Madanna and Akkanna
Encyclopedia
Madanna and Akkanna were two brothers who rose to prominence in the sultanate of Golkonda
between 1674 and 1685. Towards the end of their lives in October 1685 they came to dominate state affairs in Golkonda. This is remarkable because they were Telugu Brahmins and the sultan and a large part of the elite of the sultanate were Muslims.
Telugu Brahmin family of four brothers and some sisters, among whom, according to a Dutch contemporary source, Akkanna was his mother's favourite. Madanna was, however, the more talented. There has been some discussion in the historical literature about the question whether they were Telugu or Maratha Brahmins. It is probable that they were Smarta Brahmins, who honoured not either Shiva or Vishnu, but both gods, along with Surya.
sultanate failed in 1677, the method employed by Madanna to stave off Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who was intent on subduing the Deccan sultanates, was to pay him off. In modern terms we would call this policy 'appeasement'. In order to be able to pay the enormous tributes to the Mughal emperor, Madanna reformed the revenue system. Briefly, he made sure that as little money as possible was left with the intermediaries in the collection chain and that the revenue collected from the agriculturalists, artisans and traders came directly to the state.
in Hyderabad, and the ruins marked as their offices in Golkonda
fort.
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
between 1674 and 1685. Towards the end of their lives in October 1685 they came to dominate state affairs in Golkonda. This is remarkable because they were Telugu Brahmins and the sultan and a large part of the elite of the sultanate were Muslims.
Early life
The brothers were born in Hanamkonda into a NiyogiNiyogi
Niyogis are a sect of Hindu Brahmins who gave up priestly occupations and are predominantly Telugu language speakers, from Andhra Pradesh, India.-Theories of origin:...
Telugu Brahmin family of four brothers and some sisters, among whom, according to a Dutch contemporary source, Akkanna was his mother's favourite. Madanna was, however, the more talented. There has been some discussion in the historical literature about the question whether they were Telugu or Maratha Brahmins. It is probable that they were Smarta Brahmins, who honoured not either Shiva or Vishnu, but both gods, along with Surya.
Rise
At some point Madanna and Akkanna came into the service of Sayyid Muzaffar, a nobleman of Persian descent. Some time after Sayyid Muzaffar had brought Abul Hasan (r. 1672-1687) to the throne, however, the brothers locked him up in his house and took over the charge of the treasury. As treasurer, Madanna became more and more powerful until he practically ruled the sultanate in all but name. Akkanna was less important, but was appointed general of the army, not so much to conduct military operations, but more to keep it from waging war (at least according to Dutch contemporary sources).Policies
The most important policies of Madanna were staving off the Mughal emperor and reforming the tax or revenue collection. After the alliance with Shivaji and certain parties in the BijapurAdil Shahi
The Adil Shahi or Adilshahi dynasty ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur in the Western area of the Deccan region of Southern India from 1490 to 1686. Bijapur had been a province of the Bahmani Sultanate , before its political decline in the last quarter of the 15th century and eventual break-up in 1518...
sultanate failed in 1677, the method employed by Madanna to stave off Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who was intent on subduing the Deccan sultanates, was to pay him off. In modern terms we would call this policy 'appeasement'. In order to be able to pay the enormous tributes to the Mughal emperor, Madanna reformed the revenue system. Briefly, he made sure that as little money as possible was left with the intermediaries in the collection chain and that the revenue collected from the agriculturalists, artisans and traders came directly to the state.
Death and memory
The brothers were finally killed on the day that the Mughal army reached Hyderabad in October 1685. Their murder is surrounded by much intrigue and mystery, but according to Mughal historian Khafi Khan they were seen by the Mughals as the cause of the troubles the sultanate of Golkonda was creating for them. Less than two years after their death the sultanate finally fell to the Mughals. Already in the eighteenth century their rule was remembered as a golden age by the Brahmins who drew up the local histories found in the Mackenzie collection. The brothers are remembered in today's Andhra Pradesh as just administrators and as 'martyrs'. Visible reminders of their activities as politicians and religious benefactors are the Akkanna Madanna TempleAkkanna Madanna Temple
Akkanna Madanna Temple is a Hindu temple located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is popular during the festival of Bonalu that is celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad...
in Hyderabad, and the ruins marked as their offices in Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
fort.