Bobbili Fort in Vizianagaram: Where memories of an iconic battle stay alive

Antique weapons on display at the Durbar Mahal of the Bobbili Fort in Vizianagaram district.
| Photo Credit: V. RAJU

The year 1757 marks a pivotal moment in India’s history. Through the Battle of Plassey, fought between East India Company forces led by Robert Clive and Nawab of Bengal Siraj-Ud-Daulah backed by the French on January 23 that year, the British established a firm foothold in the subcontinent.

Lost in the vastness of history, however, is another conflict, one marked by bloodshed, intrigue and revenge and fought just a day after the Battle of Plassey.

The Bobbili kingdom was established by King Pedarayudu 350 years ago. Pedarayudu, who hailed from Venkatagiri in Nellore, helped the Mughals when they attacked the kingdom of Kalinga in 1652. Mughal military commander Sher Mohammed Khan, who controlled Chicacole (Srikakulam) then, gifted Rajam area to Pedarayudu, who, in turn, established a kingdom in the name Bobbili. Currently, Rajam and Bobbili are 40 km apart.

The Rajas of Bobbili remained defiant of the French for decades, and Raja Gopala Krishna Ranga Rao (1710-1757) was no different. The French at the time were in friendly ties with Vizianagaram King Pusapati Peda Vijayarama Raju.

A view of the Durbar Mahal at the Bobbili Fort in Vizianagaram district. The museum is about 90 kms from Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
V. RAJU

With the support of French military leader Marquis de Bussy, Vijayarama Raju attacked Bobbili and killed Ranga Rao in the Battle of Bobbili on January 24, 1757. On learning about the king’s death and the destruction of the city, Tandra Paparayudu, Ranga Rao’s brother-in-law and a fierce warrior, tracked down and killed Vijayarama Raju a couple of days after the war.

Both Bobbili and Vizianagaram lost their kings in the war, which caused indescribable sufferings to the people of both the kingdoms. The kings who came to power later soon realised that there were mere pawns in the games of Europeans powers.

Museum in a fort

A museum inside the Bobbili Fort, around 50 km from Vizianagaram city, keeps memories of the battle alive. Weapons used in the war, including straight swords, cross swords, daggers, spears, bows, arrows, slings, javelins, carbines, flamethrower, sabres, halberd, harrow, mace, hammer, axe, hook, sickle and rake crutch, are on display. Stern portraits of the many kings who ruled Bobbili for 300 years, adorn the walls. Visitors can also see the swords and other weapons used by Paparayudu.

“The museum occupies the entire first floor of the fort. We took the support of experts from Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad for maintenance. People from across the country visit here. Their feedback is helping us improve the facilities,” said Bobbili TDP MLA R.V.S.K.V.V. Ranga Rao (Baby Nayana) while speaking to The Hindu. According to him, there is a rush of visitors, particularly during festivals and on Sundays. The entire fort is also decorated on auspicious occasions like Dasara and Deepavali. The museum is maintained by the family of the Bobbili Rajas.