The old Kadapa Collectorate building, a magnificent relic of the British colonial era, stands as a silent witness to over 135 years of administrative history in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. Located in Kadapa city, this architectural landmark has long been a symbol of governance, evolving from a seat of British authority to a modern-day heritage site.
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| Old Kadapa collectorate building. newindianexpress.com |
History and Administrative Significance
The building’s journey began in 1889 during the tenure of E.J. Sewell, the then District Collector of Cuddapah (now Kadapa). The building served for nearly two centuries as the nerve centre of district administration and witnessed the transition from colonial rule to independent Indian governance. Constructed at an original cost of approximately ₹2.50 lakh, the structure was commissioned to centralize the district's administration. Its historical weight is immense: it hosted 65 British collectors and 44 Indian collectors before the administrative offices were shifted to the new Integrated Collectorate Complex in 2016. The legendary Sir Thomas Munro, the first Principal Collector of the Ceded Districts, is the administrative pioneer often associated with the legacy that this building eventually housed. The building is an important landmark in the administrative history of South India.
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| Old Kadapa collectorate building etvbharat.com |
Architecturally, the Kadapa Collectorate exemplifies the restrained yet functional colonial civic style adapted to Indian climatic conditions. Built using locally available materials, the structure features thick masonry walls, high ceilings, spacious corridors, and wide verandahs that ensured ventilation and thermal comfort in a hot, semi-arid region
The old Collectorate is a premier example of British Colonial architecture with local adaptations.
Layout: It features a sprawling layout with grand high ceilings and massive stone pillars.
Climate Design: The design utilizes wide verandas and high ceilings to offer natural cooling—a necessity in Kadapa’s hot climate.
Materials: The structure is characterized by the extensive use of Cuddapah stone, a durable, locally sourced black limestone, which serves for both the foundation and the flooring.
Facade: The building is noted for its elegant arches and a long, symmetrical facade that reflects the Victorian-Indo-Saracenic hybrid style common in the Madras Presidency.
Recent Restoration and Future Vision
After the relocation of the administrative hub in 2016, the building suffered from neglect and surface peeling. However, a major restoration push began in 2023–2024, spearheaded by the state government and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
As of early 2026, the focus has shifted toward adaptive reuse. The structure is being transformed into the Dr. YSR Art and Cultural Heritage Museum. Restoration efforts include:
Structural Stabilization: Repairing the roof and cleaning the stone masonry.
Museum Transition: Moving artifacts from the Mahaveer and Mylavaram collections to the new premises.
Cultural Hub: Plans include an open-air theater and a digital library to educate students and tourists on the region's rich creative history.
Additional Sources:
Official Portal of YSR Kadapa District - History and Heritage Sections (2026 update).
Kadapa District Gazetteers and INTACH (Kadapa Chapter) Reports.
Historical Building of Kadapa Old Collectorate Office | Govt.Neglects on Heritage Building
This video provides a visual tour of the historical Kadapa Collectorate, highlighting the architectural details and the urgent need for its preservation as a heritage landmark.
K. N. Jayaraman
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