The Telugu term "Reddi", whose earlier forms were "Raddi", "Rattodi", and "Rattakudi", linked to the Sanskrit term "Rashtrakuta",[citation needed] was used for village headmen, who were responsible for organising the cultivation of the agricultural lands of the villages and collecting taxes.

[citation needed] From the seventh century, some of the members of the Rattakudi families had important posts in the administration of the kingdoms.

[4] A copperplate record mentioned the grandfather of the founder of the dynasty as a sainya-nayaka, a commander of the forces.

During this time of foreign invasion and chaos in Telugu country, seeds of revolt were sown by two princes, Annaya Mantri and Kolani Rudradeva.

He was succeeded by Anavota Reddi who consolidated the kingdom and established its capital at Kondavidu in Guntur District.

[8][verification needed] The Reddi kings’ ancestors were part of the Kakatiya military and held important posts such as the sainya-nayaka.

[5][8][9] [verification needed] The Reddi kings ruled coastal and central Andhra for over a hundred years from 1325 to 1448.

[10] At its maximum extent, the Reddi kingdom stretched from Cuttack, Orissa to the north, Kanchi to the south and Srisailam to the west.

Two major hill forts, one at Kondapalli, 20 km north west of Vijayawada and another at Kondavidu about 30 km west of Guntur stand testimony to the fort building skill of the Reddi kings.

[14] The forts of Bellamkonda, Vinukonda and Nagarjunakonda in the Palnadu region were also part of the Reddi kingdom.