Warangal · Orugallu · Ekasilanagara & the Kakatiya Capital
Name Origin & History: Warangal, originally known as Orugallu or Ekashila, was the capital of the great Kakatiya dynasty. The name “Orugallu” is said to be the correct form of “Orukal,” the original designation of the old town. The region’s history is linked to the Vishnukundins and even earlier Buddhist and pre-Buddhist periods.
In the 8th century CE, Warangal served as the capital of the Yadava kings of the Kakatiya dynasty (also known as Ganapatis), who made it their capital city.
Earliest Recorded Evidence — Kajipet Inscription of 932–33 CE
This inscription, dated Nandana (A.D. 932–33), records some awards to local officials and specifications of fines for offences. The king’s feudatory Satyasraya Bhimarasa is referred to as Mahamandalesvara.
This is the earliest specific inscriptional record associated with the wider historical region from which the present Warangal District was later constituted. It documents the Rashtrakuta political order in the region during the 10th century.
The Rashtrakutas, founded by Dantidurga, established their principal capital at Manyakheta and controlled extensive areas of the Deccan. The Kakatiyas ruled as vassals to the Rashtrakutas.
Sankaraganda (848–888 CE) built many Jaina Basadis in Kolanupaka during this period.
The Jaffarghad inscription, on a rock near a tank, records the construction of a tank by a certain Samkaraganda of the Panara-kula, a subordinate family of the Rashtrakutas.
Western Chalukya Era — Local Chiefs & Inscriptions
The Western Chalukyas, founded by Tailapa II, emerged after the decline of Rashtrakuta power. Their centres included Manyakheta and later Kalyani (Basavakalyan, Bidar, Karnataka). The Kakatiyas ruled as vassals to the Western Chalukyas with capitals at Kakatipura, Anumakonda (Hanumakonda) and Orugallu (Warangal).
Narayanagiri (1004 CE): The inscription states that Chief Gunagarasa, bearing the titles Ekkala-sahasa, mahasamantadhipati and Satyagraha kulanvaya, was ruling the kingdom. His subordinate Gamgeyarasar granted a gift to the god Mallikarjuna installed by his padida Samkamayya.
Narayanagiri (1006 CE): In Kannada and dated Saka 928 (A.D. 1006), it records the consecration of the deity Mallikarjuna by Gangeyya, the Sumka-verggade of kings. King Gunagarasa is eulogised as Raja Vidyadhara, Tumgavedanga and Ekkalasahasa.
Kakatiya Dynasty — Early Vassal Rulers
Banajipe, Narsampet (25 Dec 1082 CE): A pillar near the Central Primary School records the gift of land and house sites by Mahamandalesvara Kakatya Betarasa to the Vir[ai]kamala Jinalaya, built by Mahamandalesvara Madarasa of Uravadi, a subordinate of Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI.
Kumarapalli (26 Dec 1079 CE): Near the Malapochamma temple, the inscription states that on the occasion of a solar eclipse in S. 1001, Siddharthi (A.D. 1079, December 26), Mahamandalesvara Betarajulu (bearing the title Vikramachakri) made a gift of land, a house and an oil mill for maintaining perpetual lamps in the shrines of Prolesvara and Betesvara.
Son of Beta II and brother of Durgaraja.
Matedu (4 March 1120 CE): A Telugu inscription on a stone in front of the Gopalaswamy temple records the gift of lands for offerings to the temples of Mahadeva, Vinayaka and Kesavadeva, consecrated by Mahasamanta Vemabola Boddama-Mallenayaka, the servant (bantu) of Mahamandalesvara Kakatiya Prolaraja, on Vaddvaru su 3 of Chaitra in the year Sarvari, corresponding to Saka year 1042.
Govindapur, Narsampet Taluk (11 Feb 1122 CE): A stone pillar erected in the tank called Komaticheruvu. It traces the genealogy of the chiefs Meda and Gunda belonging to Madhavavarmman’s family. It introduces Nagadeva, minister of Gunda, described as a follower of Meghachandra Siddhanta Deva, a Jaina pontiff, who constructed the temple of Parsva Jinesvara and donated lands with the consent of Medaraja. It also records gifts of lands by merchants belonging to the Vaji-kula of Sanagara.
Kakatiya Dynasty — Independent Rulers
Son of Prola II. First independent Kakatiya ruler. Expanded the kingdom and consolidated Kakatiya power in Telangana.
Brother of Rudradeva. Briefly ruled after his brother’s death.
The greatest Kakatiya ruler. Expanded the empire to its zenith, ruling over most of Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. His reign marked the peak of Kakatiya political and cultural achievement.
One of the few female rulers in Indian history. Successfully defended the kingdom against multiple invasions and continued the Kakatiya tradition of patronage to arts, architecture and irrigation.
Last Kakatiya ruler. In 1310 CE, Malik Kafur of the Delhi Sultanate defeated him, forcing annual tribute. The Koh-i-Noor diamond passed to Alauddin Khalji. In 1323 CE, Ulugh Khan (Muhammad bin Tughluq) captured Warangal, ending the Kakatiya dynasty.
Post-Kakatiya Periods
Ulugh Khan (Muhammad bin Tughluq) captured Warangal in 1323 and took over the Governorship of “Teling” (Telangana). Gannaya (Gona Gannaya III) was captured, converted to Islam and named Malik Maqbul. Ulugh Khan later became Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq.
Commander of the Kakatiya Empire under Prataparudra. Described in Marana’s Markandeya Puranamu as “Gannavibhudu” and commander (Kataka paludu) of Warangal Fort. The term “Mala Devudu” implies he was very high in the hierarchy. 1336 CE: Kapaya Nayaka took control of Warangal.
1328 CE: The movement started at Rekapalli under Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka and his cousin Kapaya Nayaka. Kapaya Nayaka became ruler in 1333 CE and captured Warangal in 1336 CE.
1350 CE: Bahman Shah forced him to cede Kaulas Fort. 1364 CE: Warangal was ceded to the Bahmani Sultanate as part of a treaty. He signed a treaty with 300 elephants, thirteen lakh of huns and 200 horses. He presented a precious turquoise throne of Warangal (jeweled throne) to Muhammad Shah.
1368 CE – Anavotha Nayaka: Killed Kapaya Nayaka and conquered Warangal, Panagallu and Bhuvanagiri forts. Took the title “Tribhuvana Rayarao.”
1383–1399 CE – Singama Nayaka II: Continued the dynasty. Known as “Sarvajna Singa Bhupala,” a great writer and poet.
1399–1421 CE – Anavotha Nayaka II: Mounted a successful campaign in 1417 CE against Panugallu. Died during the battle at Panagallu fort in 1421 CE.
1421–1430 CE – Mada Nayaka II: Brother of Anavotha Nayaka II. 1425 CE: Azam Khan captured Warangal and many forts in the Rachakonda and Devarakonda kingdoms.
1430–1458 CE – Singama Nayaka III: Son of Anavotha Nayaka II. Supported various powers — Bahmanis, Vijayanagara and Gajapatis of Orissa — fighting their respective enemies.
1460–1464 CE – Dharma Nayaka: Brother of Singama Nayaka III, appointed ruler of Warangal by the Gajapatis of Orissa. 1464 CE (Shayampet Inscription): Records the gift of villages Maccherla and Mada to God Tiruvengaleswara and 24 Ayyangars and Mahajanas.
Bahmani, Gajapati & Later Periods
1347 CE: The Bahmani Dynasty was formed by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah. 1350 CE: Bahman Shah led his first campaign against Warangal and forced Kapaya Nayaka to cede Kaulas Fort. 1364 CE: Warangal was ceded to the Bahmanis. 1457 CE: Sanjar Khan was appointed Governor of Telingana.
On 2 February 1460 CE, Warangal Fort was conquered by Kapileswara’s son Hambira (Ambira) and Raghudeva. Inscriptions found on the eastern and western gates of the Warangal fort confirm the conquest. Warangal was referred to as Varumgallu.
Also known as Sitadu or Sitapati Raju. Ruled from Rachakonda, Warangal and Khammam forts. 1504 CE: Defeated by Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk. 21 January 1504 CE: An inscription records the capture of Warangal and restoration of temples by Sitapa-Khana of the Bhogi family.
21 January 1564 CE: An inscription near the Southern Torana, Sambunigudi, records his exploits. He conquered Rajadri forts, vanquished Muhammadans and wrested Ekasilapuri (Warangal) from them. He reinstalled images of god Panchalaraya (Krishna), goddess Kakati and Siva in their respective shrines.
1518 CE: Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk declared independence from the Bahmanis, establishing the Golconda Sultanate. 1512 CE: He defeated Shitab Khan to capture Khammam fort. 1636 CE: Shah Jahan forced the Qutb Shahis to recognize Mughal suzerainty, which lasted until 1687 CE.
1687 CE: Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Golconda Sultanate. 1713 CE: Mir Qamaruddin Siddiqi was appointed governor by the Mughals. 1724 CE: He was granted control of Hyderabad with the title Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, establishing the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
1798 CE: Hyderabad became the first Indian royal state to accede to British protection under the Subsidiary Alliance. 1946–1951: Telangana Rebellion. 15 August 1947: Indian Independence; Nizam Osman Ali Khan chose to remain independent. 17 September 1948: Operation Polo integrated Hyderabad into India. Major General J.N. Chaudhuri served as Military Governor.
Modern History (1948–Present)
26 January 1950 – 31 October 1956: Hyderabad State with the Nizam as Rajpramukh. 6 March 1952 – 31 October 1956: Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was elected Chief Minister. 1 November 1956: Andhra State and the Telangana region of Hyderabad State were merged to form Andhra Pradesh State.
Telangana was formed as the 29th state of India on 2 June 2014. Warangal became one of the key districts of the new state.
During the Telangana district reorganization in 2016, the old Warangal District was reorganized. Warangal Urban District and Warangal Rural District were created, along with Jangaon, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Mahabubabad districts. In August 2021, Warangal Urban District was renamed Hanumakonda District. The modern Warangal District is the successor to the former Warangal Rural District.
Key Heritage Sites & Records
Legacy – The Heart of Kakatiya Glory
Warangal’s recorded history begins with the Kajipet inscription of 932–33 CE, which introduces Satyasraya Bhimarasa as a Mahamandalesvara under the Rashtrakuta political order. The Narayanagiri inscriptions of 1004 and 1006 CE document local chiefs such as Gunagarasa during the Western Chalukya period.
During the Kakatiya period, the early vassal rulers Beta II (1076–1108 CE) and Prola II (1116–1158 CE) are documented through the Banajipe, Kumarapalli and Matedu inscriptions, while the Govindapur inscription of 1122 CE records the Polavasa chiefs and their Jaina patronage. The independent Kakatiya rulers — Rudradeva, Mahadeva, Ganapatideva, Rudramadevi and Prataparudra — made Orugallu (Warangal) the political and cultural heart of the Deccan.
After the fall of the Kakatiyas in 1323 CE, the region passed through the Tughlaqs, the Musunuri Nayaks, the Recherla Nayakas, the Bahmanis, the Gajapatis and the Qutb Shahis before becoming part of the Asaf Jahi dominion. The Shayampet inscription of 1464 CE and the Warangal Fort inscriptions of 1504 and 1564 CE document this later medieval history.
The modern district emerged from the 2016 reorganization of the old Warangal District. In August 2021, Warangal Urban District was renamed Hanumakonda District, while the modern Warangal District is the successor to the former Warangal Rural District. The district headquarters is Warangal.
- Earliest Recorded Evidence: The Kajipet inscription of 932–33 CE, which refers to Satyasraya Bhimarasa as a Mahamandalesvara, is the earliest specific inscriptional record associated with the wider Warangal region.
- Ancient Names: Orugallu, Ekashila, Ekasilanagara, Orukal.
- Kakatiya Capital: Warangal served as the Kakatiya capital from the 8th century CE through the independent Kakatiya period (1158–1323 CE).
- Key Rulers: Beta II, Prola II, Rudradeva, Mahadeva, Ganapatideva, Rudramadevi, Prataparudra.
- Key Inscriptions: Kajipet (932–33 CE), Narayanagiri (1004, 1006 CE), Banajipe (1082 CE), Kumarapalli (1079 CE), Matedu (1120 CE), Govindapur (1122 CE), Shayampet (1464 CE), Warangal Fort (1504, 1564 CE).
- UNESCO Site: Ramappa (Rudresvara) Temple (1213 CE), inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.
- Post-Kakatiya: The region passed through the Tughlaqs, Musunuri Nayaks, Recherla Nayakas, Bahmanis, Gajapatis, Qutb Shahis, Mughals and Asaf Jahis.
- Modern Era: Telangana was formed on 2 June 2014. The old Warangal District was reorganized in 2016, and Warangal Urban District was renamed Hanumakonda District in August 2021.
- Kajipet Inscription (932–33 CE): Satyasraya Bhimarasa as Mahamandalesvara.
- Narayanagiri Inscriptions (1004, 1006 CE): Gunagarasa, Gamgeyarasar, Mallikarjuna temple.
- Banajipe Inscription (25 Dec 1082 CE): Kakatya Betarasa, Vir[ai]kamala Jinalaya.
- Kumarapalli Inscription (26 Dec 1079 CE): Betarajulu, Prolesvara and Betesvara shrines.
- Matedu Inscription (4 March 1120 CE): Vemabola Boddama-Mallenayaka, servant of Kakatiya Prolaraja.
- Govindapur Inscription (11 Feb 1122 CE): Polavasa chiefs Meda and Gunda, Parsva Jinesvara temple.
- Shayampet Inscription (1464 CE): Dharmanayaka, gift of Maccherla and Mada to Tiruvengaleswara.
- Warangal Fort Inscriptions (1504, 1564 CE): Sitapa-Khana, capture of Warangal, restoration of temples.
- Government of Telangana, Warangal District: District formation, headquarters and modern administrative structure.
- Government of Telangana district reorganization records: 2016 reorganization of the old Warangal District; 2021 renaming of Warangal Urban District as Hanumakonda District.
- UNESCO World Heritage: Ramappa Temple (Rudresvara Temple) — inscribed 2021.
- Telangana historical and inscriptional material: Rashtrakuta, Western Chalukya, Kakatiya, Recherla Nayaka, Bahmani, Gajapati, Qutb Shahi, Mughal and Asaf Jahi history.
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