Background
Gajapathi Rao was born on December 1, 1828 to Goday Suryanarayana Rao in the family of the zamindars of Anakapalle.
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Goday Narayana Gajapathi Rao
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Goday family is known to be one of the most influential ancient families - Goday Akkamma garu, Goday Bhupathi garu, Goday Pedda Surya Rao garu, Goday Chinna Surya Rao garu being eminent persons of their time. Nizam's government gave large grants of land to Goday Bhupathi garu in recognition of his services. He built two temples for Siva and Kesava.
His successor Goday Pedda Surya Rao garu received a sword from Nizam as a present for his service on the battlefield. In the 17th century Britishers came in to actual possession of the circars. Mr. Andrews, the Chief in Service of East India Company was obliged to Sri Goday Jugga Rao garu, representative of Goday families for his help in times of emergency.
East India Company presented him a 'Shaiban Palkee', an umbrella and other insignia of royalty. He also founded a choultry in Kashi. Upon his death in 1841, his extensive estates devolved upon his widow and after her, upon her younger surviving daughter.
Goday Suryanaryana Rao had two sons, Venkata Jugga Rao and Narayana Gajapthi Rao. The journey to these places was very tough those days as no trains or safe roads exist. Still these enthusiastic youths travelled all the way to their destinations under proper escorts and guardians.
Maharajah Sir Goday Narayana Gajapthi Rao garu was the last direct male lineal representative of the ancient goday family, was born on December 1, 1828. He received education at home from Sri Paravasthu Srinivasachariayr. At the age of thirteen he was sent to Calcutta in January 1841 for further education at Hindu College.
In 1875 famine, Sir Goday Narayana Gajapthi Rao garu opened relief houses in his estates where the poor and destitute were daily fed. He founded a Sanskrit Prize at University of Madras which is known as the 'Godayvari Sanskrit Prize'. After these incidents Maharjah could not discharge his duties with usual energy and interest.
Maharajah Sir Goday Narayana Gajapthi Rao garu died in May 1903.
