A Glimpse into Pithapuram’s Ancient Legacy

 Pithapuram: A Town Steeped in Glorious History

Recently thrust into the spotlight, Pithapuram boasts a rich and storied past that deserves to be celebrated.

Some, unaware of its historical significance, dismiss Pithapuram as a mere "village." This post is for them—to shed light on the grandeur of a town that has shone brightly for centuries.

A Glimpse into Pithapuram’s Ancient Legacy

Since the 4th century BCE, Pithapuram has flourished as a prominent town. Evidence suggests that "Pithunda," mentioned in the 2nd-century BCE Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela, refers to Pithapuram. Near Pithapuram, at Kodavali, a 2nd-century CE inscription from the Satavahana dynasty has been discovered, further attesting to its antiquity.

In the 4th century CE, Emperor Samudragupta proudly claimed in his Prasasti inscription to have conquered Pithapuram. The town’s historical significance continued to grow, and by the 7th century, Kubja Vishnuvardhana established the Vengi kingdom with Pithapuram as its base. There are indications that the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang may have visited Pithapuram around 631 CE.

Over the centuries, Pithapuram was ruled by a succession of dynasties, including the Eastern Chalukyas, Koppula Nayakas, Gajapatis, Pusapati kings, Golconda Nawabs, and the British, each leaving their mark on this historic town.

Poetic Tributes to Pithapuram’s Splendor

The 1337 CE Donepudi inscription paints a vivid picture of Pithapuram’s magnificence:

Pithapuri jayati tatra samastadeva
Shakti prayatna parikalpita toranashrih
Yasyassu nirmala nabhomukurantaraale
Dhatte surendrangari pratibimbaleelam

Translation: Pithapuram, adorned with divine presence, is so enchanting that its beauty reflects in the mirror of the sky, resembling Indra’s celestial city, Amaravati.

Another verse from the same inscription reads:

Yat saudhagra nishannavara vanitavaktrendhu madhyasthitah
Swairam naishavibhavyate himaruchistebhyo vibhinnakritih
Evam chetapi shaktinarachito dhatrakalankasphutam
Noche didrishi nirmale kathamidam maalinya mujjrimbhate

Translation: On Pithapuram’s rooftops, the moon blends into the radiant faces of dancing maidens bathed in moonlight, becoming indistinguishable. To differentiate it, Brahma placed dark spots on the moon, allowing its orb to stand out amidst the celestial beauty of these women.

The 14th-century poet Srinatha captured Pithapuram’s picturesque charm in a vivid verse:

Ete eta vilineeta nirugarun pandu
Brasangu varichela basidichaya
Paripakamuna veru panasapandula taavi
Indindiramulaku vinduseyu
Veboka oluparu vindhyadripavanambu
Pokapuvvula taavi bukkilinchu
Veshyavatikalandu viharinchu valaraju
Nanayambu cherakuvillunu dharinchu
Naradambulavalapu ponnala benagi
Vichikilamodamulathoda viyyamandu
Patalipushpa ketakiparimalamulu
Podala vilasillu bithikapuramunandu

Translation: Pithapuram dazzles with golden-hued rice fields, the fragrance of ripened jackfruit delighting humming bees, cool breezes carrying the scent of Vindhya’s poka flowers, and courtesans’ quarters where the god of love strings his sugarcane bow. Amidst groves of fragrant ponna, patali, and ketaki flowers, Srinatha (1380–1470) brings the town’s vibrant beauty to life.

A Legacy Spanning Millennia

Pithapuram’s history stretches across thousands of years. For centuries, it served as a capital of the Andhra region, its prominence undimmed through the ages. To explore its storied past in greater depth, a 30-page essay on Pithapuram’s grandeur is featured in the recently reprinted book East Godavari’s Ancient Towns by Pallavi Publications. For copies, contact Sri V. Narayana at +91 9866115655.

Let us honor Pithapuram—not as a forgotten village but as a beacon of Andhra’s cultural and historical heritage, its legacy etched in inscriptions, poetry, and the annals of time.

By Bolloju Baba