Artificial Irrigation works in Rayalaseema from 1300 to 1900A.D

Irrigation received great attention in ancient and medieval Andhradesa. Artificial irrigation system was started in South India to promote agriculture, because it was the primary source of revenue. Rayalaseema was a low rainfall area being the rain shadow region and devoid of perennial rivers. So, there was a need for artificial irrigation in Rayalaseema. The districts of Anantapur, Bellary, Kadapa and Kurnool, which were donated by Nizam Alikhan to British, were called these districts under a single name Rayalaseema. It was once part of Vijayanagar Empire, though came under the Sultan of Golkonda after the Battle of Tallikota (Rakshasa Tangadi- 1565 A.D.). As a result of which the local rulers i.e., Palegars rose to prominence and kept the areas under their control. Vijayanagar Rulers provided water facilities in Rayalaseema region. The construction of irrigation works not only to satisfy the desire of the ruler, but also to increase the economic conditions of the State. One of the reasons for the flourishing economic conditions of Vijayanagar Empire in the early fifteenth century lay in the construction of irrigation works, which brought new areas under cultivation. After the downfall of Vijayanagar Empire the ceded districts (Rayalaseema) came under the control of Qutubshahis of Golkonda. They had not taken interest to construct the irrigation works in Rayalaseema. In 1800 A.D. it came under the control of East India Company. It also did not pay any attention in irrigations works. The important irrigation works undertaken by the Company were the construction of the anicuts over the rivers of Godavari and Krishna in 1847 and 1853. Sir Thomas Munro, then the Collector repaired the eroded tanks and channels due to floods.