may be mentioned those of Gummakota, Viswanathapur, Tadikonda and Kumbi Kota. They would go to these places, subdue them, make them their own, settle for a time there until all fear of rebellion from the subjugated has vanished, and then proceed on their march of depredation to another convenient quarter. It will also be interesting to note in this connection that in the Thatikonda valley is constructed a fort of this kind, in which are located a number of entire villages. This was to prevent the coming in of arrows upon those thatched roofs. It was the custom in those days for robbers to append a firebrand or a burning torch to an arrow, and let it go on these thatched roofs so that they might take fire, and the inmates of the houses might come out affording the free hooters facilities for carrying on their work.
We have ample proof on record that these influential chiefs were engaged in intrigue and warfare about 1774, the time of Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India. These powerful princes (then called Deos) such as Jeypore, and chiefs under them such as Kurupam and Madugole, were, with ample privileges, after the Permanent Settlement of 1802, styled by the common designation of Zemindars.
Sri Rajah Suryanarayana Raju Bahadur Garu was a child of three years when his adoptive mother died, and hence the estate was taken under the Court of Wards. It was in 1857 that the Rajah Sahib was put in charge of the estate with a large cash balance. During the 34 years of his rule, the estate witnessed numerous changes for the better. His statesmanship was admitted by every one of the officers who came in contact with
