Imperial Kakatiyas: A historical journey to the legacy of Orugallu

May 6, 2022

kakatiya's iconic symbol kakatiya kalathoranam — Author Dr. K Sharmila Reddy at Kakatiya's Iconic Symbol Kakatiya Kalathoranam at Orugallu Fort

If history is to offer any lessons to the present and the future, the history of Imperial Kakatiyas is worthy of emulation.

anumakonda or hanumakonda — **Anumakonda** (Hanumakonda) the second capital of Kakatiyas

Kandalaya Jain Basadi later turned as Padmakshi temple at Hanumakonda — **Kandalaya Jain Basadi** later turned as **Padmakshi temple** at Hanumakonda

Even today the memory of Kakatiyas rule is evergreen in the minds and hearts of the people of Telangana. Kakatiyas who began as feudatories of Rashtrakutas, later settled as vassals of Chalukyas of Kalyani before becoming independent.

Rudresvara temple or 1000 pillared temple by Kakati Rudradeva at Hanumakonda — **Rudresvara temple or 1000 pillared temple** by Kakati Rudradeva at Hanumakonda

They moulded the identity of Andhra by establishing a unified political and cultural hegemony over the entire Telugu speaking region. The 200-year rule of Kakatiyas marks an era of prosperity. It was not only in political administration, but also in art and culture of Deccan.

UNESCO World Heritage Site- Ramappa temple by Recherla Rudra, a Kakatiya general at Palampet — **UNESCO World Heritage Site- Ramappa temple** by Recherla Rudra, a Kakatiya general at Palampet

The Kakatiyas had a fine model of polity for democratic institutions. Moreover, their temples were standing examples of religious liberalism.

Entire Nritta Ratnavali (dance treatise by Jayapa Senani, general of Kakatiya Ganaptideva) was engraved on the walls of Ramppa T — Entire **Nritta Ratnavali** (dance treatise by Jayapa Senani, general of Kakatiya Ganaptideva) was engraved on the walls of Ramappa Temple

Furthermore, their remarkable and well planned irrigation facilities are the source of motivation. Even the modern day irrigation programme “Mission Kakatiya” of Government of Telangana is inspired by their planning. Their queen Rani Rudrama Devi was one the greatest female monarchs in Indian history.

Monolithic black granite Bull- typical of Shaivite Kakatiyan Architecture — **Monolithic black granite Bull**– typical of Shaivite Kakatiyan Architecture

Let’s travel to the epoch of the mighty Kakatiyas, learn more about them in detail in this new series of Avaaz24. In this historical journey, we shall see how a family of tiny feudatories turned into a colossal empire walking through the ramparts of their forts and temples.

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