The Domakonda Samsthanam (1636 CE - 1948 CE), initially known as Bikkavolu Samsthan, was a princely state situated in the Nizamabad region (now Kamareddy district) of Telangana. It was ruled by the Kamineni dynasty of the Pakanati Reddis, who were close relatives of the Gadwal and Atmakur rulers. The Samsthan was a significant administrative and cultural center under the ultimate authority of the Qutb Shahis and later the Asif Jahis (Nizams). The focal point of the Samsthanam is the Domakonda Fort, which received the UNESCO Asia – Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2022.
Founder : Raja Kama Reddy or Kamineni Chaudary in 1636 AD
Capitals : Bikkavolu, Kamareddypeta, Domakonda
Dynasty: Pakanati Reddis.
Family Relation: Close relatives of Gadwal and Atmakur rulers.
Gotra: Rachulla was their Gotra.
Presiding Deity: Bikkavolu Siddarameshwara.
Dynasty: Pakanati Reddis.
Family Relation: Close relatives of Gadwal and Atmakur rulers.
Gotra: Rachulla was their Gotra.
Presiding Deity: Bikkavolu Siddarameshwara.
Ruled from Domakonda 1786 CE - 1948 CE
c. 10th Century: The site where the fort stands was initially constructed by Rashtrakuta kings.
753 AD - 1323 AD: The fort was controlled successively by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, and the Kakatiyas.
1636 AD: The Samsthanam proper began its rise when Raja Kama Reddy (Kamineni Chaudary) obtained Domakonda Samsthan as a Sanad (grant) from the Golconda Rulers (Qutb Shahis).
1748 AD - 1757 AD: Rajanna Choudary shifted the capital from Bikkavolu to Kamareddypeta.
1. Origins and Rise
The history of the fort predates the Kamineni rulers.c. 10th Century: The site where the fort stands was initially constructed by Rashtrakuta kings.
753 AD - 1323 AD: The fort was controlled successively by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, and the Kakatiyas.
1636 AD: The Samsthanam proper began its rise when Raja Kama Reddy (Kamineni Chaudary) obtained Domakonda Samsthan as a Sanad (grant) from the Golconda Rulers (Qutb Shahis).
1748 AD - 1757 AD: Rajanna Choudary shifted the capital from Bikkavolu to Kamareddypeta.
1786 AD : Raja Rajeshwara Rao I shifted capital to Domakonda
Overlords: Qutb Shahis and Asif Jahis (Nizams).
Security: Employed Arab and African Guards for security.
Officials: Rulers held traditional titles like Deshmukh (China Kamireddy) and Desai (Potha Reddy).
Rulers' Identity: Kamineni (Pakanati Reddis).
Devotion: The presiding deity was Bikkavolu Siddarameshwara. Rulers like Malla Reddy were described as great devotees.
Architecture: The Domakonda Fort itself is a significant structure, featuring a circular plan, four bastions, and an arched gateway showing Asaf Jahis influence.
Temple Complex: Inside the fort is a Shiva temple built on a stellate plan, imitating the Kakatiya style of architecture.
Palace: The two-storied palatial mahal is known as "Addhala Meda" (Glass house).
Literature: The court patronized several poets and scholars:
Pattametta Somanatha Somayaji: Composed Sootasamhita and Brahmottara Khandam.
Lakshmipathi: Authored Sri Krishna Vilasam and Acharya Vijayam.
Adipudi Prabhakara Kavi: Wrote Umapaabhyudayam on the Kamineni tradition history.
Seshadri Ramana Kavulu and Pedda Mandadi Venkata Krishna Kavi: Composed Reddy Kula Nirnaya Chandrika.
Architectural Heritage: The Kamineni rulers built majestic palaces and the Mahadeva temple. The fort is noted as an instance of defence architecture of the princely states of Telangana.
International Recognition: The fort was conferred the UNESCO Asia – Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation – Award of Merit for 2022.
Modern Legacy: The family produced notable figures, including K. Umapathi Rao IAS (1928-2020), who was an Urdu poet and the first Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
Cultural and Historical Significance
Domakonda Fort exemplifies the defensive architecture of Telangana’s princely states, combining elements from the Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Kakatiya, and Asaf Jahi periods. Despite centuries of natural decay and human neglect, the fortification walls, gateways, and palatial structures have remarkably withstood the test of time, symbolizing the resilience and heritage of the region’s rulers.
Today, the fort remains a cultural landmark, with locals gathering here during festivals and special occasions. Its continued preservation underlines the importance of protecting Telangana’s royal architectural legacy.
Location: Approximately 4 km from NH 44 and 10 km from Kamareddy, Telangana.
2. Rulers
1636 AD : Raja Kama Reddy or Kamineni Chaudary
In AD 1636, Kama Reddy got Domakonda Samsthan as Sanad from Golconda Rulers.Pattametta Somanatha Somayaji was court poet of Kamareddy. His compositions were Sootasamhita, Brahmottara Khandam, Vishista Andhrokti.
Kamineni Malla Reddy
Malla Reddy was a great devotee. Many villages were build on his name- Yella Reddy, Macha Reddy, Kamareddy, Jangampalli
Padma Puranam and Shiva Dharmotharam
Kamineni Mall Reddy chief of Bikkanavolu, Somanadhakavi dedicated his two works namely Sudha Samhita and Brahmotta Khandamu to him and his brother Kamineni Yella ReddyPadma Puranam and Shiva Dharmotharam
Kamineni Yella Reddy
China Kamireddy
Son of Yella Reddy had a title Deshmukh.Potha Reddy
had the title Desai.
1748 AD - 1757 AD : Rajanna Choudary
Rajanna Chowdhary has shifted the capital from Bikkavolu to Kamareddypeta.
Employed Arab and African Guards for Security.
1786 AD : Raja Rajeshwara Rao I
Rebuilt Domakonda fort in the 18th century at a sight where a fort existed earlier. Shifted capital from Kamareddy to Domakonda in 1786 AD. From then it came to be known as Domakonda Samsthan.Employed Arab and African Guards for Security.
He was a notable ruler who navigated the complex political landscape of the 18th century. He initially opposed the French but later collaborated with them against the British. He was eventually captured by the British and imprisoned in the fort of Chengalpattu.
Raja Ramachandra Rao (Brother)
Raja Umapati
1927 AD : Raja Ramachandra Rao
son of Raja Umapati
was the leader of Domakonda amid 1927 married the daughter of Gadwal Ruler
Raja Someshwar Rao (1948 CE)
Raja Someswar Rao of Domakonda proposed the toast of H. M. the King Emperor and the NizamThe last leader of the Samsthan was Raja Someshwara Rao.
3. Administration
The Samsthan functioned as a subsidiary state under the larger paramount powers.Overlords: Qutb Shahis and Asif Jahis (Nizams).
Security: Employed Arab and African Guards for security.
Officials: Rulers held traditional titles like Deshmukh (China Kamireddy) and Desai (Potha Reddy).
4. Society
The rulers were Pakanati Reddis with the Rachulla Gotra. They were patrons of temple construction and literature.Rulers' Identity: Kamineni (Pakanati Reddis).
Devotion: The presiding deity was Bikkavolu Siddarameshwara. Rulers like Malla Reddy were described as great devotees.
5. Art and Culture
The Samsthanam was a center of architectural and literary patronage.Architecture: The Domakonda Fort itself is a significant structure, featuring a circular plan, four bastions, and an arched gateway showing Asaf Jahis influence.
Temple Complex: Inside the fort is a Shiva temple built on a stellate plan, imitating the Kakatiya style of architecture.
Palace: The two-storied palatial mahal is known as "Addhala Meda" (Glass house).
Literature: The court patronized several poets and scholars:
Pattametta Somanatha Somayaji: Composed Sootasamhita and Brahmottara Khandam.
Lakshmipathi: Authored Sri Krishna Vilasam and Acharya Vijayam.
Adipudi Prabhakara Kavi: Wrote Umapaabhyudayam on the Kamineni tradition history.
Seshadri Ramana Kavulu and Pedda Mandadi Venkata Krishna Kavi: Composed Reddy Kula Nirnaya Chandrika.
6. Achievements and Legacy
The legacy of Domakonda is preserved through its fort and cultural contributions.Architectural Heritage: The Kamineni rulers built majestic palaces and the Mahadeva temple. The fort is noted as an instance of defence architecture of the princely states of Telangana.
International Recognition: The fort was conferred the UNESCO Asia – Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation – Award of Merit for 2022.
Modern Legacy: The family produced notable figures, including K. Umapathi Rao IAS (1928-2020), who was an Urdu poet and the first Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
7. Dating and Inscriptions
1636 AD: Raja Kama Reddy received the Sanad from Golconda Rulers.
1786 AD: Raja Rajeshwara Rao I built the present Domakonda fort and shifted the capital, beginning the period where the Kamineni rulers ruled from this fort (1786 - 1947 AD).
Historical Background
The origins of Domakonda Fort trace back to the Rashtrakuta period (c. 8th–10th century CE), when the first fortifications were established. It was later expanded and reconstructed by successive dynasties, including the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (973–1158 CE) and the Kakatiyas (c. 895–1323 CE). The Sri Mahadeva Temple within the fort, originally built as a Vaishnava shrine by the Western Chalukyas, was later converted into a Shiva temple by the Kakatiyas.
In 1786 CE, Raja Rajeshwara Rao I of the Domakonda Samsthanam rebuilt the fort and developed it into a grand residential and defensive complex. The Kaminenis, descendants of the Domakonda rulers, later constructed majestic palaces and temples dedicated to Lord Mahadeva.
Architecture and Layout
The fort follows a circular plan, strategically designed for defence against invasions. It features two entrances, one facing east and another west, with four bastions guarding the cardinal directions. The fort’s arched gateway reflects the Asaf Jahi architectural influence, a testament to later regional interactions under the Hyderabad State.
Within the fort, there are two palatial mahals and a temple complex, including the stellate-plan Shiva temple, reminiscent of Kakatiya architectural style. The fort walls are built upon an elevated granite foundation, reinforced with a wooden entrance gate leading to the two-storied palace, famous for its intricate stucco work and elegant façade. This palace, adorned with reflective elements, is popularly called “Addhala Meda” (Glass House).
1786 AD: Raja Rajeshwara Rao I built the present Domakonda fort and shifted the capital, beginning the period where the Kamineni rulers ruled from this fort (1786 - 1947 AD).
Domakonda Fort (Gadi Domakonda / Killa Domakonda)
Domakonda Fort, locally known as Gadi Domakonda or Killa Domakonda, is a magnificent historic fortress located near Kamareddy, about 116 km from Hyderabad. The fort gained international recognition when it received the UNESCO Asia–Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation – Award of Merit (2022) for its preservation and restoration efforts.Historical Background
The origins of Domakonda Fort trace back to the Rashtrakuta period (c. 8th–10th century CE), when the first fortifications were established. It was later expanded and reconstructed by successive dynasties, including the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (973–1158 CE) and the Kakatiyas (c. 895–1323 CE). The Sri Mahadeva Temple within the fort, originally built as a Vaishnava shrine by the Western Chalukyas, was later converted into a Shiva temple by the Kakatiyas.
In 1786 CE, Raja Rajeshwara Rao I of the Domakonda Samsthanam rebuilt the fort and developed it into a grand residential and defensive complex. The Kaminenis, descendants of the Domakonda rulers, later constructed majestic palaces and temples dedicated to Lord Mahadeva.
Architecture and Layout
The fort follows a circular plan, strategically designed for defence against invasions. It features two entrances, one facing east and another west, with four bastions guarding the cardinal directions. The fort’s arched gateway reflects the Asaf Jahi architectural influence, a testament to later regional interactions under the Hyderabad State.
Within the fort, there are two palatial mahals and a temple complex, including the stellate-plan Shiva temple, reminiscent of Kakatiya architectural style. The fort walls are built upon an elevated granite foundation, reinforced with a wooden entrance gate leading to the two-storied palace, famous for its intricate stucco work and elegant façade. This palace, adorned with reflective elements, is popularly called “Addhala Meda” (Glass House).
Cultural and Historical Significance
Domakonda Fort exemplifies the defensive architecture of Telangana’s princely states, combining elements from the Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Kakatiya, and Asaf Jahi periods. Despite centuries of natural decay and human neglect, the fortification walls, gateways, and palatial structures have remarkably withstood the test of time, symbolizing the resilience and heritage of the region’s rulers.
Today, the fort remains a cultural landmark, with locals gathering here during festivals and special occasions. Its continued preservation underlines the importance of protecting Telangana’s royal architectural legacy.
Location: Approximately 4 km from NH 44 and 10 km from Kamareddy, Telangana.
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