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VI(ZA)GNETTES

If the first printing press was set up by the London Missionary Society in 1840, the first power press was set up in 1930s. It was started by Addepalli Harishchandrudu, in the name of his wife Saraswati Bai. The press was called as Saraswati Power Press. It was set up behind the Town Hall in the Old Town area. They were the authorised publishers and printers for Andhra and Madras universities. The press was closed down in early 1980s.

The rulers of Vizianagaram were known for their generosity and philanthropy. After the abolition of the estates, the then Maharaja gave away a major part of his palace that included places like the ‘Round Mahal’, ‘Moti Mahal’ and ‘Phool bagh Palace’ to institutions.

Apart from the palaces, the rulers had a private road that stretched from the banks of the ‘Peddacheruvu’ to the main palace in Vizianagaram. The road was laid for the convenience of the members of the royal family going to the railway station.

The road was lined with bronze statues of erstwhile kings. It had well-maintained lawns on both sides with a couple of benches. Till 1940s, two sentries were posted on either ends of the road. Subsequently, it was thrown open to the public.

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