Pangal Fort, located at Pangal in Wanaparthy District of Telangana, is one of the great hill forts of southern India. This area was historically part of Kuruva-70 Nayakara Seema.. Built during the 11th–12th centuries CE by the Kalyani Chalukyas, the fort sprawls across hundreds of acres of rugged granite hills and thorny forest terrain. Designed with seven massive gateways, its most prominent entrance, the Mundlagavini, stands out as an architectural marvel built with huge granite slabs.
Within the fort ruins, one still finds remnants of mandapas (such as the Uyyala Mandapam), rock-cut water bodies, tanks, and cisterns, all of which showcase the engineering and architectural sophistication of its builders. The terrain itself added to the fort’s strength, making it almost impregnable to invading armies in the medieval period.
Within the fort ruins, one still finds remnants of mandapas (such as the Uyyala Mandapam), rock-cut water bodies, tanks, and cisterns, all of which showcase the engineering and architectural sophistication of its builders. The terrain itself added to the fort’s strength, making it almost impregnable to invading armies in the medieval period.
Pangal Fort – A Visitor’s Journey
Visiting Pangal Fort is like stepping into a forgotten chapter of Telangana’s history. Hidden away in the rocky hills of Wanaparthy District, the fort is just 15 km from Wanaparthy town and easily accessible by road. From Pangal village, a gentle trek begins — about 1.5 km one way. The trail is not too steep, making it a comfortable climb for beginners and families. In just two hours, you can trek up, explore the ruins, and return to the village.
Uyyala Mandapam – A graceful stone pavilion that may have served as a resting spot for nobles; local lore calls it a “swing hall.”
Rock-cut Tanks & Ponds – Ingenious medieval water systems that collected rainwater, allowing the fort to withstand long sieges.
Seven Gateways – Scattered across the hill, each gateway added layers of defense and mystery to the fort’s approach.
The Rebel Hideout: During the Nizam period, rebels are said to have used the fort as a guerrilla base, vanishing into its thick vegetation after surprise raids.
The Haunted Hill: Some villagers believe that certain ruined mandapas within the fort are haunted by the spirits of fallen soldiers, giving the place a mystical aura, especially at dusk.
Modern-Day Charm
Unlike crowded forts such as Golconda, Pangal is serene and largely untouched. Birds, butterflies, and wild shrubs have reclaimed much of the space. For history lovers, it’s a chance to walk through centuries of layered dynasties — Chalukyas, Recherla Nayaks, Bahmanis, Vijayanagara, Qutb Shahis, and the Nizams — all of whom left their imprint here. For trekkers, it offers panoramic views of Wanaparthy’s countryside, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset.
Pangal village, Wanaparthy District, Telangana
15 km from Wanaparthy town
74 km from Mahabubnagar
163 km from Hyderabad
🚍 How to Reach
By Road: Frequent buses from Wanaparthy Bus Station to Pangal (1.5 km from fort base).
By Train: Nearest railway station – Mahabubnagar (74 km).
By Car: From Hyderabad, take the Bengaluru Highway (NH 44) → Wanaparthy → Pangal.
🥾 Trek Details
Starting Point: Pangal village
Trek Distance: ~1.5 km (one way)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours (climb, explore, and return)
Difficulty: Easy (suitable for beginners and families)
Trail: Rocky path with thorny vegetation and ruins
🏰 Highlights
Mundlagavini Gateway – grand granite entrance
Uyyala Mandapam – swing pavilion ruins
Seven Fort Gateways – each unique in design
Rock-cut Ponds – ancient water storage
Panoramic Views – countryside landscapes
🕰️ Best Time to Visit
Monsoon to Winter (July–January): Lush greenery, pleasant weather
Avoid Peak Summer (March–June): Harsh heat and dry terrain
🌟 Nearby Attractions
Wanaparthy Samsthanam Palace – Former feudal palace (15 km)
Mallela Theertham Waterfalls – Scenic jungle waterfalls (~65 km, Nallamala forest)
Jogulamba Temple (Alampur) – One of 18 Shakti Peethas (~80 km)
Gadwal Fort – Another major historical fort (~55 km)
Its seven gateways (Dwaras), including the famous Mundlagavini, reflect Chalukyan military architecture.
Natural rocky terrain made it ideal for guerilla defense.
Local inscriptions mention Tailapa II, Somesvara I, Vikramaditya VI.
Established strong gateways and tanks.
They fortified and expanded Pangal Fort as a strategic bastion against Bahmani incursions.
Known for titles like Mahamandaleshwara, Senapati.
Used Pangal as part of their chain of hill forts (alongside Rachakonda, Devarakonda, etc.).
After repeated wars with the Recherla Nayaks, Pangal was taken into Bahmani fold.
Vijayanagara Empire (15th–early 16th c.)
Temporary control through local Nayakas after Bahmani decline.
Served as a frontier fort against Sultanates.
Became an important provincial garrison.
Ibrahim patronized Telugu culture while strengthening defenses.
Their rule shows up in local folklore and minor inscriptions.
Passed to Nizam’s rule (1724 CE).
Lost strategic use due to cannon warfare, but continued as a hideout in anti-Nizam rebellions.
Bahmanis / Qutb Shahis: Governed through Thanadars and Jagirdars, including Persianate nobles.
Revenue drawn from agriculture, cattle, and forest produce.
Rock-cut tanks inside the fort provided water for agriculture and soldiers.
Connected by trade routes to Mahabubnagar–Kurnool–Raichur.
Recherla Nayaks fostered Telugu warrior culture.
Qutb Shahi rule blended Persian court traditions with local Telugu society.
Granite gateways (esp. Mundlagavini) — Chalukya architecture.
Qutb Shahi Persian inscriptions (1551 CE) alongside earlier Kannada-Telugu inscriptions.
Recherla Nayaks balanced diplomacy and warfare with larger Deccan powers.
Qutb Shahis used it as a forward fort against Vijayanagara resurgence.
Stronghold of Recherla Nayak resistance against Bahmanis.
Later became a symbol of local resistance against the Nizam.
One of Telangana’s largest and most scenic hill forts.
The fort’s entrances are arranged in layers, forcing invaders to pass through a zigzag of narrow, heavily defended passages.
The most famous is the Mundlagavini Gate, constructed of monolithic granite slabs — a classic Chalukyan feature.
Granite Walls:
Massive blocks of local granite form walls that rise along the hill ridges.
Natural rock outcrops are integrated into the defenses, making assault nearly impossible.
Watch Towers (Burujulu):
Strategic towers overlook approaches to the fort, with long sightlines over the plains.
Ingeniously carved tanks to store monsoon rainwater.
Even today, many retain water year-round, proving the foresight of the builders.
Stepwells (Baavi):
Small stepwells inside for everyday use.
Large Reservoirs:
Served both the garrison and nearby villages in drought-prone Palamuru.
The Uyyala Mandapam (Swing Pavilion) is the most famous — used for leisure and festivals.
Smaller mandapas were likely assembly halls or shrines.
Temples:
Ruins of Shaiva and Vaishnava shrines exist, reflecting the fort’s sacred role as well as military.
Residential Quarters:
Foundations of large halls and rooms suggest spaces for soldiers, governors, and their families.
Recherla Additions (14th c.): Expansion of fort walls, mandapas, larger habitation spaces.
Vijayanagara Features (15th–16th c.): Wide courtyards, ornamented mandapas, traces of pillared halls with Vijayanagara-style columns.
Natural boulders act as bastions.
Limited access points meant the fort was nearly impregnable — attackers could be spotted miles away.
14th–15th c. – Recherla Nayaka control (few Telugu epigraphs in the region).
1422–1436 CE – Bahmani expansion under Ahmad Shah.
15th–early 16th c. – Vijayanagara control.
1551 CE – Persian inscription of Sayyid Shah Mir Isfahani, under Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah.
17th c. – Local Palegars (Reddiraajulu).
1687 CE – Mughal conquest.
1724 CE onward – Nizam’s dominion.
Recherla Nayaks → Bahmanis (after wars)
Bahmanis → Vijayanagara (briefly)
Vijayanagara → Qutb Shahis (firmly from 1551 CE)
Qutb Shahis → Mughals (1687 CE)
Mughals → Asaf Jahis/Nizams (1724 CE)
The Trek Experience
The path winds through thorny scrub forests, granite boulders, and natural rock formations. Along the way, you pass by remnants of fort walls, hidden gateways, and rock-cut water ponds that once sustained soldiers during long sieges. The fort is spread across hundreds of acres, so explorers can easily spend half a day wandering among ruins and scenic viewpoints. The monsoon and post-monsoon months (July–January) cloak the hills in greenery, making the trek especially beautiful.Cultural Heritage Highlights
Mundlagavini Gateway – The main entrance, built with enormous granite blocks, still inspires awe.Uyyala Mandapam – A graceful stone pavilion that may have served as a resting spot for nobles; local lore calls it a “swing hall.”
Rock-cut Tanks & Ponds – Ingenious medieval water systems that collected rainwater, allowing the fort to withstand long sieges.
Seven Gateways – Scattered across the hill, each gateway added layers of defense and mystery to the fort’s approach.
Legends and Stories
The Invincible Fort: Locals say Pangal was so well-defended that enemy armies often gave up after repeated failed attempts, calling it “a fort of hidden warriors.”The Rebel Hideout: During the Nizam period, rebels are said to have used the fort as a guerrilla base, vanishing into its thick vegetation after surprise raids.
The Haunted Hill: Some villagers believe that certain ruined mandapas within the fort are haunted by the spirits of fallen soldiers, giving the place a mystical aura, especially at dusk.
Modern-Day Charm
Unlike crowded forts such as Golconda, Pangal is serene and largely untouched. Birds, butterflies, and wild shrubs have reclaimed much of the space. For history lovers, it’s a chance to walk through centuries of layered dynasties — Chalukyas, Recherla Nayaks, Bahmanis, Vijayanagara, Qutb Shahis, and the Nizams — all of whom left their imprint here. For trekkers, it offers panoramic views of Wanaparthy’s countryside, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset.
🗺️ Pangal Fort Travel Guide
📍 LocationPangal village, Wanaparthy District, Telangana
15 km from Wanaparthy town
74 km from Mahabubnagar
163 km from Hyderabad
🚍 How to Reach
By Road: Frequent buses from Wanaparthy Bus Station to Pangal (1.5 km from fort base).
By Train: Nearest railway station – Mahabubnagar (74 km).
By Car: From Hyderabad, take the Bengaluru Highway (NH 44) → Wanaparthy → Pangal.
🥾 Trek Details
Starting Point: Pangal village
Trek Distance: ~1.5 km (one way)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours (climb, explore, and return)
Difficulty: Easy (suitable for beginners and families)
Trail: Rocky path with thorny vegetation and ruins
🏰 Highlights
Mundlagavini Gateway – grand granite entrance
Uyyala Mandapam – swing pavilion ruins
Seven Fort Gateways – each unique in design
Rock-cut Ponds – ancient water storage
Panoramic Views – countryside landscapes
🕰️ Best Time to Visit
Monsoon to Winter (July–January): Lush greenery, pleasant weather
Avoid Peak Summer (March–June): Harsh heat and dry terrain
🌟 Nearby Attractions
Wanaparthy Samsthanam Palace – Former feudal palace (15 km)
Mallela Theertham Waterfalls – Scenic jungle waterfalls (~65 km, Nallamala forest)
Jogulamba Temple (Alampur) – One of 18 Shakti Peethas (~80 km)
Gadwal Fort – Another major historical fort (~55 km)
1. Origins and Rise
Built by the Kalyani Chalukyas (11th–12th centuries CE) as a defensive hill fort in the rugged Wanaparthy–Palamuru zone.Its seven gateways (Dwaras), including the famous Mundlagavini, reflect Chalukyan military architecture.
Natural rocky terrain made it ideal for guerilla defense.
Over the centuries, Pangal Fort became a contested military stronghold, witnessing deadly wars and shifting hands between major dynasties — from the Chalukyas and Recherla Nayaks to the Bahmanis, Vijayanagara, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, and the Asaf Jahis (Nizams). It was also a center of guerrilla warfare, serving as a rebel outpost during revolts against the Nizam in later centuries.
Interesting Facts about Pangal Fort
Chalukya period: Architectural foundations and gateways.
Recherla Nayak period: Strengthening of fortifications and mandapas.
Qutb Shahi period: A Persian inscription (1551 CE) by Sayyid Shah Mir Isfahani, under Sultan Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, marks its inclusion into Golconda’s domain.
Role in Wars: Pangal saw conflicts between Bahmanis and Recherla Nayaks, and later between the Qutb Shahis and Vijayanagara.
Decline: With the introduction of cannon warfare, hill forts like Pangal lost their military relevance. By the Nizam’s time, it was abandoned but occasionally revived as a rebel hideout.
Today: Overgrown with greenery, the fort offers an easy trek (about 2 hours from Pangal village), with panoramic views of the Wanaparthy countryside.
Interesting Facts about Pangal Fort
Chalukya period: Architectural foundations and gateways.
Recherla Nayak period: Strengthening of fortifications and mandapas.
Qutb Shahi period: A Persian inscription (1551 CE) by Sayyid Shah Mir Isfahani, under Sultan Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, marks its inclusion into Golconda’s domain.
Role in Wars: Pangal saw conflicts between Bahmanis and Recherla Nayaks, and later between the Qutb Shahis and Vijayanagara.
Decline: With the introduction of cannon warfare, hill forts like Pangal lost their military relevance. By the Nizam’s time, it was abandoned but occasionally revived as a rebel hideout.
Today: Overgrown with greenery, the fort offers an easy trek (about 2 hours from Pangal village), with panoramic views of the Wanaparthy countryside.
2. Rulers
Kalyani Chalukyas (11th–12th c.)
Original builders.Local inscriptions mention Tailapa II, Somesvara I, Vikramaditya VI.
Established strong gateways and tanks.
Kakatiya Dynasty
Recherla Nayaks (14th–15th c.)
After the fall of Kakatiyas (1323 CE), the Recherla Nayaks rose as independent rulers in Telangana.They fortified and expanded Pangal Fort as a strategic bastion against Bahmani incursions.
Known for titles like Mahamandaleshwara, Senapati.
Used Pangal as part of their chain of hill forts (alongside Rachakonda, Devarakonda, etc.).
Vijayanagara Empire
Bahmani Sultanate (15th c.)
Ahmad Shah Bahmani (1422–1436) and successors launched campaigns in Palamuru region.After repeated wars with the Recherla Nayaks, Pangal was taken into Bahmani fold.
Vijayanagara Empire (15th–early 16th c.)
Temporary control through local Nayakas after Bahmani decline.
Served as a frontier fort against Sultanates.
Qutb Shahi Sultanate (16th–17th c.)
1551 CE inscription of Sayyid Shah Mir Isfahani confirms Qutb Shahi control under Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah (1550–1580 CE).Became an important provincial garrison.
Ibrahim patronized Telugu culture while strengthening defenses.
Local Palegars – Reddiraajulu (17th–18th c.)
Controlled the fort semi-independently, sometimes as Qutb Shahi vassals.Their rule shows up in local folklore and minor inscriptions.
Mughals and Asaf Jahis (18th–19th c.)
Annexed to Mughal Hyderabad Subah in 1687 CE.Passed to Nizam’s rule (1724 CE).
Lost strategic use due to cannon warfare, but continued as a hideout in anti-Nizam rebellions.
3. Administration
Recherla Nayaks: Direct control with family-based Nayaka chieftains.Bahmanis / Qutb Shahis: Governed through Thanadars and Jagirdars, including Persianate nobles.
Revenue drawn from agriculture, cattle, and forest produce.
4. Economy and Trade
Depended on farming villages around Wanaparthy.Rock-cut tanks inside the fort provided water for agriculture and soldiers.
Connected by trade routes to Mahabubnagar–Kurnool–Raichur.
5. Society
Mixed Telugu warrior clans (Nayaks), Persianate officials, and agrarian base.Recherla Nayaks fostered Telugu warrior culture.
Qutb Shahi rule blended Persian court traditions with local Telugu society.
6. Art and Culture
Uyyala Mandapam (swing pavilion) — Nayaka-era structure.Granite gateways (esp. Mundlagavini) — Chalukya architecture.
Qutb Shahi Persian inscriptions (1551 CE) alongside earlier Kannada-Telugu inscriptions.
7. Foreign Relations
Frontier fort between Bahmani Sultanate and Vijayanagara Empire.Recherla Nayaks balanced diplomacy and warfare with larger Deccan powers.
Qutb Shahis used it as a forward fort against Vijayanagara resurgence.
8. Achievements and Legacy
Served as a fortified frontier for multiple dynasties.Stronghold of Recherla Nayak resistance against Bahmanis.
Later became a symbol of local resistance against the Nizam.
One of Telangana’s largest and most scenic hill forts.
Architecture & Features of Pangal Fort
1. Defensive Layout
Seven Gateways (Dwaralu):The fort’s entrances are arranged in layers, forcing invaders to pass through a zigzag of narrow, heavily defended passages.
The most famous is the Mundlagavini Gate, constructed of monolithic granite slabs — a classic Chalukyan feature.
Granite Walls:
Massive blocks of local granite form walls that rise along the hill ridges.
Natural rock outcrops are integrated into the defenses, making assault nearly impossible.
Watch Towers (Burujulu):
Strategic towers overlook approaches to the fort, with long sightlines over the plains.
2. Water Management
Rock-Cut Cisterns (Koneru / Cheruvu):Ingeniously carved tanks to store monsoon rainwater.
Even today, many retain water year-round, proving the foresight of the builders.
Stepwells (Baavi):
Small stepwells inside for everyday use.
Large Reservoirs:
Served both the garrison and nearby villages in drought-prone Palamuru.
3. Civic & Cultural Structures
Mandapas & Pavilions:The Uyyala Mandapam (Swing Pavilion) is the most famous — used for leisure and festivals.
Smaller mandapas were likely assembly halls or shrines.
Temples:
Ruins of Shaiva and Vaishnava shrines exist, reflecting the fort’s sacred role as well as military.
Residential Quarters:
Foundations of large halls and rooms suggest spaces for soldiers, governors, and their families.
4. Engineering & Style
Chalukya Style (11th–12th c.): Monolithic gateways, rock-cut cisterns, massive lintels.Recherla Additions (14th c.): Expansion of fort walls, mandapas, larger habitation spaces.
Vijayanagara Features (15th–16th c.): Wide courtyards, ornamented mandapas, traces of pillared halls with Vijayanagara-style columns.
5. Strategic Geography
Built atop granite hills surrounded by thorny forest.Natural boulders act as bastions.
Limited access points meant the fort was nearly impregnable — attackers could be spotted miles away.
9. Chronology, Dating and Inscriptions
11th–12th c. – Chalukya inscriptions (Kannada/Telugu).14th–15th c. – Recherla Nayaka control (few Telugu epigraphs in the region).
1422–1436 CE – Bahmani expansion under Ahmad Shah.
15th–early 16th c. – Vijayanagara control.
1551 CE – Persian inscription of Sayyid Shah Mir Isfahani, under Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah.
17th c. – Local Palegars (Reddiraajulu).
1687 CE – Mughal conquest.
1724 CE onward – Nizam’s dominion.
10. Successor States / Vassals
Kalyani Chalukyas → Recherla Nayaks (post-Kakatiya)Recherla Nayaks → Bahmanis (after wars)
Bahmanis → Vijayanagara (briefly)
Vijayanagara → Qutb Shahis (firmly from 1551 CE)
Qutb Shahis → Mughals (1687 CE)
Mughals → Asaf Jahis/Nizams (1724 CE)
Sources
https://www.trawell.in/telangana/mahabubnagar/pangal-fort
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