Artificial Irrigation System in the Reddy Kingdom of Medieval Andhradesa

Reddi kings ruled coastal and central Andhra from A.D.1325 to A.D.1448. First they were the subservient of Kakatiya kings. After the death of Prataparudradeva and the subsequent fall of the Kakatiya Empire, the Reddi chiefs became independent and this led to the emergence of the Reddi kingdom. The Reddi kings provided irrigation facilities to arecanuts. There was no water problem in coastal area except Palnad and Kondavidu in Guntur district. To fulfil this water problem, the kings constructed artificial irrigation works like tanks, wells, and canals. The construction of irrigation works was not only to satisfy the desire of the ruler, but also to increase the economic condition of the state. The wells and tanks were constructed with brick and stone.Wells were dug for every house in Addanki and Kondavidu. The construction of tanks was in great number in Guntur, Nellore and Kurnool districts. The construction of tanks is looked upon as one of the seven meritorious acts which a man ought to perform during his lifetime. The kings not only paid their attention to build the irrigation works but also bestowed great attention on the maintenance and repairs of these irrigation works.