Descendants of Maddikera Yadava Kings Continue Preserving Tradition

One of these is the practice of maintaining horses and participating in festivals, especially the Vijayadashami celebrations. Though maintaining horses has become increasingly expensive and poses challenges, the Yadava community is determined to uphold its legacy.
The tradition of organising horse races on Vijayadashami has continued over the centuries. Three of the prominent families belonging to Vemanagari, Chinnanagari, and Peddanagari have remained committed to preserving the tradition despite the associated risks as well as the financial burden.

“Our ancestors had been zamindars. They continued the ancient customs due to their affluence. Now, we are only nominal rajas. We cannot afford to continuously maintain a horse for racing it,” said Jamedar Jagadeeswar Rayudu, a member of the Yadava Raja community who works as a driver at the Pathikonda RTC depot.

Yet, he has maintained the family tradition. Jagadeeswar Rayudu says they purchase a horse specifically for the race. They sell it once the festival is over, as its maintenance is a financial burden.

However, this is not the case when it comes to Eeswara Rayudu, Jagadal Rayudu and Uddhanda Rayudu. Each of them spends at least ₹10,000 per month on horse care, which includes expenses for feed and healthcare. When they need to buy a horse, they prioritise a good-quality white horse, which can cost about ₹70,000, imposing a financial burden. But the former kingly families continue to invest in horses.

Diwakar Rayudu, a member of the Yadava community from Maddikera, shared his family’s deep connection with the tradition lasting over scores of generations. During the Dasara festival, his family participates in the procession and horse races. Though there are around 40 Yadava raja families in the village, only three groups currently participate in the races, despite the associated risks.

Diwakar recalls tragic accidents that occur during the celebrations. Jamedar Pridhviraj lost his life due to a fatal fall from the horse. Last year, a member of the Yadava Raja clan suffered serious injuries while racing. He is yet to fully recover.

Two years ago, two of Diwakar’s horses died in an accident during the Dasara festivities.
Despite such personal losses, the community remains steadfast in preserving the horse-racing tradition, a symbol of Maddikera’s cultural heritage.