[1][2][3] The town of Bobbili was founded during the 17th century by Pedda Rayudu, the 15th descendant of the Rajas of Venkatagiri, who belongs to Padmanayaka Velama clan.

[4] The town was originally named "Pedda-Puli" ("The Big Tiger") after Sher Muhammad Khan, the Nawab of Srikakulam who granted it as a gift to the Maharaja of Venkatgiri for his services in his southern campaigns.

The French East India Governor Marquis de Bussy-Castelnau, agreed to lease Srikakulam and Rajahmundry Circars to Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapati Raju I, the Raja of Vizianagaram.

When the news reached him, Tandra Paparayudu rushed to the demolished fort and saw his sister and the entire family lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

Tandra Paparayudu along with Devulapalli Peddanna and Buddaraju Venkaiah managed to reach the tent in which Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapati Raju I was sleeping.

Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapati Raju I tried to divert his attention saying that Velama heroes should not be little their clan as cowards gaining entry through the backdoor.

Hearing the commotion, the bodyguard of Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapati Raju I tried to enter the tent but was killed by Peddanna, who was guarding the entrance.