. Krishna Rao Y.V. and others Op.cit., pp. 104 - 105.
 189

58. Siva Sankar Narayana Op. Cit., Vol. 11. P. 1366

59. D.Dis.No. 5197/31 Dec. 3 (K.D.C.O.)

60. D.Dis.No. 3220/31 Dec. 1 (K.D.C.O.)

61. D.Dis.No. 511/31 Dec. 7 (K.D.C.O.)

62. D.Dis.No. 210/38 M. Feb.15., and also Sankar Narayana Bh. Op. Cit., Vol.
IIP.. 1366.

63. Ibid., P. 1366.

64. Ibid P.1366.

65. D.Dis.No. 787/38 M. Aug.2, (K.D.C.O.)

66. R.Dis.No, 59-M/41. Jan. 29 (K.D.C.O.)

67. R.Dis.No, 917-M/41 Nov. 23 (K.D.C.O.)

68. R.Dis.No. 5012/29 June 1930. K.D.C.O. also Siva Sankar Narayana Op.
Cit., Vol. II. P. 1366- 1369.

69. Siva Sankar Narayana Bh. Op. Cit., Vol. IIP. 1366 - 1369.

70. C.I.D. Reports Sep. 1907 Aug. 1908 No.211 and212.

71. Siva Sankar Narayan Bh. Op, Cit., Vol. I. P. 229.

72. Ibid.,

73. Venkata Rangaiah M. Op. cit., Vol. II. P. 12

74. Kesava Narayana B. “Political and Social Factors in Andhra” 1900 - 1956. P.
36.

75. Rao. P R. History of Modern Andhra P. 56.

76. Yanadi Raju P. Op. Cit., P. 256.

77. Kesava Raju P. Op. Cit., P. 256.

78. Venkata Rangaiah M. Op. Cit., Vol. II P. 113.

79. Gopal Krishnan S. Political movements in South India, 1914 - 29.

 190

80. Lai Bahadur “Indian Freedom Movement and Thought 1919 - 1929” p. 46.

81. Chopra P.N. “India’s struggle for Freedom” pp. 28 - 29.

82. Venkata Rangaiah m. Op. Cit., Vol. II PP. 135 - 36.

83. Sarojini Regani “Highlights of Freedom Movement in Andhra Pradesh” PP.

63 - 65.

84. Ibid.

85. Kaleswar Rao A. “Nageevita katha Navyandhramu”, P. 242.

86. Ibid.

87. Ibid., P. 67

88. Lal Bahadur Op. Cit., PP. 48 - 49.

89. Ibid.

90. Siva Sankara Narayana Bh. “Kurnool District Gazetter” Vol. I. P. 230

91. Sarojini Regani Op. cit., P. 67.

92. Lal Bahadur Op. cit., P. 49.

93. Ibid., P. 50

94. Sarojini Regani Op. cit,, P. 69

95. Kaleswara Rao A. Op. Cit., P. 295

96. Sarojini Regani Op. Cit., P. 69

97. Venkata Rangaiah M. Op. Cit., Vol. II P. 155.

98. Bipin Chandra “ModernIndia” P.272.

99. Sarojini Regani Op. Cit., Vol. II P. 270.

100. Ibid., PP. 70-71.

101. Kaleswar Rao A. Op.cit., P. 3 19.

102. Ibid., P. 330.

103. Ibid., P. 331.

 191

104. Venkata Rangaiah M. Op.cit., Vol. II PP. 200 - 201

105. Anjaneyulu A. “Andhra Pradesh to Gandhiji” (Telugu) P. 309.

106. Anjaneyulu K. Op.cit., P. 174.

107. Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Op.cit., Vol. I P. 230.

108. Kaleswara Rao a. Op.cit., P.331

109. Andhra patrika May 20., 1920., P. 227., April. 13, 1927 P. 6.,Pramoduta
1930 P. 11 (O.R.I.S.V.U) Annual Numbers Tirupati.

110. Anjaneyulu K. Op.cit., P. 310.

111. Kaleswara Rao A. Op.cit., P. 310.

112. Kaleswara Rao A. Op.cit., P. 360., also Sarojini Regani and Devulapalli
Ramunaja Rao (Ed) “Deshamlo Pilupu” (Telugu) P. 118.

113. Kesava Narayana B. “Political and Social Factors in Andhra 1900 - 1956 P.
84.

114. G O.No. 1288 Revenue (Ms. Dept) Dt 9.6.1921 (SAM)

115. G.O.No. 2290 Revenue (Ms. Dept) Dt 15.10.1921 (SAH)

116. Venkata Rangaiah M. Op.Cit., Vol. II p. 20.

117. Ramana Rao A.V. Economic Development of Andhra Pradesh (1766 - 1957)
- P. 274.

118. Raja Gopal M.V. “Kurnool District Gazetter” P. 349.

119. Rama Rao A.V. Op.cit., P. 264.

120. Murali Altury Op.cit., P. 398.

121. Andhra Patrika 101'1 January 1922, P.

122. Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Op.cit,, Vol. P. 232..

123. Andhra Patrika 1“* February 1922. P.

124. Sarojini Regani Highlights of the Freedom Movement in Andhra Pradesh P.

81
 192

125. Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Op.cit., Vol. I. P. 232.

126. Kaleswara Rao A. Op.Cit., P. 349., Anjaneyulu K. Op.Cit., P. 321.

127. Sarojini Regani “who’s who in the Freedom Movement of Andhra Vol. II.
PP. 344 - 59, Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Op.cit., Vol. I. P.230, also
Kaleswara Rao A. Op.cit., PP. 330 - 31, Sarojini Regani Op.cit., Vol. II. P.
362, GO No. 494 Public Department 1921 Dt. 5.8.1921 (MIS)(SAH),
Andhrapatrika 1920 May. 20 P. 227 1926. March 19 P.2., 1927 April 3 P.2
and 1930 Pramoduta P. 11.

128. Sarojini Regani “Highlights of the Freedom Movement in A.P.” P. 94.

129. Gopala Krishnan S. “Political Movements in South India” P.89.

130. Sarojini Regani “Highlights of the Freedom Movement in A.P. P. 101.

131. Panduranga Rao A. Freedom Movement in Nellore District 1920 - 47 P. 82.

132. Ibid., P.86.

133. Sivasankara Narayana Op.Cit., Vol. Ill P. 1348.

134. Sarojini Regani Op. Cit., Vol, II P. 343

135. Sarojini Regani “Highlights of the Freedom Movement in A.P. P. 104 - 5.

136. Kaleswara Rao A. Op. Cit,, P. 480.

137. Anjaneyulu A. Op.Cit., PP. 525 - 26.

138. Tarachand “History of the Freedom Movement in India” Vol. IV. P. 123.

139. Gupta R.C. and Johari J.c. “Indian Freedom Movement and Thought (1930-
47) P.73.

140. Tarachand Op.cit., P. 126.

141. Gupta R.C. and Johari J.C. Op.cit., P. 79.

142. Sarojini Regani “Highlights of the Freedom Movement” in Andhra Pradesh

P. 114.

143. Kaleswara Rao A. “Najeevita Kata Navyandhramu” (Teiugu) P 500 and P

504.

144. Ibid. P. 507.

 193

145. Rajagopal M.V. “Kurnool District Gazetter” P. 56.

146. Veerabhadra Rao M. “Sri Sarvothama Jeevitamu” (Telugu) PP. 87 - 90

147. Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Kurnool District Gazetteer (Draft) Vol. I P. 233.

148. Sarojini Regani (op. Cit., Vol. 11 P. 345 and 361.

149. lid., P.361.

150. 1931 General Branch GO No. 3723 L & M dt. 7th Nov. 1931 F 30/31. Nov.
21, Political Expenditure by local bodies on pikting of shops dealing with
toxicants or temperance and prohibition propaganda and contribution to
organisations for these purposes considered objectionable.

151. Veerabhadra Rao M. Op.cit., PP. 93 - 95.

152. Ibid., P.97

153. Ibid., P.95

154. Ibid., P.97

155. Seshagiri Rao.B. History of Freedom Movement in Guntur District 1921 - 47

P. 181.

156. Ibid., PP 182 -183.

157. Sarojini Regani “who’s who of Freedom Struggle in a.P. Vol. II PP. 342 -
346.

158. Telugu Vytalikulu Part II (Telugu) Andhra Sahitya Academy, Hyderabad

1977 P. 37.

159. Go No. 584 Public General Department (Confendial) Dated April 21, 1932.

160. GO No. 1345 MS Public Deaprtment Dt. Oct. 711' 1930 and
M.V.Subramanyam Op.cit., P. 1031.

161. GO No. D. 668/33-3 dt. July 5th Kurnool, GO. R. 511/31, March, 7th,
G O D. 4194/31, October 19'\ G.O. D. 210/38-M February 15th.

162. G.O. D. 787/38-M February 2nd.

163. Seshagiri Rao B. Op.cit., P. 186.

164. Home Department Political G.O.No. S/2400/Pol. Aug. 27lh 1932.

 194

165. Telugu Vytalikulu Part II. Op.cit., PP. 25 - 26.

166. Anjaneyulu K. “Andhra pradcsh lo Gandhi” P. 76.

167. Ibid., P. 778.

168. Andhra Palrika, 1922 May 10l1’ PP. 225 - 228.

169. Ranga N.G. ‘Fifth for Freedom’ P. 195 - 196.

170. Veerabhadra Rao, p. 307

171. Ranga N.G. Op.cit., P. 191.

172. Veerabhadra Rao M. Op.cit., P. 315.

173. Ibid.

174. Telugu Vytalikulu Op.cit., PP. 25 - 26.

175. Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Op.cit., Vol. I 233.

176. Ranga N.G. Op.Cit., PP. 206 - 207.

177. Sivasankara Narayana Bh, Op.cit., Vol. II P. 1349.

178. Sarojini Regani Op.cit., PP. 141 - 142.

179. Sivasankara Narayana Op.cit., Vol. III. P.1350.

180. Ibid.

181. Ibid., P. 1372.

182. Ibid., P. 1350.

183. Krishna Rao Y.V. and others “Andhra Pradesh lo Communist Udyama
Charitra” Part II. P.169.

184. Ibid.

185. Ibid.

186. Ibid.

187. Ranga N.G. Op.cit., P. 269.

188. Krishna Rao Y.V. and others Op.Cit., Part II PP. 237 - 238.
 195

189. Sankaram Nair V. “Role of Students in Freedom Struggle with special

reference to the Madras Presidency. PP. 119 - 120.

190. Tara Chand “History of the Freedom Movement in India” in India” Vol. IV
PP. 291 -292.

191. Ibid., PP. 308 -209.

192. Ibid., P. 309.

193. Government fortnightly reports Dt. 2.12.1940 and 4.1.1941.

194. Who’s who of Freedom struggle in Andhra Pradesh. Vol. II P. 341 - 367.

195. G O.No. 1077 (MS) Home Department Dt. 3.3.1941 and 4903 dt. 8.11.41 of
1 lome Department.

196. G O.No. 462 (MS) Home Department dt. 31.1.1941.

197. G.O.No. 634 Home Department (MS) dt. 6.2.41 and 1077 Home
Department dt. 3.3.41.

198. G.O.No. 2107 Public Department (MS) dt. 26.9.1941 (Confidential).

199. Sarojini Regani Op.cit., Vol. II P. 360.

200. Sivasankara Narayana Bh. Kurnool District Gazetter” (draft) Vol. I. P. 233

201. Pattabhi Seetaramaiah B. “The History of the Indian National Congress Vol.
II. P. 317.

202. Sarojini Regani Op.cit., P. 317.

203. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah B. Op.cit., Vol. II P. 342.

204. Tarachand Op.cit., PP. 374 - 375.

205. Venkata Rangaiah M. The Freedom Struggle in Andhra Pradesh Vol. IV P.

860.

206. Ibid., PP. 154 - 155.

207. Ibid., P.159

208. G.O. No. 3507 Public Department Confidential Dt. 30.10,1942.

209. Sarojini Regani Op.cit., PP. 148 - 150.

 196

210. Ibid.

211. Saojini Regani Op.cit., Vol. 11. P. 349.

212. G.O No. 13 Public General Department Dt. 3.1.1944 and Personal Interview
with S. Basappa, MG. Subhakar also g. Satyanarayana - Kurnool Dt.
26.2.91.

213. Ibid.,

214. G.O No. 13 Public General Department dt. 3.1.44.

215. Sankaran Nair V. “Roll of Students in Freedom Movement with special

reference to Madras Presidency. P. 146.

216. Venkata Rangaiah M. Op.cit., Vol. IV. P. 907.

217. Sankar Nair V. Op.cit., P. 162.

218. Ibid.,

219. G.O.No. 1024 Public Department Confidential Dt. 10.4.43.

220. Sankar Nair V. Op.cit., PP. 150 - 151.

221. G.O.No. 1024 Public Department confidential Dt. 10.4.43.

222. Sankar Nair V. Op.cit., P. 165

223. Krishna Rao Y.V. and others Op.cit., Part - IIP. 479.

224. Ibid., PP. 482 - 82.

225. Ibid., P. 485.

226. Ibid., PP. 485 - 6.

227. Sarojini Regani Op. cit., P, 160,

228. The Hindu Dt. 26.8.44 P. 4.

229. The Hindu Dt. 25.10.1944 P.4

230. Chopra P.N. “Quit India Movement British Sec ret Report” P. 8.

231. Bipin Chandra and others, others “Freedom Struggle”” PP. 221 - 222,

232. Chopra P.N. Op.cit., P.l