Venkatagiri
Encyclopedia
Venkatagiri is the fourth largest town and municipality in Nellore district
Nellore district
Sri Amarajeevi Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore District is one of the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Nellore is famous for high paddy field, and so it got its name from "Nelli". The population of the district was 2,966,082 of which 22.45% were urban as of 2011....

 in the India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

n state
States and territories of India
India is a federal union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. The states and territories are further subdivided into districts and so on.-List of states and territories:...

 of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...

.Venkatagiri's old name is "Kali Mili".It is famous for its Handloom Cotton Sarees. Venkatagiri is a place for history and handlooms. It was part of a small kingdom that was integrated into the Indian Republic. Venkatagiri is well connected by Road and Rail Transport. Famous pilgrimage places like Kalahasti, Kanipakam
Kanipakam
Kanipakam , is a village located in Irala mandal of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh in South India.- Temple :Kanipakam is home to a popular Hindu temple of Lord Ganesha called as Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple. It was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and...

 and Tirupati are within a short distance and can be easily reached by Railways and Roadways. It is also notably close to Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...

, a major port city of India .

Venkatagiri Durgam is a fort like structure build atop of the hill near Venkatagiri.There is a fort like structure atop is believed to be built by the Rajahs as a defensive arrangement from the invaders but was later occupied by thief's for storing their money and gold.The Venkatagiri Durgam trail is still untouched other than the locals and a few adventure groups, not yet a regular destination for the trekkers. The hills are almost parallel to Tirmula hills. A tough trek of 7-8 hours is required to reach the fort/durgam from palem kota village, There is a small cave on to the top after reaching a rock patch base which collects small droplets of water flowing through the tree roots and the rock cot formations, this is the only easily accessible water source in the trek. The trek is not recommended in the months of February to August due to heat during summer and Water streams during monsoon make the final climb and camping difficult. On the summit, there is also a small temple structure perched on a cliff. The summit provides you a spectacular view of the surrounding. The trekking path is covered with small to medium sized pebbles, and you pass through thick thorny bushes, beautiful mountains, steep rocky mountains and waterfalls.

Venkatagiri Samsthanam

History

Venkatagiri was a small village near Kalivelamma temple with the name Kali Mili during Vijayanagar times which was ruled by Gobburu polygars. They were defeated by Sri Krishnadevaraya's representative and Velugodu ruler Recherla Venkatadri Naidu in 16th Century. He renamed Kalimili with Vaishanava name "Venkatagiri". These Recherla rulers shifted their capital from Velugodu to Venkatagiri during the reign of Pedda Yachama Naidu. He also had ruled his southern territories with Madurantakam as second capital which was granted by Venkatapathi Raya II of Aravidu dynasty of Vijayanagar who ruled from Chandragiri. Later Venkatagiri Rajas abandoned Madhurantakam and ruled their southern territories with North Mallur in Chitoor district as their capital. Raja Bangaru Yachama Naidu Bahudur was trecherously murdered when he was unarmed in 1693AD on the day of Mahanavami by Zu-l-faqar khan , Nawab of vellore during reign of Aurangazeb. Later on 14 taluks were granted to Sarwagna Yachedra, son of assassinated King by Khan with the approval of Emperor in order to prevent heirs of the rajah from complaining to emperor about the murder. After this, the Administration of the kingdom has been transfered completely from north Mallur to Venkatagiri. Raja's Recherla clan was initiated in Nalgonda Dist in Amanagallu village by Chevi reddi around 1198AD - 1208 AD with the sacrifice of life by Rechadu, servant of Chevireddi. The "Gotram" of Venkatagiri rajas was named after him. As per oath gave to him Venkatagiri rajas are celebrating Jatara of Poleramma who is the chief deity of Rechadu's community. The celebration of Jatara in Venkatagiri traced to this tradition. Chevi Reddi also named as Pillalamarri Bethala Naidu was a close associate of Kakatiya King Ganapathi Deva. Rajas of Venkatagiri, Pitauram, Jetprole and Bobbili are his descendents. Thus Chevireddy was the origin person of Venkatagiri Velugoti dynasty of Padma Nayaka Velama
Velama
Velama or the Velama Doralu is a social group found mainly in Andhra Pradesh. Velamas are classed as "Upper Shudras". The history of Velama's is as old as Telugu bravery. Military exploits of Velamas form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore...

 Tribe. As per the permanent settlement made with Britishers an "Isthimiral" dated 24 August 1802 was issued to Rajah fixing an annual Periskash of Rs,4,44,232. Thus estate became part of British India. Venkatagiri samsthanam when it was a part of erstwhile Madras Presidency consisted of 736 Villages in addition to that it consisted 617
majara villages.

Literary Works of Venkatagiri Samsthanam

BhanumatiParinayamu, Vishnupuranamu, Parijatamu, Sabharanjani, Manssakshyamu, Srimadramayanamu, Brahmavaivartapuranamu, Sringarakalpavalli,
Krishnajanmakhandamu, Brahmananda Satakamu, Halasya Mahatmyamu, Sivaratri Mahatmyamu, Radhakrishna Samvadamu, Gopikathsudhalahari and Vinodakathakalpavalli

Notable Venkatagiri Kings
  • Nirvana Rayappa Naidu surnamed Pedda Rayudu, 15th descendant, is an important member, for he was the founder of the place and the Dynasty known as Velugodu. He was a contemporary of the great Carnatic Ruler Krishna Deva Raya living in the sixteenth century and was in the earlier part of his life-time a subject Prince and Commander-in-Chief of Krishna Raya

  • Kumara Rangappa Naidu,21st descendent, was the foun- der of a line of kings at Bobbili, granted Rajam Estate in 1652 by Sher Muhammed Khan, Nawab of Chicacole, in whose honour it was renamed Bebbooly, later corrupted into Bobbili
    Bobbili
    Bobbili is a town, mandal headquarters and a Municipality in Vizianagaram district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Bobbili is located at . It has an average elevation of 103 metres .-History:...

    .

  • Velugoti Sri Raja Kumara Yachendra Naidu (1848–1878), 27th Raja of Venkatagiri. Three of his seven sons were given in adoption to Pithapuram
    Pithapuram
    For famous Playback singer see Pithapuram Nageswara RaoPithapuram is a town and a municipality in East Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh....

    , Bobbili
    Bobbili
    Bobbili is a town, mandal headquarters and a Municipality in Vizianagaram district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Bobbili is located at . It has an average elevation of 103 metres .-History:...

     and Jetprole.He was awarded "Stars of India" by British Queen for his great administration. He proposed and propagated "Manasakhyam Principle",a principle saying intuition is God.

  • Velugoti Sir Raja Gopala Krishna Yachendra (1878–1916), G.C.I.E. [1915], K.C.S.I. [cr.1888], Member of Legislative Council (Madras) 1888, Kaiser-i-Hind Medal [1900].

  • Velugoti Sir Govinda Krishna Yachendra (1916–1937), K.C.I.E. [1922]

  • Raja Venugopala Krishna Yachendra, born on 11 February 1874, founded the Veterinary Hospital in Madras, and was the recipient of a First-class Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal from the Government of India. He was also known for his love on riding and sports. In 1893 he went to England with his brother, the Maharajah of Bobbili and had an inter- view with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales ; he died unmarried on 25 June 1920.

  • Raja Velogoti Muthu Krishna Yachendra is the person who promoted education in the area. He undertook RVM High School, Venkatagiri established in 1860 for developing it and established Venkatagiri Town Club in 1891AD.

After the end of Indian Freedom struggle in 1947, Venkatagiri became a part of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

 Republic and Kingdom is dissolved. The Velugoti Family still commands a great respect and influence in the region. The 32nd raja of Venkatagiri who officially had the coronation was passed away in 2010.

Location

State: Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...



Location: Venkatagiri is a municipality and mandal headquarters.

District: Nellore.

Distance from Major Cities:

Chennai:170+ km
Tirupathi:50 Km
Kadapa:90 Km

Geography

Venkatagiri is located at 13.9667°N 79.5833°E. It has an average elevation of 60 metre
Metre
The metre , symbol m, is the base unit of length in the International System of Units . Originally intended to be one ten-millionth of the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole , its definition has been periodically refined to reflect growing knowledge of metrology...

s (197 feet).

Demographics

India census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...

, Venkatagiri Mandal had a population of 75,236. Venkatagiri Rural consists of 58 Revenue Villages. Venkatagiri became municipality in 6-1-2005.Then, total population of municipality is 48,341.Venkatagiri has an average literacy rate of 54.61%,lower than the national average of 59.5%.Total area of municipality is 23.13 km2.

Transportation

The nearest international airport is at Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...

 which is 170 km away. International Airport in Renigunta is under construction which is just 45 km away. Reaching here, one can hire a taxi to reach Venkatagiri. Nellore has a railhead and the railway station is located between Gudur Junction and Renigunta Junction.

Venkatagiri is not connected with National Highway 5 (NH 5) which serves major towns like Gudur, Nellore and Kavali in the district. It is located on the way to Tirupathi from Nellore. For local transportation, taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available. For transportation to Chennai apart from APSRTC Buses, Sri Bramrambha Motor Transport and Bharathi Transport run buses daily. Direct train route is not there from Venkatagiri to Chennai.Venkatagiri is also well connected to Bengaluru through direct bus route.

Assembly and Parliamentary Constituency

Venkatagiri is an assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh. There are 1,46,035 registered voters in Venkatagiri constituency in 1999 elections.

List of Elected Members:
  • 1955 - Padileti Venkataswamy Reddy and Kamatham Shanmugam(INC)
  • 1962 - Allam Krishnaiah(INC)
  • 1967 - Orepalli Venkata Subbaiah(INC)
  • 1978 - Nallapareddy Sreenivasulu Reddy(INC)
  • 1983 - Nallapareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy(TDP)
  • 1985 - Velugoti Bhaskara Saikrishna Yachendra(TDP)
  • 1989 - Nedurumalli Janardhan Reddy(INC)
  • 1994 - Raja VVRK. Yachendra Velugoti(TDP)
  • 1999 - Nedurumalli Rajyalaxmi(INC)
  • 2004 - Nedurumalli Rajyalaxmi(INC)
  • 2009 - Kurugondla Ramakrishna(TDP)


Venkatagiri Assembly Constituency falls under Tirupati Lok Sabha Constituency.This constituency is reserved for the candidates belonging to the Scheduled castes.Mr Chinta Mohan is representing Tirupathi Constituency at present.

Notable attractions

  • Venkatagiri is a very famous place for sarees and saree designs."GI" Chairman Kuriyan said that Venkatagiri Sarees are eligible to get Geographical Identification.
  • "Poleramma Jatara" is celebrated with grandeur. Poleramma is the village goddess and this festival is conducted in her honour.
  • Venkatagiri Durgam,a rock fort about 8 miles West of Venkatagiri Town was a defensive arrangement made by Rajah of Venkatagiri..
  • Venkatagiri Fort built in 1775AD attracts visitors from all over the district. Front portion of the fort namely "Indra Mahal" was built in 1883AD.
  • Venkatagiri is surrounded by a dense forest extending to the Tirupati Hills. This forest houses many sensual places of natural beauty like "Kona Malleshwara Kona".Here one can see water falls falling from 80 ft. height and also 300 years old "Shiva Lingam".
  • Kasi Viswanadha temple was built by Bangaru Yachama Naidu in 1760AD on the banks of Kaivalya river. The street in which the temple located derived the name Kasipet because of this reason.
  • 9th Battalion of Andhra Pradesh
    Andhra Pradesh
    Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...

    Special Police
    is also located in Vallivedu Village of Venkatagiri mandal.
  • There is temple of Sri Gowrabathini Rudra Murthy Swamy belonging to 1676AD in Manulalapet. He is the follower of Veerahusenayya(sisya of Veerabramhendra Swamy).Every year his birthday named "Rudrayya Orutu" is being celebrated in the Village.
  • There is a cricket stadium at Venkatagiri known as "Tarakarama Krida Pranganam" built by Sri Raja Ram Prasad Yachedra which hosts Zonal Matches in the state. Venkatagiri hosted ranji match in 1960.

Handloom Industry

Venkatagiri Town is famous for the Jari Cotton handloom sarees. It has got its own unique weaving excellence and one need not compare with any other technique whether it is hand woven or machine made. Even today one can specify and get a designer sarees for a price and that will be made for only one person one time. In fact in the earlier days these weavers used to weave very few sarees for the Kings, and the return they get from them was sufficient for whole of the year. Venkatagiri is famous for "Jindani" design which was imported from Bangladesh. Four Venkatagiri weavers won President award for weaving this design. The looms used in Venkatagiri are mostly pit looms. Pit looms are looms which are fixed at the ground level and there is a pit in which the loom's pedal is placed. The weaver will sit on the floor and use her hands and legs to weave. The handlooms in Venkatagiri are famous for their softness and durability. The handloom fabrics are soft and comfortable to wear and also suit all climates. Mainly Venkatagiri looms manufacture sarees, but now as per demand dress materials are also weaved. Around 20000 people in Venkatagiri depend on weaving. Sarees are mainly weaved in areas like Manulalapet, Bangarupet, NTR Colony, BC Colony, Mallamma Temple Area and Sivalayam Street in the town.

Indian Institute of Handloom Technology:
There are Six institutes of Handloom Technology at present in the country, situated at Salem (TN), Varanasi (UP), Guwahati (Assam), Venkatagiri (AP), Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and Gadag-Betgeri (Karnataka).The foundation stone for IIHT, Venkatagiri was laid by Honorable Sri N. Janardhan Reddy, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 01-8-1991. The institute initially started to function in a rented building in Kasipet area of Venkatagiri. Later a part of the institute was constructed in Cross Road of Venkatagiri i.e. a weaving shed was opened by the former Chief Minister Sri N. Janardhan Reddy on 30-10-1992.A three-year Diploma course in Handloom Technology is imparted in this institute the syllabus, scheme of examinations, etc. are same for all the six institutes. The course usually commences on 1 July and closes on 30 April every year for summer vacation. Every year 60 students are admitted as per quota of seats allotted for each state.
Famous Cloth Showrooms in Venkatagiri :
  • Parameswara Vastralayam
  • Parameswara Saree House
  • Donthu Sarees
  • Mada Sarees
  • Balaji Sarees
  • Nakka Venkataramanayya Sarees
  • Kasula Krishnaian and Sons
  • Devi Dresses
  • R.C.Cloth Show Room
  • Sri Padmavathi Chenetha Vastralayam
  • Sri Jaya Lakshmi Chenetha Vastralayam

Industrial and Agricultural Growth

  • NBPPL has a plan to establish manufacturing facility at Mannavaram in Sri Kalahasthi Mandal(Just 8 km away from Venkatagiri) for Balance of Plant, such as Coal Handling, Ash Handling Plant and also for the manufacture of main power plant equipment, such as Turbine, Generator, Boiler to meet the growing demand of power in the country. The manufacturing facility for BOP will be ready by 2011-12 followed by manufacturing facility for equipment like Turbine, Generator and Boiler likely to be established by 2014-15. Once fully established, installed capacity of the plant will be 5000 MW per year at an estimated total investment of Rs. 6000 crores.

  • Major crops grow around Venkatagiri are Sugarcane, Lemon, Rice and Groundnut. Considering the importance of Lemon Plantation, the Lemon Research Centre was started in Venkatagiri by Ex-Chief Minister N.Janardhan Reddy. Venkatagiri is one out of twelve agricultural divisions in Nellore district. Kandeleru reservoir built on Kandeluru river born in Veligondalu is in Rapur mandal. It serves Venkatagiri mandal irrigation requirements also.Kandaleru river is one of the check points of Telugu Ganga Project.The Telugu Ganga Project office is located in Venkatagiri.

Banks and Financial Institutions

  • SYNDICATE BANK
  • ANDHRA BANK
  • STATE BANK OF INDIA
  • ANDHRA PRAGATHI GRAMEENA BANK
  • NELLORE DISTRICT CO-OPERATIVE CENTRAL BANK LIMITED
  • MUTHOOT FINANCE
  • KAPIL CHITS
  • KAMADHENU FINANCE
  • MANAPPURAM GOLD LOAN

Cinema Theaters

  • Sri Bramarambha Movie Land(DTS)
  • Jyothi Mahal (6 Track Ultra Fonic Sound System)
  • Tribhuvani Deluxe (Dolby Digital System)

Boarding and Lodging

  • Brundavanam Lodge
  • CMR A1 Grand A/C Lodge
  • DVS Lodge
  • Sri Krishna Lodge
  • Sri Maruthi Deluxe Lodge
  • Sri Sai Rest House
  • Sri Lakshmi Mess
  • Hotel Dwaraka
  • Annapurna Restaurant

Since Venkatagiri is not a regular destination for the trekkers and not connected to National Highway, hotel industry is not much developed in Venkatagiri. Even in the absence of good hotels, several messes, Biryani Points and Tiffin/Fast Food Centres serve the local people and visitors' needs.

Function Halls

  • TTD Kalyana Mandapam
  • Satya Sai Function Hall
  • DVS Kalyana Mandapam
  • Velama Kalyana Madapam
  • Kanyakaparameswari Kalyana Mandapam
  • Padmasali Kalyana Mandapam
  • Tripura Sundari Kalyana Mandapam
  • Sathyavathi Kalyana Mandapam

Hospitals

  • Kishore Dental Clinic & Ceramic Centre
  • Seshama Naidu Hospital
  • Govt. General Hospital
  • Christian Missionary Eye Hospital
  • Govt. Gosha Maternity Hospital[Queen Empress Mary Gosha Hospital - Established in 1917]
  • Praja Vaidyasala
  • Vamsi Nursing Home
  • Sadhana Hospital
  • Hitesh Children Hospital
  • Indiramma Hospital
  • Sajeevarayudu Hospital
  • Putturu Rajula Salya Vaidyashala
  • Vandana Dental Hospital
  • Narendra Reddy Super Speciality Dental Hospital
  • Sri Sai Eye Hospital
  • Aruna Clinic

Educational Institutions

Schools :
  • Kendriya Vidyalaya ( Website: http://kvvenkatagiri.ap.nic.in)
  • AP Residential School
  • Raja Velugoti Mudhu Krishna Yachedra(RVM) High School[Established in 1860]
  • Zilla Parishad Boys High School
  • Zilla Parishad Girls high School
  • St.Francis Integrated EM School
  • SriSaiBaba English Medium School
  • Mother Academy
  • BNS English Medium School
  • Navabharath High School
  • Allam Krishnaiah Memorial School
  • Gouthami Vidyaniketan
  • Visvodaya English Medium School
  • ABC(Akshara Brilliant Concept)School
  • Adarsha High School
  • SBN High School
  • Vidhya Bharathi School and Educational Trust
  • M.K.G.M High School
  • Bhasyam High School
  • Sri Chaitanya Techno School
  • Narayana Techno School
  • Audisankara Techno School


Colleges:
  • Sri Pragada Kotaiah Memorial Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Venkatagiri
  • Visvodaya Govt Junior and Degree College
  • ESS Degree College
  • Gowtham Vocational Degree College
  • Narayana Junior College
  • Sri Vigna Raja Junior College
  • SBN Junior college
  • A.P.R.J.C
  • Industrial Training Institute
  • SBPM Mahila Junior College
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