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Mandasa is one of the most ancient zemindaries in the Ganjam District, and the chief members thereof in olden days distinguished themselves in many a battle-field, and hence it claims to be the possession of a noble family of historical importance. The present Zemindar Sahib Mehrban-i-dostan Sri Rajah Vasudeva Rajamani Raja Deo Garu, a highly enlightened prince with broad views and noble generosity has rendered himself very popular with all, and has won golden opinions from collectors and governors.

The first member of the family to which the Zemindar has the honor to belong was a famous Kshatrya named Varma Simha of the lunar race who came to prominence in the 13th century. The estate obtained by him has been during all these centuries in the enjoyment of the family in unbroken perpetuity. Sri Srinivasa Rajamani Raja Deo, the grandfather of the present Rajah, had a splendid record for great ability and noble character. He was very charitable; temples, agraharams and other institutions of public utility that he established are ample evidences of his large-heartedness. The choultry built by him at Haripur has been of much use to the pilgrims that go to Benares and Rameswaram. As he was a nobleman of high respect and vast experience, he was accepted as a safe counsellor by almost all the officers who came in contact with him; he was frequently consulted by them in matters of importance. He was specially of great service to the collectors of the district. Whenever a disturbance took place he was the first to render all possible