built the present mansion at Yanam. He purchased from the French extensive lands of the value of a lakh of Rupees. He was highly respected by the French Government for his scholarship, liberality, and noble behaviour. He established and maintained a choultry at Yanam and another at Gutalah to feed people gratis irrespective of caste, colour, or creed.
Sri Maha Lakshmamma Garu is the daughter of Seetharala Sathialingam Garu, who was a merchant of Vizagapatam, and who died eight years ago. He was known for his charities in the Godavari and Vizagapatam Districts. Sri Manyam Maha Lakshmamma Garu was born in 1856, and was married to Chinna Kanakayya Garu in I860. The happiness of their married life continued for eight years, after which period, the cruel hand of death snatched away Kanakayya. Since then Maha Lakshmamma has been managing the estate. She has acquired a great reputation for her liberality. She lately gave away inam lands to some poor people. Some years ago when famine raged furiously she made a remission of more than 10,000 Rupees in the tax due from her ryots She has built two temples, and has restored three ruined ones. Some years ago she went on a pilgrimage to Jagannath, where she gave away large sums of money to the poor. She feeds many people gratis every day in her choultry at Yanam. She contributes very liberally towards all movements started by the French Government.
When the estate was purchased by Sathialingam Garu from Rajah Appa Rao of Nuzvid, the latter sent the insignia such as danka, nagar and chopdar sticks, which were subsequently recognised by the British
