The Seed Beneath the Volcano
Vol. I, K. Rajasekhara Reddi
Sri Uppaluri SitaramayyaA landmark in history, model of the religious and very storehouse of civilization and culture was Karmanaadu, a land of spiritual deeds in the Telugu country. The present Krishna district is the main chunk of this historic region. Machilipatnam, or Bunder (derived from bandargah, meaning seaport), has long been the headquarters of the district. It was said Lord Mahavira, the last Jain Tirthankara, once visited this area. In the bygone era, Buddhism and Jainism flourished here as state religions.
On 9th July 1918, a male child was born at 6:12 a.m. to Srimati Bharati—'Bharatamma'—the daughter of Sri Tummalapalli Gopala Krishnamurti—'Pantulu'—of Gudivada, and wife of Sri Uppaluri Sitaramayya of Tenali, at the residence of Sri Vemuri Chinnayya Rao of Godugupeta, in Machilipatnam. The Indian Calendar date was Kalayukta Ashadha Sudda Padyami Punarvvasu Nakshatram. This child, 'christened' Gopala Krishnamurti—the future U.G.—would someday be acclaimed paraceptor of preceptors, world teacher and radical revolutionary beyond any logical comprehension. And now follows his ancestral background.
It is common everywhere for some to migrate from their native place to another place in search of their livelihood. Such people, thus having migrated, are often known after their earlier village. In Telugu families, the name of the place, in many cases, later becomes the surname. In salty soils of this part of the state, a herb known 'uppi' is seen everywhere. After the harvest, this type of whitish grass makes its appearance all over as a weed.
Some say that since sea salt ('uppu' in Telugu) is sold here, the place is known as 'Uppuluru', or 'Uppaluru'. A few Brahmin families left this place and migrated in different directions in search of their livelihoods or due to some other reasons. One such family settled in Nagayalanka of Avanigadda Taluk and was the first Uppaluri family on that bank of the Krishna River.
On the basis of the data collected, the name of the ancestor of this family is Bindumadhavaiah, alias Venkatappayya. His father or grandfather might have first settled there. He had one son Sitaramayya. Sitaramayya had three brothers of unknown names. Ramaseshayya was the son of one of them. He married thrice, Valluri Gopalam's daughter being his second wife. Pedda Ranganayakamma, Dr. Ranganayakamma and Chitti Ranganayakamma were their three daughters. The renowned revolutionary Telugu writer, Gudipati Venkatachalam, popularly known as 'Chalam', married Chitti Ranganayakamma. Their daughter, Souris, is well known for her stories.
The first wife of Sitaramayya had a son, Laxminarayana, by name. His second wife, Ramanamma, had a son, Venkatappayya. Sitaramayya also had a daughter named Durgamma. The life of his son Laxminarayana is not known in detail except that he had a son named Radha Krishna Murthy. Venkatappayya married Venkata Laxminarasamma, who hailed from the Davuluri family. In the later part of their married life they had one son. Venktappayya named him Sitaramayya, after his late father.
From ancient times, the lineage of families has been known by gotras, the ancestral saints of, in particular, Brahmins. Certain families are said to have descent from various rishis. According to ancient Vedic tradition, the gotra rishi of a family is the one who chalked out the path for the spiritual upliftment of that family.
The Uppaluri family are descendents of Atreya. Thus they are said to be of Atreya-sa gotram. 'Sa' is a suffix to indicate that a particular family is of a particular gotram. The Uppaluri family is 'triarushayam'—that is to say, their great holy known ancestors are three: Atreya, Archanana and Savasya.
There are a number of sects in the Brahimn caste such as Vydeeki Niyogi. Vydeeki Brahmins are scholars and their chief occupation is the priesthood. They prepare almanacs and they are, as such, astrologers also. The Niyogi is the revenue accountant and document writer in a village. Hence he is called Karanam. Kakatiya King, Ganapathi Deva (1198-1262), is said to have appointed this sect of Brahmins as Karanams in six thousand villages. Later on, these Niyogi families were known as Aaruvela (six-thousand) Niyogis.
Niyogis are well versed in worldly affairs and litigation. With hereditary sharpness of mind and knowledge, blended with push and tact, they swiftly move with the times. As such, they naturally become popular in the villages, but they are said to be egoistic, haughty and proud at heart.
From Kakatiya dynasty times till modern days, this sect of Brahmins are renowned all over for their scholarship intelligence, creativity, administrative ability and efficiency. The ministers, Akkanna and Madanna, of the Nawab of Golconda, Abdul Hasan Qutub Shah (1658-1687), were Niyogi Brahmins. Prime Minister Purnayya, of Tipu Sultan of Mysore, was also a famous Niyogi Brahmin.
The Uppaluri family belongs to a respectable lineage of Aaruvela Niyogis. By birth, they were intelligent and shrewd. A number of scholars were born in their lineage and made a name for their attainments in Sanskrit Alankara Sastra (figures of speech), prosody and grammar. They had a firm grip on Tarka Sastra (logic) and could as well recite a good number of Sanskrit verses from ancient literature. Some of their ancestors were seekers of Truth, were absorbed in philosophical contemplation, and became ascetics. Some occupied key positions in estates, but they were primarily agriculturists.
It is not known whether the Uppaluri family, settled in Nagayalanka, were Karanams or not. At the time of Sitaramayya, they had 100 acres of land. At the end of his primary education, the eldest son of Sitaramayya evinced interest in looking after agriculture. His second son, Venkatappayya, was brimming with energy and activity to achieve something great in his life.
After elementary schooling in Tenali, Venkatappayya completed his graduation in Machilipatnam and his law degree at Madras. In those days, lawyers commanded great importance in society. They were treated with greater respect than doctors, as a matter of fact. After the demise of their father, Venkatappayya entrusted the agriculture to his elder brother Laximanarayana and settled in Tenali.
In those days, Tenali and its surrounding areas were well known for their dynamism. A number of scholars, musicians, actors, literati, patrons of arts, social reformers and patriots were born there and earned name and fame. Just as Paris is considered as the heart of Europe, Tenali had been regarded the Paris of Andhra.
Venkatappayya was of medium height, slim and of strong body and balanced proportions, with a fair complexion. His figure resembled that of elegant nobility. Indeed, he attracted all attention and admiration. His expressions were catchy. He was eloquent, dignified and commanding. His looks were sharp and penetrating. There was something heroic in him. His handwriting was attractive and always neat.
The basic nature of Venkatappayya was distinct from others. His life was adventurous and experimental. His individuality was prominently seen in every activity. He read and digested all the classical books in Sanskrit on philosophy, but his scholarship was not expressive. His intellect got sharpened under the influence of English education but he had his own strong convictions at heart. To achieve his desired end, Venkatappayya would face every hurdle, loss of money, and stress and strain with immovable determination. Compromise was out of the question for him. The strength of his will was unique. When once a thing was decided upon, Venkatappayya would never retreat under any circumstances, such was his adamantine nature.
Once a lower court judgement went against a party that had no money to appeal. Venkatappayya felt convinced that the judgement was not just. So he himself financed the appeal to the High Court in Madras and won the case for his client just to secure justice. His colleagues at the Bar honored him for this unusual achievement and complimented him he was a fighter for justice and harbinger of Truth.
Venkatappayya's knowledge of law was impeccable and before taking up a case he used to judge it. Unless he was convinced that the case could be sustained by the requirement of law, he would not take it up. He was lured by justice and not by lucre. The talk of the town was that if justice was sought, it was only through this pleader.
Sometimes, in order to avoid the trouble of hovering around the courts, Venkatappayya would summon the parties and settle the dispute amicably outside of court. He was settling family disputes also similarly and nobody ever dared to comment against his solutions. As a lawyer, Venkatappayya earned a lot. In Morispet, he built a three-storied mansion, in those days unparalleled. It's compound was too long and spread all around. The street was thereafter known as Uppaluri Street.
The residence of Venkatappayya resembled that of a zamindar or a lord with a festive look all day. The dining hall was always busy with invitees as well as uninvitees; royal food was served to one and all. Fresh and new items were served for lunch and dinner. For spicy items and taste, ghee was provided, but not oil. Special items were made of ghee profusely during festivals throughout the year. The house was always full with men and material.
Venkatappayya was adamant and unyielding in temperament. He would go ahead as he thought proper and never cared for others' advice, however good it might be. He was egoistic, proud and indifferent, and rough and tough also sometimes. He was rude and crude even in small matters and made much ado. Sometimes he was perfectly calm and undisturbed while everyone else was on their toes. His pleasure as well as displeasure had no bounds.
In his lifetime, Venkatappayya bowed to none and was servile to none. He never danced to the tunes of others. People had therefore a type of fear and respect too for him. His words were few and always meaningful. As such, nobody ventured to confront him, face to face.
Venkatappayya was generous and kind at heart and provided food and shelter to a number of poor students. He awarded annual scholarships to deserving bright students. Whenever anyone destitute approached him for help, he always extended a helping hand. A statement of Venkatappayya was respected as an injunction order of the court. He never denied his word. For a selfish end or otherwise he never cheated anybody. Venkatappayya never yielded to any temptation in his lifetime. His honesty was well known all over and his word was honored by government employees as well as others. Venkatappayya helped very many to get employment and livelihood. He was called Annadata, or free giver of food.
In Tenali, Tripuraneni Rama Swamy Choudary was another lawyer. He was bar-at-law. Choudary was a rationalist and he revolted against the traditional values. Venkatappayya was a crystal of salt; Choudary was a piece of burning coal. But strangely, one liked the other. Whenever the Gandhian, Vunnava Laxminarayana, came over to Tenali from Guntur, he would be the guest of Venkatappayya and spend some time with him. Laxminarayana was the author of the popular Telugu novel, 'Malapalli'. Another Gandhian and veteran patriot, Konda Venktappayya, was a close friend of Venkatappayya.
Though Venkatappayya did not take part in the Independence struggle, he liked Mahatma Gandhi and had a soft spot in his heart for the Congress party. Perhaps for the same reason, like Gandhi, he didn't wear a shirt at home. He purchased hand spinning wheels for yarn making. Now and then Venkatappayya wore khadi clothes made of the yarn. He used to donate liberally to the Congress party.
Their ancestral property of 100 acres, at Nagayalanka, was enriched up to 300 acres. Thirty acres were allotted to mango, thirty for lemon, twenty for turmeric, and the rest for rice and pulses. Venkatappayya grew roses on one acre exclusively. The roses were the size of a palm, and Venkatappayya roses, as they were called, were in great demand in Bezawada market. The mangoes of his grove were yellow inside and very tasty. They were large and thin-skinned. In the season, Venkatappayya mangoes sold like hotcakes, at a premium.
In those days, tractors were rare in this area. In Madras, Venkatappayya got a tractor made in England. People used to stare at it, as if it had descended from the skies. Two persons were appointed for its maintenance. He made necessary arrangements for the happy living of the two persons. In those days, a coach pulled by a horse was considered as a status symbol, like the Mercedes car. The coach was well decorated. Venkatappayya appointed Peer Sahib to take care of his coach and horse.
Venkatappayya prayed three times a day—early in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, in a closed room for half an hour. When he was on a pilgrimage, it would look as though a king was going out followed by his train of personnel. Besides family members, relatives and friends also accompanied him at his cost. A number of attendants and servants were there with him till his return.
Venkatappayya was generous and charitable towards all the needy. It appeared as though he was lavish. If any of his relatives spent luxuriously, others would reprimand him saying, 'Remember that you don't hail from the Uppaluri family to spend lavishly. He has fabulous amounts of money and can afford to spend it, but what about you?'
If a hundred rupee note slips from the hand and falls, it is customary to pick it up immediately in a humble manner and to bow to it, before keeping it in the pocket. If, however, it slipped from the hand of anybody from the Uppaluri Family, he would say, 'Oh probably it is destined to leave.' It was said that it was given away as alms. So goes the saying about the Uppaluri family's wealth and attitude—this may be a bit of exaggeration!
Venkatappayya very much liked to take up tasks not taken up by anybody till then. It was a inborn characteristic. The field of agriculture attracted his attention and he was ready with new experiments. He purchased barren land cheaply and toiled on it with fertilizers and manures. As luck would have it, there were bumper yields, which encouraged him to design new plans.
Venkatappayya succeeded in growing vegetables such as tomatoes, cauliflower, arrowroot, beetroot and cabbage, which foreigners relished very much. He obtained the necessary seeds from Madras and used the required amount of manures without any hesitation. His vegetables also had a heavy demand in Bezawada market. He purchased 100 acres of land near the seashore and doubled the cultivation. Once when the crops were just ready, a cyclone swept them all away. It occurred four or five times and the loss was so heavy that his other resources had to be tapped.
Venkatappayya was fully aware of the situation but he did not change his mind. He remembered the great King Vikramarka who is adored even today for his unparalleled determination and perserverance. That year the yields were doubled but in the market the rates were discouraging. The net income was hardly one-eighth of the investment. Venkatappayya boldly faced the situation, but his elder brother, Laxminarayana, broke down.
In those days, in order to whiten sugar, bone ash was used in the process. Such factories were very meager, just one or two in the entire state. Venkatappayya planned to start such a factory of his own and make good all the agricultural loss. Laxminarayana, his elder brother, opposed the proposal. Venkatapayya's wife, Venkata Laxminarasamma, protested vehemently against it. At her request, all near and dear tried to presuade him to drop the idea, saying that it was all against Brahminism to make business involving bones and that the prestige of the family would go to winds and waters. Venkatappayya paid a deaf ear to all of them. A factory was established near Tenali Railway Station. Not even a single Brahmin family attended the inaugural function.
His wife, Laxminarasamma, was in mental agony. Besides, his elder brother Laxminarayana was bedridden for some time and finally passed away. His son, Radha Krishna Murthy, detached himself from the joint family. The fortune of Venkatappayya began to swing to the other side gradually. Till then he had been an uncrowned king. His routine lifestyle also showed marks of changes.
Venkatappayya brought up his only son, Sitaramayya, with utmost tender care. The boy was intelligent and had a good physique too, with a fair complexion like his father. The handsome and active boy would impress everyone instantly that he hailed from a respectable family.
The style of Sitaramayya was different from his father's. He was not worldly-wise but gentle and soft. He was flexible also, unlike his father. Though born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he was not at all proud, showy or boastful. He was sociable and moved with everyone in a friendly manner. Sitaramayya was a person of few words, with a strong zeal to learn more and more. With his sharp intellect he learned with ease, and accordingly, he studied and gained a grip on classical literature. To onlookers, he would appear thoughtful and contemplative but none could read his mind, his demeanour being deep and sober. He respected elders duly, would pocket insults calmly and coolly, and was kind at heart. A strong will lay underneath his bold nature. He was studious but did not want to continue his studies after receiving his F.A. (Fellow of Arts).
Venkatappayya desired to perform his son's marriage and started to consider different proposals put forth by different mediators from different places. In fact, a number of good proposals were forthcoming, but none was suitable. Alliance with the Uppaluri family was not ordinary. A proposal could be considered as suitable for them only if they could match in respect to status, wealth, ancestral glory and, above all, prestige.
It is customary in Brahmin families to verify whether the ancestry is spotless on either side of the parents of the bride or bridegroom for seven generations. Even if everything is satisfactory, the horoscopes of the couple should be in harmony with one another; if not, the offer is declined without any hesitation.
Mediators had been very active, but in vain. At last, a proposal from Guntur was accepted. The bride's father was a lawyer. It was a well-to-do and respectable family. The proposal was discussed at length in the presence of mediators. A draft decision regarding the date and time of marriage also was finalized. The date of the proposed marriage was fast approaching. Suddenly, Venkatappayya came to know that the bride's father talked ill of him with somebody and that there were some deviations from the agreed formalities.
That was enough. Venkatappayya flared up in anger. He sent a message to him, making their decision null and void. The bride's father then realized his mistake and appeared in person. He gave assurances that he would abide by the promises in toto, but Venkatappayya was adamant. 'I don't want to dupe myself by having an alliance with uncultured liars,' he roared.
Another proposal from Machilipatnam was brought to his notice. They had a distant relationship also. They were rich enough and the bride was the only child for them. It was considered as suitable in every respect. They thought of fixing up the engagement date. Unexpectedly, the grandmother of the bride passed away. The bride's father requested for postponement of the marriage by six months. For some unknown reason, he replied, 'We can't be passive all the time. If no other proposal is decided upon, then we shall consider your case, but don't await our consent.'
Sitaramayya's mother, Venkatalaxmi Narasamma, began to feel pessimistic about the situation. Their relatives advised Venktappayya to accept one or the other proposals, ignoring small issues. He retorted, 'Unless I am satisfied in every aspect, I will not accept any proposal. There is no question of compromise - the country is not barren. It is governed by destiny none can stop.'
It is said that marriages are made in heaven, that man is instrumental and that everything is destined already to take place accordingly. As a matter of fact, birth, marriage, profession and death are ruled by destiny. While some say that everything is incidental, when these incidents are analyzed and explained in detail, some others conclude that they are inevitable. With what ultimate objective does destiny join two persons in a wedlock to live together and for how long? Does anybody know?
One day, at about 11 o’clock, Venkatappayya was talking with somebody in his room. It was a hot day. A marriage mediator came in sweating and gasping for breath. He bowed to Venkatappayya respectfully and approached his wife, Narasamma, in the inner room and prayed for a cup of water immediately. She gave a tumbler of buttermilk. He gulped all of it instantaneously and wiped his mouth with his upper cloth.
With all earnestness, he tried to broach his intention to her, addressing her most respectfully as mother. 'I have auspicious news for you. Believe me—I came actually running from the bus stop to you. Now it is the destined period for your son's marriage. Recently, my brother-in-law suddenly met me in Bezwada and provided me with details of an excellent match for your son. Immediately, I rushed to the spot and made necessary enquiries. It is the best of all the proposals, you have considered so far.' At that moment, Venkatappayya stepped in. He nodded his head at him and asked 'What is the matter? In hot sun you rushed in and started gossiping.'
'Most respected Sir! Let me submit that it is not at all gossip. I came to know about an excellent match. If you please...' So saying he stood up with folded hands before Venkatappayya. 'Alright, why do you hesitate at this stage?' Venkatappayya, so saying, removed his shirt and hung it on the hanger.
'Your pleasure. The bride hails from Tummalappli Family. Her father is Gopala Krishna Murthy Pantulu, the most revered Sanskrit scholar—Ganapati, as you know. He is a renowned lawyer, like you. I submit that their ancestry is spotless. They are at par with you in respect of wealth, status and nobility. Pantulu has three daughters and no sons. However, he adopted a boy of the same gotra. The eldest daughter was given in marriage to the Yellamraju family but unfortunately she died during delivery. The second daughter is the daughter-in-law of the erstwhile diwans, namely the Valluri family.'
He stopped for a while, wiped his sweating face again and again, and added, 'Kindly listen to me—the youngest and the last daughter is an embodiment of all beauty and virtues. She is well read as well as devoted. By birth perhaps, she knows how to respect elders and to organize her home well. They do not hesitate to give dowry as you deem it fit, besides fulfilling all the formalities suitably. In my opinion, it is the most suitable match. The rest is in your hands.' The marriage mediator was an experienced person in the field of suggesting alliances. He pleaded impressively with his gestures and noddings, as well as the appropriate intonations and modulations in his voice.
When he first heard that the bride hailed from the Tummalapalli family, Venkatappayya felt happy and inquisitive to know more about the proposal. 'I see! Yes, I know about the Tummalapalli family already. I remember having seen him. It is a very good family,' he said. The mediator felt overjoyed when he noticed such a positive response from Venkatappayya. Then he added, 'Just one more word. Gopala Krishna Murthy seems to have an association with some society at Madras. As such, he has acquaintances with some British people there. It is learnt that a European lady established it.' Venkatappayya replied, 'Yes. It is the Theosophical Society. Annie Besent established it. She has utmost regard for Vedic religion. I saw her some time back in Rajahmundry.'
His wife, Narasamma, was all the more pleased on noticing her husband's reactions. 'Now, will you kindly go ahead?' She told the mediator to do so. He jumped with joy, 'It is my fortune now to approach them tomorrow itself. May I take leave of you?' He got up to go. She insisted, 'It is already lunchtime and you may please join us. You can relax for a while and take leave in the evening.' She thus invited him for lunch, in the usual hospitable manner. He readily agreed, thankfully.
The said mediator proceeded to Gudiwada and introduced himself to Pantulu. He added, 'It is my great fortune to meet you, Sir, in this context. The bridegroom hails from Uppaluri family. I know that I need not explain who they are. His father also is an eminent lawyer like you. I also learned that you know one another a little. He is the landlord residing in that glorious three-storied mansion. The bridegroom is the only son for them and the heir-apparent for their entire property. The youth is handsome and well-behaved. He has a great regard for elders, like everyone else in the family. So it is undoubtedly a suitable match, in every respect, such as status, wealth, etc. If you may kindly furnish me with the horoscope of the bride, it will be studied.' He humbly paused.
Pantulu's wife, Durgamma, listened to him keenly. She turned to her husband and added, 'There had been some distant relationship for us with them.' Pantulu replied, 'Yes, some such thing is there. I heard of Venkatappayya some time back. I had seen him in the premises of Madras High Court a number of times. But what about dowry and other formalities? Are his expectations too high?
The mediator answered, 'No, no, sir. He is not greedy. He wants a daughter-in-law hailing from a respectable family. And I am glad to inform you that he stands by his word. Whatever is said of him elsewhere - I dare say that he is good for his word. Whatever you wish, I am sure, is within your reach. Kindly give me a hint of it and I will make him agree to it.'
Both of them discussed all the details in this regard. Durgamma, handed over a copy of their daughter's horoscope. The mediator instantaneously landed at Tenali and narrated everything to them without any loss of time. The sister of Venkatappayya accompanied by two other elderly housewives, started for Gudiwada.
At Pantulu's residence, she was received with utmost respect. The bride was most beautifully dressed and ornamented, and introduced to the visitors. The sister of Venkatappayya was immensely pleased with her. They returned home by the evening.
Durgamma was all in praise for the bride. She exclaimed to her sister-in-law, 'What a stunning beauty—she looks like the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. She is most suitable for our Sitaramayya. If they stand, one beside the other, they will look like the great legendary couple Rati and Manmadha. The bride is well behaved and virtuous. Her melodious song on Lord Krishna is reverberating even now in my ears. What a voice! Oh! Now, there is nothing else to think of—the only delay is in going over there and fixing up the date of marriage.'
Later, Venkatappayya and Gopala Krishna Murthy Pantulu personally discussed all the details frankly and freely. One developed regard for the other. The engagement was arranged and the date of marriage was fixed on an auspicious day. A green light was given for invitations to be printed right away.
It appeared like any other ordinary wedlock. No one dreamed that it would lead to an extraordinary event, yet the alliance of the Uppaluri and Tummalapalli families prepared the necessary ground. The Uppaluri family had considered a number of proposals, as a matter of fact. Indeed, in all, six proposals were declined in the final stages, due to some reason or other. Only the seventh one was finally accepted and confirmed.
When invitations were ready for distribution, someone commented to Pantulu, 'All that glitters is not gold. Tin also appears like silver sometimes. It is learned that the property of Venkatappayya is in a fluid stage. He is neck deep in debts. Don't be deceived by appearances.' Pantulu coolly replied, 'Well, what is there in my hands? We should act as directed by the Divine Director. We are simply instrumental. Everything is governed by Divine will and destiny. Having invitations in hand, withdrawal is totally ruled out. It is a disgrace to shirk a promise. One had to bow before the Divine decision.' Thus, the serpentine coil of fate was sealed.
On 9th July 1918, a male child was born at 6:12 a.m. to Srimati Bharati—'Bharatamma'—the daughter of Sri Tummalapalli Gopala Krishnamurti—'Pantulu'—of Gudivada, and wife of Sri Uppaluri Sitaramayya of Tenali, at the residence of Sri Vemuri Chinnayya Rao of Godugupeta, in Machilipatnam. The Indian Calendar date was Kalayukta Ashadha Sudda Padyami Punarvvasu Nakshatram. This child, 'christened' Gopala Krishnamurti—the future U.G.—would someday be acclaimed paraceptor of preceptors, world teacher and radical revolutionary beyond any logical comprehension. And now follows his ancestral background.
It is common everywhere for some to migrate from their native place to another place in search of their livelihood. Such people, thus having migrated, are often known after their earlier village. In Telugu families, the name of the place, in many cases, later becomes the surname. In salty soils of this part of the state, a herb known 'uppi' is seen everywhere. After the harvest, this type of whitish grass makes its appearance all over as a weed.
Some say that since sea salt ('uppu' in Telugu) is sold here, the place is known as 'Uppuluru', or 'Uppaluru'. A few Brahmin families left this place and migrated in different directions in search of their livelihoods or due to some other reasons. One such family settled in Nagayalanka of Avanigadda Taluk and was the first Uppaluri family on that bank of the Krishna River.
On the basis of the data collected, the name of the ancestor of this family is Bindumadhavaiah, alias Venkatappayya. His father or grandfather might have first settled there. He had one son Sitaramayya. Sitaramayya had three brothers of unknown names. Ramaseshayya was the son of one of them. He married thrice, Valluri Gopalam's daughter being his second wife. Pedda Ranganayakamma, Dr. Ranganayakamma and Chitti Ranganayakamma were their three daughters. The renowned revolutionary Telugu writer, Gudipati Venkatachalam, popularly known as 'Chalam', married Chitti Ranganayakamma. Their daughter, Souris, is well known for her stories.
The first wife of Sitaramayya had a son, Laxminarayana, by name. His second wife, Ramanamma, had a son, Venkatappayya. Sitaramayya also had a daughter named Durgamma. The life of his son Laxminarayana is not known in detail except that he had a son named Radha Krishna Murthy. Venkatappayya married Venkata Laxminarasamma, who hailed from the Davuluri family. In the later part of their married life they had one son. Venktappayya named him Sitaramayya, after his late father.
From ancient times, the lineage of families has been known by gotras, the ancestral saints of, in particular, Brahmins. Certain families are said to have descent from various rishis. According to ancient Vedic tradition, the gotra rishi of a family is the one who chalked out the path for the spiritual upliftment of that family.
The Uppaluri family are descendents of Atreya. Thus they are said to be of Atreya-sa gotram. 'Sa' is a suffix to indicate that a particular family is of a particular gotram. The Uppaluri family is 'triarushayam'—that is to say, their great holy known ancestors are three: Atreya, Archanana and Savasya.
There are a number of sects in the Brahimn caste such as Vydeeki Niyogi. Vydeeki Brahmins are scholars and their chief occupation is the priesthood. They prepare almanacs and they are, as such, astrologers also. The Niyogi is the revenue accountant and document writer in a village. Hence he is called Karanam. Kakatiya King, Ganapathi Deva (1198-1262), is said to have appointed this sect of Brahmins as Karanams in six thousand villages. Later on, these Niyogi families were known as Aaruvela (six-thousand) Niyogis.
Niyogis are well versed in worldly affairs and litigation. With hereditary sharpness of mind and knowledge, blended with push and tact, they swiftly move with the times. As such, they naturally become popular in the villages, but they are said to be egoistic, haughty and proud at heart.
From Kakatiya dynasty times till modern days, this sect of Brahmins are renowned all over for their scholarship intelligence, creativity, administrative ability and efficiency. The ministers, Akkanna and Madanna, of the Nawab of Golconda, Abdul Hasan Qutub Shah (1658-1687), were Niyogi Brahmins. Prime Minister Purnayya, of Tipu Sultan of Mysore, was also a famous Niyogi Brahmin.
The Uppaluri family belongs to a respectable lineage of Aaruvela Niyogis. By birth, they were intelligent and shrewd. A number of scholars were born in their lineage and made a name for their attainments in Sanskrit Alankara Sastra (figures of speech), prosody and grammar. They had a firm grip on Tarka Sastra (logic) and could as well recite a good number of Sanskrit verses from ancient literature. Some of their ancestors were seekers of Truth, were absorbed in philosophical contemplation, and became ascetics. Some occupied key positions in estates, but they were primarily agriculturists.
It is not known whether the Uppaluri family, settled in Nagayalanka, were Karanams or not. At the time of Sitaramayya, they had 100 acres of land. At the end of his primary education, the eldest son of Sitaramayya evinced interest in looking after agriculture. His second son, Venkatappayya, was brimming with energy and activity to achieve something great in his life.
After elementary schooling in Tenali, Venkatappayya completed his graduation in Machilipatnam and his law degree at Madras. In those days, lawyers commanded great importance in society. They were treated with greater respect than doctors, as a matter of fact. After the demise of their father, Venkatappayya entrusted the agriculture to his elder brother Laximanarayana and settled in Tenali.
In those days, Tenali and its surrounding areas were well known for their dynamism. A number of scholars, musicians, actors, literati, patrons of arts, social reformers and patriots were born there and earned name and fame. Just as Paris is considered as the heart of Europe, Tenali had been regarded the Paris of Andhra.
Venkatappayya was of medium height, slim and of strong body and balanced proportions, with a fair complexion. His figure resembled that of elegant nobility. Indeed, he attracted all attention and admiration. His expressions were catchy. He was eloquent, dignified and commanding. His looks were sharp and penetrating. There was something heroic in him. His handwriting was attractive and always neat.
The basic nature of Venkatappayya was distinct from others. His life was adventurous and experimental. His individuality was prominently seen in every activity. He read and digested all the classical books in Sanskrit on philosophy, but his scholarship was not expressive. His intellect got sharpened under the influence of English education but he had his own strong convictions at heart. To achieve his desired end, Venkatappayya would face every hurdle, loss of money, and stress and strain with immovable determination. Compromise was out of the question for him. The strength of his will was unique. When once a thing was decided upon, Venkatappayya would never retreat under any circumstances, such was his adamantine nature.
Once a lower court judgement went against a party that had no money to appeal. Venkatappayya felt convinced that the judgement was not just. So he himself financed the appeal to the High Court in Madras and won the case for his client just to secure justice. His colleagues at the Bar honored him for this unusual achievement and complimented him he was a fighter for justice and harbinger of Truth.
Venkatappayya's knowledge of law was impeccable and before taking up a case he used to judge it. Unless he was convinced that the case could be sustained by the requirement of law, he would not take it up. He was lured by justice and not by lucre. The talk of the town was that if justice was sought, it was only through this pleader.
Sometimes, in order to avoid the trouble of hovering around the courts, Venkatappayya would summon the parties and settle the dispute amicably outside of court. He was settling family disputes also similarly and nobody ever dared to comment against his solutions. As a lawyer, Venkatappayya earned a lot. In Morispet, he built a three-storied mansion, in those days unparalleled. It's compound was too long and spread all around. The street was thereafter known as Uppaluri Street.
The residence of Venkatappayya resembled that of a zamindar or a lord with a festive look all day. The dining hall was always busy with invitees as well as uninvitees; royal food was served to one and all. Fresh and new items were served for lunch and dinner. For spicy items and taste, ghee was provided, but not oil. Special items were made of ghee profusely during festivals throughout the year. The house was always full with men and material.
Venkatappayya was adamant and unyielding in temperament. He would go ahead as he thought proper and never cared for others' advice, however good it might be. He was egoistic, proud and indifferent, and rough and tough also sometimes. He was rude and crude even in small matters and made much ado. Sometimes he was perfectly calm and undisturbed while everyone else was on their toes. His pleasure as well as displeasure had no bounds.
In his lifetime, Venkatappayya bowed to none and was servile to none. He never danced to the tunes of others. People had therefore a type of fear and respect too for him. His words were few and always meaningful. As such, nobody ventured to confront him, face to face.
Venkatappayya was generous and kind at heart and provided food and shelter to a number of poor students. He awarded annual scholarships to deserving bright students. Whenever anyone destitute approached him for help, he always extended a helping hand. A statement of Venkatappayya was respected as an injunction order of the court. He never denied his word. For a selfish end or otherwise he never cheated anybody. Venkatappayya never yielded to any temptation in his lifetime. His honesty was well known all over and his word was honored by government employees as well as others. Venkatappayya helped very many to get employment and livelihood. He was called Annadata, or free giver of food.
In Tenali, Tripuraneni Rama Swamy Choudary was another lawyer. He was bar-at-law. Choudary was a rationalist and he revolted against the traditional values. Venkatappayya was a crystal of salt; Choudary was a piece of burning coal. But strangely, one liked the other. Whenever the Gandhian, Vunnava Laxminarayana, came over to Tenali from Guntur, he would be the guest of Venkatappayya and spend some time with him. Laxminarayana was the author of the popular Telugu novel, 'Malapalli'. Another Gandhian and veteran patriot, Konda Venktappayya, was a close friend of Venkatappayya.
Though Venkatappayya did not take part in the Independence struggle, he liked Mahatma Gandhi and had a soft spot in his heart for the Congress party. Perhaps for the same reason, like Gandhi, he didn't wear a shirt at home. He purchased hand spinning wheels for yarn making. Now and then Venkatappayya wore khadi clothes made of the yarn. He used to donate liberally to the Congress party.
Their ancestral property of 100 acres, at Nagayalanka, was enriched up to 300 acres. Thirty acres were allotted to mango, thirty for lemon, twenty for turmeric, and the rest for rice and pulses. Venkatappayya grew roses on one acre exclusively. The roses were the size of a palm, and Venkatappayya roses, as they were called, were in great demand in Bezawada market. The mangoes of his grove were yellow inside and very tasty. They were large and thin-skinned. In the season, Venkatappayya mangoes sold like hotcakes, at a premium.
In those days, tractors were rare in this area. In Madras, Venkatappayya got a tractor made in England. People used to stare at it, as if it had descended from the skies. Two persons were appointed for its maintenance. He made necessary arrangements for the happy living of the two persons. In those days, a coach pulled by a horse was considered as a status symbol, like the Mercedes car. The coach was well decorated. Venkatappayya appointed Peer Sahib to take care of his coach and horse.
Venkatappayya prayed three times a day—early in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, in a closed room for half an hour. When he was on a pilgrimage, it would look as though a king was going out followed by his train of personnel. Besides family members, relatives and friends also accompanied him at his cost. A number of attendants and servants were there with him till his return.
Venkatappayya was generous and charitable towards all the needy. It appeared as though he was lavish. If any of his relatives spent luxuriously, others would reprimand him saying, 'Remember that you don't hail from the Uppaluri family to spend lavishly. He has fabulous amounts of money and can afford to spend it, but what about you?'
If a hundred rupee note slips from the hand and falls, it is customary to pick it up immediately in a humble manner and to bow to it, before keeping it in the pocket. If, however, it slipped from the hand of anybody from the Uppaluri Family, he would say, 'Oh probably it is destined to leave.' It was said that it was given away as alms. So goes the saying about the Uppaluri family's wealth and attitude—this may be a bit of exaggeration!
Venkatappayya very much liked to take up tasks not taken up by anybody till then. It was a inborn characteristic. The field of agriculture attracted his attention and he was ready with new experiments. He purchased barren land cheaply and toiled on it with fertilizers and manures. As luck would have it, there were bumper yields, which encouraged him to design new plans.
Venkatappayya succeeded in growing vegetables such as tomatoes, cauliflower, arrowroot, beetroot and cabbage, which foreigners relished very much. He obtained the necessary seeds from Madras and used the required amount of manures without any hesitation. His vegetables also had a heavy demand in Bezawada market. He purchased 100 acres of land near the seashore and doubled the cultivation. Once when the crops were just ready, a cyclone swept them all away. It occurred four or five times and the loss was so heavy that his other resources had to be tapped.
Venkatappayya was fully aware of the situation but he did not change his mind. He remembered the great King Vikramarka who is adored even today for his unparalleled determination and perserverance. That year the yields were doubled but in the market the rates were discouraging. The net income was hardly one-eighth of the investment. Venkatappayya boldly faced the situation, but his elder brother, Laxminarayana, broke down.
In those days, in order to whiten sugar, bone ash was used in the process. Such factories were very meager, just one or two in the entire state. Venkatappayya planned to start such a factory of his own and make good all the agricultural loss. Laxminarayana, his elder brother, opposed the proposal. Venkatapayya's wife, Venkata Laxminarasamma, protested vehemently against it. At her request, all near and dear tried to presuade him to drop the idea, saying that it was all against Brahminism to make business involving bones and that the prestige of the family would go to winds and waters. Venkatappayya paid a deaf ear to all of them. A factory was established near Tenali Railway Station. Not even a single Brahmin family attended the inaugural function.
His wife, Laxminarasamma, was in mental agony. Besides, his elder brother Laxminarayana was bedridden for some time and finally passed away. His son, Radha Krishna Murthy, detached himself from the joint family. The fortune of Venkatappayya began to swing to the other side gradually. Till then he had been an uncrowned king. His routine lifestyle also showed marks of changes.
Venkatappayya brought up his only son, Sitaramayya, with utmost tender care. The boy was intelligent and had a good physique too, with a fair complexion like his father. The handsome and active boy would impress everyone instantly that he hailed from a respectable family.
The style of Sitaramayya was different from his father's. He was not worldly-wise but gentle and soft. He was flexible also, unlike his father. Though born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he was not at all proud, showy or boastful. He was sociable and moved with everyone in a friendly manner. Sitaramayya was a person of few words, with a strong zeal to learn more and more. With his sharp intellect he learned with ease, and accordingly, he studied and gained a grip on classical literature. To onlookers, he would appear thoughtful and contemplative but none could read his mind, his demeanour being deep and sober. He respected elders duly, would pocket insults calmly and coolly, and was kind at heart. A strong will lay underneath his bold nature. He was studious but did not want to continue his studies after receiving his F.A. (Fellow of Arts).
Venkatappayya desired to perform his son's marriage and started to consider different proposals put forth by different mediators from different places. In fact, a number of good proposals were forthcoming, but none was suitable. Alliance with the Uppaluri family was not ordinary. A proposal could be considered as suitable for them only if they could match in respect to status, wealth, ancestral glory and, above all, prestige.
It is customary in Brahmin families to verify whether the ancestry is spotless on either side of the parents of the bride or bridegroom for seven generations. Even if everything is satisfactory, the horoscopes of the couple should be in harmony with one another; if not, the offer is declined without any hesitation.
Mediators had been very active, but in vain. At last, a proposal from Guntur was accepted. The bride's father was a lawyer. It was a well-to-do and respectable family. The proposal was discussed at length in the presence of mediators. A draft decision regarding the date and time of marriage also was finalized. The date of the proposed marriage was fast approaching. Suddenly, Venkatappayya came to know that the bride's father talked ill of him with somebody and that there were some deviations from the agreed formalities.
That was enough. Venkatappayya flared up in anger. He sent a message to him, making their decision null and void. The bride's father then realized his mistake and appeared in person. He gave assurances that he would abide by the promises in toto, but Venkatappayya was adamant. 'I don't want to dupe myself by having an alliance with uncultured liars,' he roared.
Another proposal from Machilipatnam was brought to his notice. They had a distant relationship also. They were rich enough and the bride was the only child for them. It was considered as suitable in every respect. They thought of fixing up the engagement date. Unexpectedly, the grandmother of the bride passed away. The bride's father requested for postponement of the marriage by six months. For some unknown reason, he replied, 'We can't be passive all the time. If no other proposal is decided upon, then we shall consider your case, but don't await our consent.'
Sitaramayya's mother, Venkatalaxmi Narasamma, began to feel pessimistic about the situation. Their relatives advised Venktappayya to accept one or the other proposals, ignoring small issues. He retorted, 'Unless I am satisfied in every aspect, I will not accept any proposal. There is no question of compromise - the country is not barren. It is governed by destiny none can stop.'
It is said that marriages are made in heaven, that man is instrumental and that everything is destined already to take place accordingly. As a matter of fact, birth, marriage, profession and death are ruled by destiny. While some say that everything is incidental, when these incidents are analyzed and explained in detail, some others conclude that they are inevitable. With what ultimate objective does destiny join two persons in a wedlock to live together and for how long? Does anybody know?
One day, at about 11 o’clock, Venkatappayya was talking with somebody in his room. It was a hot day. A marriage mediator came in sweating and gasping for breath. He bowed to Venkatappayya respectfully and approached his wife, Narasamma, in the inner room and prayed for a cup of water immediately. She gave a tumbler of buttermilk. He gulped all of it instantaneously and wiped his mouth with his upper cloth.
With all earnestness, he tried to broach his intention to her, addressing her most respectfully as mother. 'I have auspicious news for you. Believe me—I came actually running from the bus stop to you. Now it is the destined period for your son's marriage. Recently, my brother-in-law suddenly met me in Bezwada and provided me with details of an excellent match for your son. Immediately, I rushed to the spot and made necessary enquiries. It is the best of all the proposals, you have considered so far.' At that moment, Venkatappayya stepped in. He nodded his head at him and asked 'What is the matter? In hot sun you rushed in and started gossiping.'
'Most respected Sir! Let me submit that it is not at all gossip. I came to know about an excellent match. If you please...' So saying he stood up with folded hands before Venkatappayya. 'Alright, why do you hesitate at this stage?' Venkatappayya, so saying, removed his shirt and hung it on the hanger.
'Your pleasure. The bride hails from Tummalappli Family. Her father is Gopala Krishna Murthy Pantulu, the most revered Sanskrit scholar—Ganapati, as you know. He is a renowned lawyer, like you. I submit that their ancestry is spotless. They are at par with you in respect of wealth, status and nobility. Pantulu has three daughters and no sons. However, he adopted a boy of the same gotra. The eldest daughter was given in marriage to the Yellamraju family but unfortunately she died during delivery. The second daughter is the daughter-in-law of the erstwhile diwans, namely the Valluri family.'
He stopped for a while, wiped his sweating face again and again, and added, 'Kindly listen to me—the youngest and the last daughter is an embodiment of all beauty and virtues. She is well read as well as devoted. By birth perhaps, she knows how to respect elders and to organize her home well. They do not hesitate to give dowry as you deem it fit, besides fulfilling all the formalities suitably. In my opinion, it is the most suitable match. The rest is in your hands.' The marriage mediator was an experienced person in the field of suggesting alliances. He pleaded impressively with his gestures and noddings, as well as the appropriate intonations and modulations in his voice.
When he first heard that the bride hailed from the Tummalapalli family, Venkatappayya felt happy and inquisitive to know more about the proposal. 'I see! Yes, I know about the Tummalapalli family already. I remember having seen him. It is a very good family,' he said. The mediator felt overjoyed when he noticed such a positive response from Venkatappayya. Then he added, 'Just one more word. Gopala Krishna Murthy seems to have an association with some society at Madras. As such, he has acquaintances with some British people there. It is learnt that a European lady established it.' Venkatappayya replied, 'Yes. It is the Theosophical Society. Annie Besent established it. She has utmost regard for Vedic religion. I saw her some time back in Rajahmundry.'
His wife, Narasamma, was all the more pleased on noticing her husband's reactions. 'Now, will you kindly go ahead?' She told the mediator to do so. He jumped with joy, 'It is my fortune now to approach them tomorrow itself. May I take leave of you?' He got up to go. She insisted, 'It is already lunchtime and you may please join us. You can relax for a while and take leave in the evening.' She thus invited him for lunch, in the usual hospitable manner. He readily agreed, thankfully.
The said mediator proceeded to Gudiwada and introduced himself to Pantulu. He added, 'It is my great fortune to meet you, Sir, in this context. The bridegroom hails from Uppaluri family. I know that I need not explain who they are. His father also is an eminent lawyer like you. I also learned that you know one another a little. He is the landlord residing in that glorious three-storied mansion. The bridegroom is the only son for them and the heir-apparent for their entire property. The youth is handsome and well-behaved. He has a great regard for elders, like everyone else in the family. So it is undoubtedly a suitable match, in every respect, such as status, wealth, etc. If you may kindly furnish me with the horoscope of the bride, it will be studied.' He humbly paused.
Pantulu's wife, Durgamma, listened to him keenly. She turned to her husband and added, 'There had been some distant relationship for us with them.' Pantulu replied, 'Yes, some such thing is there. I heard of Venkatappayya some time back. I had seen him in the premises of Madras High Court a number of times. But what about dowry and other formalities? Are his expectations too high?
The mediator answered, 'No, no, sir. He is not greedy. He wants a daughter-in-law hailing from a respectable family. And I am glad to inform you that he stands by his word. Whatever is said of him elsewhere - I dare say that he is good for his word. Whatever you wish, I am sure, is within your reach. Kindly give me a hint of it and I will make him agree to it.'
Both of them discussed all the details in this regard. Durgamma, handed over a copy of their daughter's horoscope. The mediator instantaneously landed at Tenali and narrated everything to them without any loss of time. The sister of Venkatappayya accompanied by two other elderly housewives, started for Gudiwada.
At Pantulu's residence, she was received with utmost respect. The bride was most beautifully dressed and ornamented, and introduced to the visitors. The sister of Venkatappayya was immensely pleased with her. They returned home by the evening.
Durgamma was all in praise for the bride. She exclaimed to her sister-in-law, 'What a stunning beauty—she looks like the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. She is most suitable for our Sitaramayya. If they stand, one beside the other, they will look like the great legendary couple Rati and Manmadha. The bride is well behaved and virtuous. Her melodious song on Lord Krishna is reverberating even now in my ears. What a voice! Oh! Now, there is nothing else to think of—the only delay is in going over there and fixing up the date of marriage.'
Later, Venkatappayya and Gopala Krishna Murthy Pantulu personally discussed all the details frankly and freely. One developed regard for the other. The engagement was arranged and the date of marriage was fixed on an auspicious day. A green light was given for invitations to be printed right away.
It appeared like any other ordinary wedlock. No one dreamed that it would lead to an extraordinary event, yet the alliance of the Uppaluri and Tummalapalli families prepared the necessary ground. The Uppaluri family had considered a number of proposals, as a matter of fact. Indeed, in all, six proposals were declined in the final stages, due to some reason or other. Only the seventh one was finally accepted and confirmed.
When invitations were ready for distribution, someone commented to Pantulu, 'All that glitters is not gold. Tin also appears like silver sometimes. It is learned that the property of Venkatappayya is in a fluid stage. He is neck deep in debts. Don't be deceived by appearances.' Pantulu coolly replied, 'Well, what is there in my hands? We should act as directed by the Divine Director. We are simply instrumental. Everything is governed by Divine will and destiny. Having invitations in hand, withdrawal is totally ruled out. It is a disgrace to shirk a promise. One had to bow before the Divine decision.' Thus, the serpentine coil of fate was sealed.
