1. This appeal is filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh challenging the judgment and decree dated 7.8.1994 in O.S.No.52 of 1985 of the Subordinate Judge, Srikalahasti in Chittoor District. The subject matter of this appeal is an extent of about 1500 acres of land known as Kothacheruvu Kandriga (Kandriga, is a beneficial grant by a Ruler of a large block of land which is less than a village but much larger than an ordinary inam (per Sounder Raja Ayyangar “Land Tenures in the Madras Presidency” p. 203).) (for brevity, ‘KCK’) near Gudimallam village in the district of Chittoor. It earlier formed part of the Zamindari of Srikalahasti. The said Zamindari formed part of the erstwhile Madras Presidency and was controlled by the Nawabs of Arcot.

THE GRANT OF KCK IN 1786 A.D AND IT’S GIFT TO DEITIES OF PERUMBUDUR TEMPLE IN 1863 A.D

2. In 1786 A.D., KCK was granted by the then Zamindar (The word ‘Zamindar’ literally means a land holder and in the eye of the government he was no more than an officer or collector of revenue without any lordship over, or proprietary right to, the lands under his charge. He was accountable to the government for the amount he collected and he was allowed