Yemmiganur, formerly called Emmiganur, has a rich history embedded in its name.
Influenced by the Kannada language, which borders the town with Karnataka State, Emmiganur derives from “Emmege,” meaning buffalo, and “Nur,” meaning Hundred. This name originated when cows and buffaloes were traded for Rs 100 in this Majara village. As time passed, Emmiganur transformed into Yemmiganur, symbolizing the village where buffaloes were purchased for one hundred.
Once part of the flourishing Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar during the 14th to 16th century, Yemmiganur eventually fell under Muslim rule. The town gained prominence for its cotton ginning, peanut milling, and weaving industries. Handlooms thrived, and Yemmiganur’s fabric became renowned and exported as far as Singapore and other countries worldwide.
Acknowledging the importance of weaving, a separate colony was established for weavers, spearheaded by the eminent figure Machani Somappa.
Yemmiganur, however, faces significant challenges today. Despite being an influential constituency with three mandals – Gonegandla, Yemmiganur, and Nandavaram – boasting a substantial voter strength of 2,41,110, including various communities, the weavers’ community remains neglected. Traditionally, the town has witnessed alternating political victories, with four wins for Congress, five for TDP, and one for YSRCP in 2019. Currently, Y
Chenna Keshava Reddy, representing the YSR Congress Party, serves as the MLA.
Sadly, the weavers’ community continues to struggle, with meagre wages and an exodus of 70% of weavers seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Rising costs of raw materials and the prevalence of power looms have exacerbated their situation. TDP had promised to establish a textile park, reserving 100 acres from the Banavasi veterinary farm. However, this plan fell by the wayside after the transition of power to the YSRCP. Desperate for support, weavers assert that they will endorse any party willing to fulfil the long-awaited textile park.
Ahead of the upcoming elections in 2024, intense lobbying for tickets is underway in both YSRCP and TDP. The ruling party’s MLA, K Chenna Kesava Reddy, hopes for re-election but faces competition from Rudra Goud within his party. Rumours suggest the YSRCP may even consider fielding Butta Renuka, a former MP. On the TDP side, BV Jaya Nageshwar Reddy and former Union Minister Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy vie for the ticket.
As Yemmiganur grapples with the fate of its famed handloom industry, the town yearns for a political saviour who will prioritize the weavers’ community and revitalize its glory as a handloom hub once more.
