Warangal Fort is a testament to the Kakatiyas' architectural and strategic skills. Originally used as entrances to a large Shiva temple, the fort's four decorative gates are called Kakatiya Kala Thoranam. The depth of Telangana's history and cultural diversity are symbolized by these arches, which have come to represent the state's legacy.
HISTORY OF KAKATHIYAS
The twelfth Century witnessed the emergence of a new dynasty “Kakatiyas" with Hanamkonda as its capital. Prola-II was the first independent ruler (1116-1157 CE) of this dynasty with Hanamkonda as the seat of power. His successor Rudradeva (1150-1195 CE) extended the kingdom northwards up to the Godavari delta. He built a fort at Warangal to serve the purpose of a second capital. His Hanamkonda inscription narrates the valiant deeds not only of himself but also of his father Prola. Rudra left no heirs to succeed him, so after he died in war with the Yadavas of Devgiri, his younger brother Mahadeva ascended the throne and ruled the kingdom for a shorter period of three years. Mahadeva was also killed in a battle with the Yadavas and his son Ganapathi was taken prisoner and the kingdom was thrown into confusion. Recherla Rudra the commander-in-Chief of Ganapati Deva, saved the kingdom from disintegration. Meanwhile, Ganapati was released from prison and sent back to rule his kingdom by the Yadava Ruler Jaitrapala. Ganapati Deva Maharaja (1199-1262 CE) was the greatest among the Kakatiya rulers who shifted the capital to Orugallu (Warangal).
Ganapati Deva was succeeded by his daughter Rudramadevi (1262-1289 CE) who due to her velour and able governance of the kingdom and as she attired in male garb was called “Rudra Deva Maharaja”, assumed the regal title "Raya Gajakesari". Her grandson PratapaRudra succeeded to the throne in 1289 CE and ruled till 1323 CE. He was the last ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty. In the final war, he was captured as a prisoner and sent to Delhi by the Ulugh Khan, the son of Ghiyasu-d-Din Tughluq. But PratapaRudra died mid-way. Thus, came the end of the Kakatiya dynasty in 1323 CE. After the defeat of Pratap Rudra Musünnuri Nayaks united seventy-two Nayak Chieftains and captured Warangal from Delhi sultanate and ruled for fifty years.
KAKATHIYAN ARCHITECTURE:
The group of temples and temple complex-related structures in the Warangal region of the Kakatiyan Empire signify a distinct architectural pattern, style, and technology of the period and are representative of a distinct regional style exhibiting local innovation in temple building tradition. Along with Rudreswara Temple, locally known as VeyiSthambhala Gudi (Thousand Pillars Temple) at Hanamkonda the other characteristic temples and temple complexes include Archaeological remains of Swayambhu temple and Keerthi thoranas at Warangal Fort and Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, which is located about 65 km from Warangal. Most of the temples show the character and evolved from the later Chalukyan style of temple architecture. But all the temples and temple complexes of Kakatiyas have a distinct style, technology, and decoration exhibiting the influence of Kakatiyan sculptors. Keerthi Thoranas is another example of a distinct style of Kakatiyas for the gateways to temple complexes, unique only to this region and testimony to highly evolved proportions of aesthetics in temple and town gateways in South India. The Thoranas demonstrate both a creative masterpiece and a continuity and transformation through the interchange of cultural values like that of Buddhist art traditions from the 2nd Century BCE to the 11th Century CE.
The Archaeological Survey of India created structures with the damaged components of the temples, to look like shrines and artistic models, which attracts the public to visit this fort. Otherwise, it will be a damaged temple component kept haphazardly.
Ref
Archaeological Survey of India, Display Board at the Temple entrance.
Epigrapica Telanganica, Volume 2, Imperial Kakatiyas.
LOCATION OF THE FORT: CLICK HERE
Fort Entrance
An amazing sculpture of the dress
Shiva - Bairavar
THE TEMPLE INSIDE THE FORT
Warangal Fort Wall Ruins / వరంగల్ ఫోర్ట్, Mathwada, Warangal, Telangana.
This contains a portion of the Fort's outside wall with a watch tower and bastion. Lightings are being provided by the Archaeological Survey of India for a Night view.
LOCATION OF THE FORT WALLS: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
