Debate Over AU Headquarters Helped Shape Historic Sri Bagh Pact Of 1937

Visakhapatnam: As Andhra University marks its centenary on April 26, its location in Visakhapatnam recalls an important historical turning point in the Telugu-speaking regions of the then Madras Presidency. In the early 20th century, a debate over its headquarters helped shape the Sri Bagh Pact in 1937, one of the most significant agreements in modern Andhra political history. When the demand for a separate university for Telugu-speaking people gained momentum, leaders across the region agreed on the need for an institution that would promote higher education and serve regional interests.However, consensus broke down over its location. Some leaders favoured Vijayawada because of its central position and transport links. Rayalaseema leaders strongly argued that the university should be established in Anantapur. Their demand was rooted in a larger fear that educational and political institutions would be concentrated in the more prosperous coastal Andhra districts. Ultimately, Waltair (Visakhapatnam) was chosen as the headquarters of the university.The issue consequently moved beyond the university itself and came to represent a wider imbalance in development and opportunities. This, in turn, contributed to the emergence of Rayalaseema Mahasabha, which articulated the concerns of the region more forcefully. The Mahasabha demanded safeguards in matters such as education, employment, and political representation. These developments eventually led to negotiations that produced the Sri Bagh Pact in 1937.Signed between Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema leaders, the pact aimed to ensure balanced development and reduce regional tensions. For example, it proposed distributing key institutions by placing the university, high court, and capital in different regions, with Rayalaseema given priority in selecting the locations. It also recommended developing two centres under Andhra University (at Waltair/Vizag and Anantapur) to spread educational opportunities. The agreement also mentioned irrigation projects for Rayalaseema and Nellore, ensuring fair water allocation and focused development for these regions over a defined period."The controversy over the headquarters of Andhra University confirmed the suspicions of the people of Rayalaseema. In order to project the interests of Rayalaseema, an organisation known as Rayalaseema Mahasabha was formed in 1934. In 1937, the leaders of Circars and Rayalaseema met at Sri Bagh and signed an agreement known popularly as the Sri Bagh Agreement," historian Dr PR Rao wrote in his book ‘History of Modern Andhra', published in 1978. The pact was named after Sri Bagh, the house in Madras where the agreement was signed. The house belonged to Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao, a prominent nationalist, journalist, and founder of Andhra Patrika.REGIONAL ASPIRATIONS1926 | Andhra University Act mentioned Vijayawada as its headquartersIt was proposed to make Rajahraundry the centre of teaching departments1927 | Govt suggested moving the teaching departments to Vijayawada for better coordinationDifferent regions put forward suggestions for location of the university's headquarters1927-28 | University senate voted in favour of Anantapur as its possible headquarters1928 | A committee of Madras Legislative Council supported the Anantapur proposalSept 1928 | The issue was reconsidered, with Rajahmundry suggested as another optionDec 1928 | Visakhapatnam was proposed as AU headquarters along with a revised structure1929 | Legislature finalised Visakhapatnam as the university's headquarters1934 | Rayalaseema Mahasabha was established to represent regional interests in development discussionsNov 1937 | Sri Bagh Pact was signed to promote balanced development and mutual understandingThe pact outlined measures such as distributing institutions, encouraging educational expansion, and prioritising irrigation development across regions(Source: History of Modern Andhra by Dr PR Rao)