Pusapati Ananda Gajapati Raju

Raja Anand Gajapathi Maharaju (1850 – 1897) was an Indian monarch from the Gajapathi dynasty who ruled parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. He is remembered for his efforts toward the socioeconomic and cultural development of his region. Born into the Gajapathi family—renowned for their focus on administrative reform, education, and patronage of the arts—Anand Gajapathi Maharaju played a significant role in modernizing his domain. While limited information is available about his early life, his reign is noted for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his subjects and advancing infrastructure and governance.