Mandasa is a village in Srikakulam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Mandasa is also known by the name Manjusha in Odia language. It was ruled by erstwhile odia zamindar Rajamani royal family during British Raj. Srinivasa Rajamani was the famous Ruling chief Rajah of this estate.
This village is located at a distance of 98 km from the district headquarters.
Mandasa mandal is bordered by Sompeta mandal to the northeast, Palasa mandal to the southwest, Vajrapu Kotturu mandal to the south, Patrapur block of Ganjam district, Odisha to the north, Rayagada block of Gajapati district, Odisha to the west and Bay of Bengal to the east.
Mandasa was once the seat of the Kalinga kings who stood at the forefront of the Eastern Ghats. Since then, it has been known for making foods with different flavors. Part of it is known as the herbal medicine Palakova.
It has a history of nearly 300 years. The Eastern Ghats are home to many medicinal plants and trees. All the towers in the area carry the grazing in the hills every day, and the milk they give the herbal milk also has medicinal properties. And hence, Mandasa Kova is so famous with its healing properties.
There are about 10 families in the village who have been practicing Kova making for generations. This Kova is made with milk and sugar just like regular Kova. However it is put ready for sale before it is pastured. Makers say that, the milk ingredients would be safe by eating the Kova before being pastured.
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