Santhamaguluru

Santhamaguluru సంతమాగులూరు New Maguluru
Village
Santhamaguluru Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 16°07′49″N 79°56′55″E
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District	Bapatla
Mandal	Santhamaguluru
Founded by	Traditional Settlers
Named after	Horse trading markets ("Santha Magulu")
Villages in Mandal	Multiple villages under Santhamaguluru Mandal
Government
• Type	Gram Panchayat and Mandal Parishad
• Body	Santhamaguluru Gram Panchayat
Area
• Total	26.91 km2 (10.39 sq mi)
Elevation	75 m (246 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	9,687
• Density	360/km2 (930/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Telugu
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	523302
Vehicle registration	AP

Santhamaguluru is a historically significant village and Mandal headquarters located in the Bapatla district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Positioned under the jurisdiction of the Santhamaguluru Mandal within the Chirala revenue division, the village holds an important place in the historical and administrative fabric of the region.

The name "Santhamaguluru" is derived from the Telugu words "Santha" meaning market and "Magulu" meaning horses, indicating the village’s prominence as a major horse-trading center during earlier centuries. In its early history, Santhamaguluru served as a vibrant rural market hub, attracting traders, farmers, and livestock merchants from across coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Today, Santhamaguluru continues to thrive as a key rural administrative center, playing a vital role in local governance, agricultural activities, and cultural traditions. Its historical legacy, coupled with its current importance as a Mandal headquarters, makes Santhamaguluru a notable settlement in the Bapatla district's rural landscape.

History

Santhamaguluru’s origins can be traced back to the pre-1900s, when it formed part of the expansive Guntur district under the administration of the British-ruled Madras Presidency. During this period, Santhamaguluru was recognized as an important rural trading hub, especially renowned for its bustling horse markets, from which it derived its name ("Santha" meaning market and "Magulu" meaning horses in Telugu). The village served as a key node in the agricultural and livestock trade routes connecting inland Andhra Pradesh to coastal markets.

After India gained independence in 1947, the newly formed state governments undertook several administrative reorganizations. In 1970, as part of the bifurcation to improve governance efficiency, the Prakasam district was created, and Santhamaguluru was incorporated into it from the erstwhile Guntur district. This transition marked a new phase of administrative importance for the village, integrating it into a rapidly modernizing rural governance system.

Between 1959 and 1985, during the Panchayat Samithi system era, Santhamaguluru functioned as the headquarters of its own Samithi. The Panchayat Samithi was responsible for overseeing local governance at the block level, managing rural development projects, primary education, minor irrigation, and public health initiatives. Santhamaguluru, being a Samithi headquarters, played a central role in implementing community development programs across several surrounding villages.

In 1985, a significant administrative reform was introduced by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, leading to the establishment of the Mandal system. This reform aimed to decentralize governance and bring administration closer to the grassroots level. Following this, Santhamaguluru was designated as the headquarters of the newly formed Santhamaguluru Mandal. As a Mandal headquarters, it became the focal point for rural governance, hosting offices for Mandal Parishad, revenue departments, agricultural advisory centers, and rural health centers.

In April 2022, during the reorganization of districts by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Santhamaguluru was moved from Prakasam district to the newly created Bapatla district. This latest change has further strengthened Santhamaguluru’s administrative relevance, aligning it with modern governance structures and district development plans.

Over its long history, Santhamaguluru has maintained its identity as a vital rural hub, evolving from a vibrant horse trading market in colonial times to a modern administrative and agricultural center in independent India.

Geography

Santhamaguluru is located at 16°07′49″N 79°56′55″E with an average elevation of 75 meters (246 feet) above sea level. It spans an area of approximately 26.91 square kilometers. The village is situated in the fertile plains of coastal Andhra Pradesh, benefiting from alluvial soils deposited by centuries of riverine activity, making it highly suitable for agriculture.

The terrain is predominantly agricultural, with extensive fields cultivated for crops such as paddy, cotton, chillies, groundnuts, and pulses like black gram and green gram. Traditional open wells and modern borewell systems support irrigation, supplemented by minor canal networks and seasonal rain-fed tanks.

Santhamaguluru experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, with hot summers from March to June, significant rainfall from June to October during the Southwest monsoon, and mild winters between November and February. The moderate elevation helps protect the village from the severe flooding common in lower deltaic regions during heavy monsoons.

Road infrastructure around Santhamaguluru connects it efficiently to nearby towns such as Martur, Addanki, and Narasaraopet, enhancing the movement of agricultural produce to markets. Recent initiatives under rural development programs like MGNREGA have contributed to minor irrigation improvements and soil conservation projects in the surrounding areas.

The combination of favorable geography, fertile soils, and climatic conditions continues to position Santhamaguluru as an important agricultural hub within the Bapatla district.

Administration

The village of Santhamaguluru is administered by the local self-government body known as the Santhamaguluru Gram Panchayat. The Gram Panchayat is headed by an elected Sarpanch, who oversees village-level administration, development activities, and implementation of government schemes. Each ward within the village elects a ward member who participates in the decision-making processes of the Panchayat.

Santhamaguluru also serves as the headquarters of the Santhamaguluru Mandal Parishad, the intermediate administrative unit in the rural governance structure. The Mandal administration is managed by the Mandal Parishad President (MPP), elected by the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) members. The Mandal system coordinates development programs, rural health services, education, and agricultural initiatives for all villages falling under the Santhamaguluru Mandal.

Historically, Santhamaguluru was part of the Martur Assembly constituency until the constituency was abolished during the delimitation exercise of 2008. Since then, the village has been included within the jurisdiction of the Addanki Assembly constituency. For national parliamentary elections, Santhamaguluru falls under the Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency.

The multi-tiered governance system ensures that Santhamaguluru remains closely integrated into both state and national democratic structures, contributing actively to regional planning and rural development.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Santhamaguluru has a total population of 9,687. Of this, 5,049 were males and 4,638 were females, resulting in a gender ratio that slightly favors males, which is a common demographic trend in rural Andhra Pradesh.

The village is home to a significant Scheduled Caste (SC) population, accounting for approximately 1,894 individuals. Scheduled Tribes (ST) constitute a smaller fraction, with around 259 individuals residing in the village. These communities contribute richly to the village’s cultural and social fabric.

The overall literacy rate of Santhamaguluru stands at 52.8%, which reflects moderate educational attainment levels compared to national averages. Among males, the literacy rate is significantly higher at 71.08%, while the female literacy rate lags behind at 47.35%. Over the years, various government initiatives and local efforts have aimed to bridge this gender gap by promoting female education.

The primary language spoken in Santhamaguluru is Telugu, which serves as the official and commonly used language in day-to-day communication, education, and administrative affairs. Telugu culture, traditions, and social practices dominate the village’s community life.

The village exhibits characteristics typical of semi-rural settlements in Andhra Pradesh, with a relatively young working population engaged mainly in agriculture and allied occupations. Migration trends also indicate that a portion of the youth seeks employment in nearby towns or cities for education, business, and skilled jobs, contributing to the socio-economic diversification of the village.

Economy

Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Santhamaguluru’s economy, with a majority of the village’s population directly or indirectly dependent on farming and allied activities for their livelihoods. The fertile alluvial soils and favorable climate conditions enable the cultivation of major crops such as paddy (rice), cotton, and various types of pulses, including black gram and green gram. Seasonal crops are grown depending on monsoon patterns, and irrigation is supported by a combination of open wells, borewells, and minor irrigation tanks.

Over the years, Santhamaguluru has witnessed gradual diversification in its rural economy. Dairy farming has emerged as a secondary source of income for many families, with local dairy cooperatives facilitating the sale of milk to nearby towns and cities. Poultry farming has also gained traction, especially among small landholders seeking alternative income streams alongside traditional farming.

In addition to agriculture and animal husbandry, the village has seen the rise of small-scale retail businesses, including grocery stores, agricultural input shops, and repair workshops, which cater to the daily needs of the local population. Weekly markets (santha) continue to play an important role in the local economy by providing a platform for farmers and traders to sell produce, livestock, and goods.

The adoption of modern agricultural practices, such as the use of high-yielding seed varieties, mechanized farming equipment, drip irrigation systems, and organic farming techniques, has led to noticeable improvements in farm productivity. Several government schemes like the Rythu Bharosa, PM-Kisan, and agricultural extension services have supported farmers in accessing financial aid, insurance coverage, and technical know-how.

Youth from Santhamaguluru have also begun exploring non-agricultural employment opportunities in nearby urban centers, contributing to the inflow of remittances that support rural households. Overall, the economy of Santhamaguluru is transitioning steadily from a purely agrarian base towards a more diversified rural economy, balancing traditional livelihoods with emerging opportunities.

Education

Santhamaguluru has steadily developed its educational infrastructure over the years, catering to the academic needs of children from both the village and neighboring settlements. The village hosts several primary and secondary schools, including government-run Zilla Parishad High Schools and privately managed institutions offering instruction in both Telugu and English mediums.

Government schools in Santhamaguluru operate under the Department of School Education, Andhra Pradesh, and follow the state syllabus prescribed by the Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education. Private schools complement government efforts by providing additional options, often focusing on English-medium instruction to prepare students for competitive examinations and higher education opportunities.

Educational initiatives such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) have played a crucial role in boosting school enrollment rates, especially among children from marginalized communities. The introduction of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme has further improved student attendance and retention, ensuring that children receive nutritional support alongside their education.

In addition to primary and secondary education, Santhamaguluru has witnessed a growing emphasis on early childhood education through Anganwadi centers, which offer pre-school learning combined with basic nutrition and healthcare services for children below six years of age.

The village’s literacy rate, although moderate, has seen consistent improvement over the past decades. Community awareness campaigns, the involvement of local self-help groups, and scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes have collectively encouraged greater participation in schooling, particularly among girl students.

Students from Santhamaguluru often pursue higher education at institutions located in nearby towns such as Martur, Narasaraopet, Chirala, and Ongole, seeking degrees in fields such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, education, and commerce. The aspiration for professional education has steadily increased among the village youth, supported by government programs like fee reimbursement schemes and student scholarships.

The consistent efforts to strengthen education at the grassroots level reflect Santhamaguluru’s commitment to empowering its younger generations and improving socio-economic mobility.

Transportation

Santhamaguluru enjoys good connectivity to major towns and cities in the region through an established network of rural and regional roads. The village is strategically located along local roadways that link it to important commercial centers such as Martur, Narasaraopet, and Addanki, enabling smooth movement of people, agricultural produce, and goods.

Public transportation is available in the form of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses that operate regular services connecting Santhamaguluru to nearby towns. These services provide affordable and reliable travel options for residents commuting for education, employment, healthcare, and business purposes.

Private transportation options, including auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, and taxis, supplement public transport and offer flexible mobility within and around the village. Improved road infrastructure, supported by government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), has led to the construction and maintenance of all-weather roads, enhancing year-round accessibility.

The nearest major railway stations are located at Chirala and Narasaraopet, offering wider connectivity to cities such as Vijayawada, Guntur, and Hyderabad. Long-distance travel by rail is facilitated through these junctions.

The development of better transportation facilities has not only improved economic opportunities by providing easier access to markets but has also contributed to greater educational and healthcare access for the villagers, significantly improving their overall quality of life.

Culture

Santhamaguluru has a vibrant cultural heritage deeply rooted in the traditions of rural Andhra Pradesh. The village community actively celebrates major Telugu festivals with enthusiasm and devotion, including Sankranti, Ugadi, Deepavali, and Vinayaka Chavithi. These festivals are marked by colorful decorations, traditional rituals, community gatherings, and cultural programs that strengthen social bonds among residents.

Sankranti, the harvest festival, holds particular significance in Santhamaguluru. The village comes alive with rangoli designs, kite-flying, traditional games, and the preparation of festive foods like chakralu and ariselu. Families engage in cattle decoration competitions, and the spirit of thanksgiving to nature and farming is prominently displayed.

Village fairs (Santhalu) organized during major festivals serve as important social and commercial events, attracting vendors, artisans, and performers from nearby areas. These fairs often feature traditional rural sports such as bullock cart races, kabaddi, and wrestling matches, fostering a sense of community pride and entertainment.

Folk performances such as Harikatha (storytelling blended with music) and Burrakatha (narrative ballads) remain integral to Santhamaguluru’s cultural life. These art forms, performed during festivals and important occasions, convey moral values, historical tales, and religious teachings through engaging storytelling techniques accompanied by traditional musical instruments.

Religious life in Santhamaguluru centers around several temples dedicated to deities like Lord Hanuma, Goddess Poleramma, and Lord Shiva. Annual temple festivals (Jatara) are major events where rituals, cultural performances, and communal feasts are organized with active participation from villagers.

Traditional dress, culinary practices, and Telugu folk arts continue to thrive in Santhamaguluru, preserving the village’s rich cultural identity while adapting to modern influences. The commitment to maintaining these traditions showcases the deep-rooted cultural resilience of the community.

Notable Political History

Santhamaguluru has a long-standing tradition of active political participation, reflecting the broader democratic evolution of rural Andhra Pradesh. Historically, until the delimitation exercise of 2008, the village was part of the Martur Assembly Constituency. Over several decades, the region was represented by various prominent leaders who significantly contributed to the development of rural infrastructure, education, irrigation, and social welfare initiatives.

Representation in Martur Assembly Constituency (Pre-2008)

The following table lists the notable Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) representing Martur constituency:

Election Year	Member of Legislative Assembly
1955	Bandlamudi Venkata Sivayya
1962	Nooti Venkateswarlu
1978	Jagarlamudi Chandramouli
1983	Gottipati Hanumantha Rao
1985	Gottipati Hanumantha Rao
1989	Karanam Balaram Krishna Murthy
1999	Gottipati Narasaiah
2004	Gottipati Ravi Kumar

Source: [Election Commission of India – Assembly Constituency Results](https://eci.gov.in/).

These leaders played critical roles in strengthening local governance by focusing on rural connectivity, irrigation projects like minor tanks and borewells, and expansion of primary and secondary education across the constituency, including Santhamaguluru.

Transition to Addanki Assembly Constituency (Post-2008)

Following the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, the Martur Assembly Constituency was dissolved. Subsequently, Santhamaguluru became part of the Addanki Assembly Constituency.

Notable MLAs representing Addanki Assembly Constituency include:

Election Year	Member of Legislative Assembly
2009	Gottipati Ravi Kumar
2014	Gottipati Ravi Kumar
2019	Gottipati Ravi Kumar
2024	Gottipati Ravi Kumar

Source: [Election Commission of India – Assembly Constituency Results](https://eci.gov.in/).

Gottipati Ravi Kumar remains a significant political figure in the region, consistently winning elections across different political parties and maintaining a strong influence over constituency development.

Representation in Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency

At the national level, Santhamaguluru falls under the Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency. Since the constituency's formation, it has been represented by various Members of Parliament (MPs) who have worked towards the region's advancement in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and welfare programs.

The following table lists the Members of Parliament representing Bapatla constituency:

Election Year	Member of Parliament
1977	P. Ankineedu Prasada Rao
1980	P. Ankineedu Prasada Rao
1984	Chimata Sambu
1989	Salagala Benjamin
1991	Daggubati Venkateswara Rao
1996	Ummareddy Venkateswarlu
1998	Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy
1999	Daggubati Ramanaidu
2004	Daggubati Purandeswari
2009	Panabaka Lakshmi
2014	Malyadri Sriram
2019	Nandigam Suresh
2024	Krishna Prasad Tenneti

Source: [Election Commission of India – Parliamentary Constituency Results](https://eci.gov.in/).

The Members of Parliament have played an important role in initiating and implementing various development projects, focusing on road improvements, agricultural modernization, educational infrastructure, and irrigation support for the region.

Political Evolution

The political evolution of Santhamaguluru mirrors the broader trends of rural Andhra Pradesh's democratic journey over the past several decades. Initially, the village was part of the Martur Assembly Constituency, a stronghold where political leadership often alternated between the Indian National Congress and emerging regional forces. During this phase, political influence was primarily centered around agricultural development, rural electrification, and primary education reforms, reflecting the needs of a predominantly agrarian society.

Following the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, the dissolution of the Martur constituency led to Santhamaguluru’s merger into the Addanki Assembly Constituency. This transition marked a new political chapter, characterized by the growing dominance of regional parties such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and later the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The electoral dynamics began to shift towards more localized governance promises, focusing on welfare schemes, irrigation modernization, rural housing, and employment generation initiatives.

At the national level, Santhamaguluru has been consistently represented under the Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency. The region’s parliamentary representation evolved alongside national political currents, witnessing phases of Congress dominance during the early years, followed by the rise of regional assertiveness led by TDP and YSRCP in later decades. Throughout these political shifts, Santhamaguluru’s electorate demonstrated an increasing awareness of developmental issues, prioritizing candidates who pledged tangible improvements in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and connectivity.

Despite the party changes over time, the village has maintained a consistent focus on rural development and grassroots governance. Leaders emerging from this region have traditionally been expected to address challenges like irrigation facility expansion, rural credit access, employment opportunities for youth, and public health services. The political maturity of Santhamaguluru's electorate reflects a broader trend in Andhra Pradesh where voter behavior is increasingly driven by performance, accountability, and local relevance rather than mere party loyalty.

Today, Santhamaguluru stands as an example of how smaller rural communities have actively contributed to the democratic processes of India, ensuring that their voices continue to shape both state-level policies and national developmental priorities.

References

• "Bapatla District Mandals". Bapatla District Official Website. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "District Census Handbook – Prakasam" (PDF). Census of India, 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "Andhra Pradesh State Portal – Mandals". Government of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "Election Commission of India - Assembly Constituency Results". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency - Historical Election Data". Elections.in. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Andhra Pradesh". SSA Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
• "PMGSY - Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Roads in Bapatla District". Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. Retrieved 27 April 2025.

External links

• Official Website of Bapatla District
• Census of India Official Site
• Election Commission of India
• Official Andhra Pradesh State Government Portal
• PMGSY - Rural Roads Portal
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Andhra Pradesh