Tandra Paparayudu was an Indian Army General who played a heroic role in the Battle of Bobbili in 1757. He was the General of Bobbili, a town in the present-day Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. He was also the brother of Rani Mallamma Devi, the wife of Ranga Rao, the Raja of Bobbili.
Tandra Paparayudu was loyal to his king and his people and resisted the invasion of Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapati Raju I, the Raja of Vizianagaram, who had allied with the French General Bussy. Vijayarama Raju wanted to expand his territory and eliminate his rival, the Raja of Bobbili. He persuaded Bussy to help him in attacking the Bobbili fort with a large army.
Tandra Paparayudu was camping near Rajam with his troops and was unaware of the enemy’s advance towards the fort. He received a message from his sister, Rani Mallamma Devi, informing him of the siege. However, the message was intercepted by the enemy and did not reach him in time.
Meanwhile, Ranga Rao and his men defended the fort bravely for several hours but realized that they could not hold on for long. They decided to fight to the death rather than surrender. They set fire to their ammunition and blew up the fort, killing themselves and many of the enemy soldiers.
Tandra Paparayudu reached the fort after hearing the explosion and saw the destruction and carnage. He was enraged and grief-stricken and vowed to avenge his king and his people. He charged towards the enemy camp with his men and fought fiercely. He managed to reach Vijayarama Raju’s tent and killed him with his sword. He then stabbed himself with the same sword and died as a martyr.
Tandra Paparayudu’s courage and sacrifice are remembered as a glorious chapter in the history of Andhra Pradesh. He is honored as a hero and a freedom fighter by the people of Bobbili and Vizianagaram. He is also depicted in films, books, and songs as a symbol of valor and patriotism.
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