Part 46 - Suraparaju (A.D. 1151)

A few of Surapa’s records are known. The earliest inscription is from Narayanapuram dated 1251 A.D.—obviously a mistake for 1151 A.D.—mentioning him as Raparti Suraparaju and his parents Madaparaju and Gundidevi. The next recordalso from Narayanapuram, dated A.D. 1152 mentions Surapafs gifts in the napie of his.elder brother Jaitraraju, Besides a person made gifts at Narayanapuram in the year Vikridi—for the merit of Jai (y) intraraju, evidently Jaitraraju, of the above record. The cyclic year corresponds to 1092 i.e. A.D. 1160.

The brothers—Jaitra and Surapa were probably in the service of the Ganga emperors. Yet another record at Narayanapuram with saka date lost mentions a lady (name lost) who was the daughter of Kalvabhimaraju. Probably Kalva Bhima was a subordinate of the Raparti brothers.

A branch of the Rapartis is heard of from inscriptions in the Godavari district. Its earliest member known so far is Raparti Munjaraju. He was Mahamandalesvara and his only inscription is from Draksharama dated A.D. 1134 registering gifts by his servant (bantu) dandanayaka Volama Betana.

Raparti Betaya

Betaya was the next prince of the family. One of his records at Draksharama bears no date It mentions a vow of Betaya to Sarvalokasraya Vishnuvardhana Maharaja Konerimmayingondan Parantakadeva, taken in the presence of the deity. This shows that Beta owed allegiance to Kulottunga I