Book excerpt: In the history of Colonial Andhra Zamindars played a crucial and prominent role. As some of them were 'feudal despots' we may criticize the nature and character of their role in the colonial era. Yet we cannot neither minimize nor ignore the part played by them during 'those' centuries of foreign rule. The significant fact that must be noted in this connection is that there was a radical transformation in the nature, attitude and thinking of the zamindars from the second half of the Nineteenth century. Coming under the influence of British education, british administration and modern thought many of them began to cultivate a sense of responsibility to the society and the people. They began to involve themselves in public activities and to encourage public organizations.