The princes of Pushapati dynasty never fell in the trap of monarchy and ruled their people in democratic manner until their last breath. Historical evidence of the dynasty begins from 1415 A.D. Pushapati Rachi Raju –I was a tributary ruler in the kingdom of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagar (Humpy). He held the title of “ Manya Sultan”. After the invasion of Purushottama Gajapati, from Kalinga Kingdom, Pushapati dynasty shown their allegiance to Gajapati dynasty. Pushapti name derives from the Sanskrit word Pusha meaning sun. According to one belief they were the descendants of Vasisat Gotra of Sun Dynasty belonged to Rajput race in Udaypur in north India.
Pushapati Raghunatha Raju alias Madhava Varma obtained Bhogapuram as an Izara from the Foujdar Share Mohammad Khan of Golkonda Nawabs in 1655. His brother Krishna Bhupala Raju received Reguvalasa as a Mokhasa from Nandapur kings at the same time. Peda Jagannadha Raju family members were ruling Patnur in those days. Like this entire terrain of North Andhra was under the reign of Pushapati dynasty.
Peda Vijaya Rama Raju fought with Badur Allah Khan at Ranasthalam in 1750 and captured 24 villages from Chikakole tributary. The famous Bobbili battle also won by him with the help of French army and defeated Ranga Rao in 1757. Ananda Gajapati Raju joined hands with British army to defeat French army at Chandurti in 1758 and he extended his territory to Rajhamundry. He conquered Peddapuram and Machilipatnam in 1759 with the help of British army.
China Vijaya Rama Raju unable to resolve the tribute dispute with British which resulted a battle at Padmanabham in 1794. He denied permission to the soldiers for firing first shot against British army as he was in the opinion that the problem will be settled amicably. Unfortunately he lost his life in the battle along with several loyal soldiers.
The last crown prince of the Pushapati dynasty was PVG Raju. He acceded to the throne in 1945 in the presence of British officials. After the abolishment of estates in independent India, he offered his tributary to the Indian Government without any privy purse.
His sons Ananda Gajapati Raju and Ashok Gajapati Raju are rendering their services in Assembly and Parliament by participating in true democratic process and being elected as people’s representatives.