SRI RAJAH VATSAVAYA VENKATA SIMHADRI JAGAPATHI RAZU BAHADUR GARU, ZEMINDAR OF KOTHAM
(GODAVARI DISTRICT).
The surviving representative of the Peddapur Samasthanam which was once in its glory, and which is now extinct, is Sri Rajah Vatsavaya Venkata Simhadri Jagapathi Razu Bahadur Garu, who is much loved by his ryots for his generosity and kindness towards them.
From the vernacular records that are forthcoming, we understand that the ancestors of the family of the Zemindar of Kotham originally came from Northern India and settled down in Godavari, Nellore, Kristna and Vizagapatam Districts. They were divided into two sections known as Mandapathi and Vatsavayi; the former were prominent at Ongole in the Nellore District, and the latter at Peddapuram in the Godavari District. These two families acquired extensive lands not by any treacherous means but by adventure and warfare, as it was a period of chivalry, when heroism, bravery and valour were much respected and honored.
The founder of the Peddapur estate was Sri Timmarazu Bahadur Garu, who went against some of the neighbduring Mahomedan rulers, conquered them and built a fort at Peddapur. He drove away some of the Kshatryas from the village of Tirupathi as they were causing a good deal of annoyance to the surrounding Zemindars. This act won the esteem and admiration of the well-known Kings of Anga, Vanga, Kalinga and Chola. He dug a big tank at Peddapuram which is known as
