In 1775, when the lesser zamindars rose in revolt against Sítaráma Rázu, brother and díwán of the Rája of Vizianagram (see p. 46), the head of the Kurupám family, Sivaráma Rázu (who had usurped the estate and imprisoned his elder brother), attacked the rear-guard of Captain Mathews' and Sítaráma's force as it was marching to reduce Jeypore (see p. 267) and cut off its supplies. In the next year, Sítaráma accordingly proceeded to Kurupám and treacherously seized Sivaráma and all his family at an entertainment at which he was a guest.1[1] They were kept for some time in confinement in the fort of Dévapalli, near Gajapatinagaram. Sivaráma was afterwards released at the intercession of Viziaráma Rázu, Rája of Vizianagram, and in 1778 2[2] bribed the subadar of the 1st Circar battalion who was in charge of the Kurupám fort to deliver it over to him, garrisoned it with a force of his own, and began fomenting disturbances in the adjoining Pálkonda estate. In 1779 a detachment composed of the Company's and the Vizianagram troops accordingly marched against him. It retook Kurupám fort without resistance,3[3] the estate was added to the Vizianagram possessions, and Sivaráma was brought to Vizagapatam, kept under surveillance, and granted a subsistence allowance. He seems to have died there in 1794.
When the Rája of Vizianagram was killed at Padmanábham in that year (p. 53) and the lesser zamindars rose in revolt against the Company, Kurupám fort was occupied by Venkata Rázu, zamindar of Mérangi (whose estate had been forcibly seized by Sivaráma) who garrisoned it with 1,000 men and defied the Company. Captain Cox marched against the place, it was evacuated, and the fort was occupied in April 1795 and destroyed.4[4]
Captain Cox said that Sanyási Rázu, Sivaráma's young son, 'conducted himself with much zeal for the service' on this occasion, and Mr. Webb, the Collector, reported that his family 'by their influence over the inhabitants helped greatly to accelerate the bringing the country under obedience.' The estate was accordingly handed over to Sanyási Rázu, Mérangi being first separated from it and restored to its original owners. In 1803 the permanent settlement was concluded with this lad.
- ↑ 1 Mackenzie MSS., Local Records, iv, 251-60 and Progs, of the Circuit Committee of 12th September 1784.
- ↑ 2 Vizag. Cons, dated 21st September 1778.
- ↑ 3 Captain Lane's letter of 17th February 1779 to the Vizagapatam Chief and Council.
- ↑ 4 Captain Cox's letter of 25th April 1795 to Mr. Webb at Vizagapatam.
