Sāmalkot, India

History

Samarlakota, formerly known as Chamarlakota, was part of the Pithapuram estate and was strongly associated with the sirdar family that founded the zamindari. It is believed to have been the original capital of the estate before being temporarily replaced by Pithapuram. However, in the 18th century, Samalkot regained its status as the estate's capital.

The fort in Samalkot held strategic importance during the conflicts of 1759, serving as a focal point in the power struggles between the English, French, and local forces. The fort frequently changed hands during this period. Later, in the latter half of the 18th century, it became a sanitarium for British troops. Barracks were constructed in 1786, establishing Samalkot as the principal garrison of the British forces in the Rajahmundry region. However, the fort was demolished in 1838, and the military station was abandoned by 1868. Following the Rampa disturbances of 1879, a small British military presence was reestablished but was finally withdrawn in 1893.

Samalkot's commercial significance grew with the establishment of a large sugar refinery and distillery in 1899. The town also became a hub for the weaving industry, with many Devangas producing plain cotton cloths, including some with lace borders. Additional industries in the area included chintz-stamping, dyeing, and the production of kas-kas tattis.

From the History section of Samarlakota on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.