The name Palegadu or Palegar is exceedingly familiar to the people of Rayalaseema, symbolizing a male leader. However, in Bommisetty Ramesh’s book “Vannuramma,” the central character is a woman, a lady Palegar.
The novel “Vannuramma” unveils the structure of a Palegar system established by the Vijayanagara kings. Many of these local leaders resisted and eventually succumbed to the British Empire after the Nizams handed over the Datta mandals to the Englishmen. This has happened during the Monroe’s presence. Vannuramma emerges as the lone lady Palegar who fought for her existence in the Rayalaseema region during this tumultuous period.
Motivated by his father’s captivating narratives and equipped with journalistic experience, Bommisetty Ramesh, in his 2001 article in Eenadu, explored the Vannuramma fort, uncovering crucial clues.
Ramesh’s inquisitive nature, inclusivity, and passion for understanding his birthplace are lauded by several authors. This impelled him to document the intriguing story of Vannuramma, resulting in a well-researched book that delves into events spanning 250 years, drawing from fragmentary accounts preserved by a handful of historians.
Throughout his research, Ramesh meticulously traced various rivulets, citadels, ruined buildings, and bastions, even venturing into the formidable depths of the dark forests of Rayalaseema. Guided by the insights of Sannapureddy Venkataramireddy, a renowned writer who once serialized Vannuramma in Swati Magazine, Ramesh compiled historical pieces of evidence to construct a coherent narrative of Vannuramma.
Sakerlapadu Durgam served as the central hub ruled by Vannuramma for 15 years from 1781 to 1796. Vannuramma, belonging to the Patra Gollala caste, was widowed at a very young age. Her reign witnessed confrontations with the kings of Matli, the Mughal Nawabs, and the Maharajas of Mysore. To expand her influence, Vannuramma resorted to ruthless tactics, including the slaughter of the Kommarla Rachakota rulers. The book also unfolds an interesting story about Vannuramma’s relationship with Eswaramma, the granddaughter of Kalagnana Kartha Shri Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy.
Vannuramma’s demise mirrored the brutality of her actions. Summoned by the Nawabs of Kadapa for a truce, she was publicly beheaded.
Bommisetty Ramesh, a botany lecturer by profession, meticulously presents the historical account in the book “Vannuramma.” Each chapter is supported by references, family trees, and dates. The history of every fort, area, building, and river linked to the narrative is thoroughly explained.
The revelation of the concept of Palegar in the book “Vannuramma” is truly fascinating. Congratulations to Ramesh Bommishetty for unveiling this marvel with historical evidence, paving the way for future works in this realm.