Especially, the royal wardrobes always arouse curiosity. Understanding this popular desire, Kankatala has come up with a lavish coffee table book on Queens of Andhra five years ago. The tales span across the two Telugu states. Refreshing this beautiful memory and taking a new look, Kankatala once again turns focus on them, paying rich tributes to the powerful leaders who occupy the prominent pages of history.
Maharani Adhilakshmi Devamma was the last feudal ruler of Gadwal Samsthanam and came into prominence during the pre-Independence era. She goes down in the annals of history as a fearless leader and a great educationist. Following the prevailing tradition at that time, she got married at a very young age. Unfortunately, her husband, the King of Gadwal, passed away rather early. The onus of defending her samthanam against mighty Nizam fell on her slender shoulders -a responsibility, she fulfilled with great grit and aplomb. Her noteworthy accomplishments include helping the forces led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to annex Hyderabad state into Independent India.
However, her most significant role comes in founding the Gadwal saree. She sent many native weavers to Benaras to learn new techniques and trends in weaving. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of handlooms, the highly innovative queen adopted the motifs adorning Gadwal fort gate to the saree. Thanks to her initiation and advocacy, the Gadwal saree has earned a prime place in the global market.
Multifaceted as she is, her interests extended to other fields too. If she promoted literature by honouring poets and writers, she also encouraged literacy by donating a large amount of her wealth and her fort for the cause. The fort now hosts Maharani Adi Lakshmi Devamma (M.A.L.D) Government Arts & Science Degree College.
Adi Laxmi Devamma has been photographed against a backdrop of books showing her passion for education and development of her subjects. New innovations evolving with time is visible with the toggle switches at the background. Our reformist queen has been power dressed to match her persona in dual shades of turquoise blue and green with the timeless checks. The collection where less is more, displays power packed colours and speaks volumes, making a strong style statement. A humble bow to the leader, whose noble gesture has been mending innumerable lives even now; an educationist whose kind deeds are echoing till date and an connoisseur who reached the Gadwal saree to the world.
The Power dressing collection – a salute to our Gadwal Queen.
