Maharajah Sir Goday Narayana Gajapthi Rao

Who is Maharajah Sir Goday Narayana Gajapthi Rao?

Maharajah Sir Goday Narayana Gajapathi Rao garu belonged to one of the ancient and highly respected families in Southern India. Goday family is known to be one of the most influential ancient families - Goday Akkamma garu, Goday Bhupathi garu, Goday Pedda Surya Rao garu, Goday Chinna Surya Rao garu being eminent persons of their time.

Nizam's government gave large grants of land to Goday Bhupathi garu in recognition of his services. He built two temples for Siva and Kesava. His successor Goday Pedda Surya Rao garu received a sword from Nizam as a present for his service on the battlefield. In the 17th century Britishers came in to actual possession of the circars. Mr. Andrews, the Chief in Service of East India Company was obliged to Sri Goday Jugga Rao garu, representative of Goday families for his help in times of emergency. East India Company presented him a 'Shaiban Palkee', an umbrella and other insignia of royalty.

Goday Jugga Rao garu was a great promoter of Telugu literature and orthodox Hindu, he practiced 'Saptha Santhana' Seven good works of perpetuality. He also founded a choultry in Kashi. He died in 1805 leaving two sons, Surya Prakasa Rao and Surya Narayana Rao and three daughters, Subhadrayamma, Bangaramma and Laskminarsayamma. In the days of no female education he provided decent education to his daughters. His daughter Subharayamma evinced great interest in Telugu poetry and acquired reputation as a poet.