HISTORY OF KOLLAPUR

Kollapur samasthan is a large area spanning most of the Nallamala forest area on the banks of river Krishna. The famous Somasila and Sangameshwara and Malleshwara temples are located in this Samasthan. It is difficult to portray the beauty of river Krishna which floats between Somasila and Sangameshwara. There are traces of architectural treasures from 2nd century BC in this samasthan. Still you can see hundreds of ancient temples, which were built 1500 years ago.

Kollapur Samasthan played a considerable role in Nizam's era. Kollapur has produced great personalities such as Miyyapuram Rama Krishna Rao, who worked as Mantri (secretary) to Raja of Kollapur. Even today people call his family members as Mantri Krishna Rao’s sons and grand sons. The planning of the town is so civic. The roads are so broad and one can wonder how neatly it was planned in those days. There is no single encroachment in this town. This is also known as Mysore of Andhra due to its beautifully planned roads. Known for education it has produced meritorious students like V. Ram Gopal Rao, a Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award recipient, noted film Cinematographer cum professional photographer Venkata Krishna Rao. M. hailed from this town.

A massive lift irrigation project work worth 1500 crores is going on near Kollapur. Of the tourist destinations, it is worth to watch famous SOMASILA temple, which is located just 9 km away from Kollapur. Recently long awaited bitumen road is also laid from Kollapur to Somasila.

Kollapur mangoes are world famous.

Kollapur has a Helipad and Aerodome from back in early 1900's. Kotla Venkatasubbaiah was the Deewan Bahadur during pre-independece period. Kotlas were the immigrants from Bengal/Orissa region who had come here and settled in Kollapur. They married locals of all castes. Kotla Ranganayakamma who would have been 120 years today was very prolific in Vedas and Puranas and ladies from all castes used to listen to her in the Purana Kalakshepam in the evenings. Pagidala Manoramamma , now living in Mahbubnagar was great administrator of her time.

Special Attractions: The Madhava Swamy temple at Kollapur was originally built by the Rajas of Jetprole during the 16 th century A.D. on the left bank of river Krishna, at Manchalakatta. The architecture of the temple is exceedingly beautiful.
All around the temple walls the beautifully carved sculptures depicting the 24 aspects of Vishnu and the Dasa-Avatars of Vishnu. Various pillars supporting the Mandapa, the Garudalaya add beauty to the temple complex.

Due to the submergence under the Srisailam project reservoir, this temple was shifted and transplanted at Kollapur.

Kollapur was a place of beauty, harmony and culture. The only pity is that no one cared to highlight this province.

- PRANITHA. G. & SUSHMA PRAVALLIKA. IX Class