Bandi Sanjay hails Sarvai Papanna as Bahujan warrior, accuses Congress of betraying Bahujans

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Hyderabad will witness the unveiling of a statue representing Sarvai Papanna, also known as 'Papadu'. Born from the toddy tapper community, Papadu was famed for his daring raids and audacious challenges to the mighty Mughal Empire in Hyderabad. A young man with a distinct horseshoe moustache, he led an army of approximately 12,000 men in his early 1700s.

The Mughal historian Khafi Khan chronicled his exploits, but others saw him as a Robin Hood figure, redistributing wealth to the poor. Papadu's legendary status grew in Telugu folklore, where he is regarded as a patriotic folk hero who challenged the Mughal rule. His life peaked when Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah honored him with a ceremonial robe after he provided 14,00,000 rupees and provisions for the imperial army.

Despite his revered status, Papadu's life ended in tragedy, as he was captured, brutally killed, and his body was hung on the gates of Hyderabad. His legend is preserved in folklore, with local toddy outlets commemorating him through paintings of him drinking toddy, a favorite drink of his. The folklore highlights his fearless reputation, stating, "When they hear of Papadu, The hare crouches in the lair; Fawn cannot even get up to run; The tender babes refuse milk."

Papadu's legacy remains alive in the form of a mud and granite fort in Khillashapur, near Hyderabad, where his hostages from Mughal raids were held until ransom was paid. Historian Richard M. Eaton perceives Papadu as a social bandit due to his marginalized background and his strategic prowess in the challenging terrain of Telangana.

The ballad about his life emphasizes his status as a patriot, aiming to conquer Golconda, Kurnool, and Machilipatnam. Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar hailed Papadu as a brave warrior who fought for Bahujan rule and inspired the present generation through his conquests of several forts. The unveiling of Papadu's statue in Hyderabad will see the realization of his prophecy, as he aimed to lay his hand on Golconda.