Kaulas Fort

CURRENT STATUS: HERITAGE SITE

Kaulas (Kowlas) Fort

Located in Kaulas Village, Jukkal mandal, Kamareddy District, this "jewel in the crown" sits at the strategic tri-junction of Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Spread across 6 sq km, it is one of the largest royal forts in the state.

Current Status: Although the fort has been empty for decades, it remains a majestic destination for visitors. It features multi-tier rock-cut layers, a surrounding stream (Kaulas nala), and a picturesque lake nearby. Notable landmarks like the Rani Mahal and Enugula Bavi (Elephant Well) stand in a deteriorating yet beautiful condition.

Strategic & Defense Mechanism

The fort was considered unassailable due to its 8-km fortification radius and over 50 bastions, including prominent ones like Hussaini, Mallika, Mula, and Kadika Burj. A defense of multi-layered walls and moats protected the inhabitants. In the 1700s, it housed 10 cannons, including the world-famous 10-foot Navgarji tope (Navgazi cannon), which remains atop a bastion today.

Historical Timeline of Rulers

Satavahana Dynasty (232 BCE - 208 CE)

During the Satavahana period, the Kaulas region formed part of the broader Deccan trade and military corridor linking the Krishna–Godavari basin with western and northern routes. While no inscription directly mentions Kaulas Fort by name from this era, the site’s elevated granite outcrop and proximity to ancient routes suggest its early recognition as a strategic hill-post.

Fort Status: Likely functioned as a proto-giri-durga or hill-watch post, consisting of natural rock defenses, temporary barricades, and observation points rather than a fully developed stone fort.

Local Administration: Governed by Satavahana-appointed Amatyas or Bhojakas, supported by village headmen (Gramakas). Military oversight would have been minimal, aimed at securing trade movement and monitoring frontier zones rather than large-scale defense.

Historical Significance: The Satavahana utilization of the Kaulas highland laid the foundation for its later transformation into a fortified stronghold under post-Satavahana dynasties.

Post-Satavahana Period (208 – 380 CE)

Following Satavahana decline, Kaulas remained a frontier zone with no major dynasty leaving inscriptions. While the Abhiras were prominent in western Deccan, the Vakatakas controlled northern Vidarbha, and the Ikshvakus ruled the Krishna valley, there is no proof that any of these powers directly controlled Kaulas.

Fort Status: Frontier hill-post using natural granite defenses; no evidence of formal fortification.

Local Administration: Likely minor local chiefs or residual Satavahana-era authorities overseeing trade routes and villages.

Significance: Transitional period before formal administration under the Vishnukundinas. Neighboring dynasties influenced surrounding regions, but Kaulas remained peripheral.

Vishnukundina Dynasty (380 CE - 611 CE)

Administrative Unit: Indrapala-Vishaya / Rishika-Nadu

Under the Vishnukundinas, the Kaulas region was formally integrated into the dynasty’s provincial framework. The area lay on the northern frontier of their core territories, making it strategically sensitive during periods of rivalry with the Vakatakas and other Deccan powers.

Fort Status: Functioned as a Giri-Thana (hill-fortified outpost), primarily serving as a frontier surveillance and control center. Fortifications during this phase were modest—utilizing natural rock escarpments, stone revetments, and controlled access paths rather than extensive masonry walls.

Local Administration: Authority was exercised by Vishnukundina feudatories and officials such as Mahatalavaras and military commanders, operating under the sovereignty of rulers like Madhavavarman II. These officials were responsible for tax collection, troop mobilization, and protection of communication routes.

Strategic Role: Kaulas acted as a monitoring point over movement across the upper Godavari basin and adjoining routes connecting northern Maharashtra with the Telangana plateau. Its presence strengthened the Vishnukundina defensive network and curtailed incursions from rival polities.

Historical Importance: This period marks the earliest clearly identifiable phase in which Kaulas functioned as an organized military-administrative post, laying the groundwork for its later expansion into a major fortified complex.

Badami Chalukya Dynasty (611 – 753 CE)

Administrative Unit: Northern Telangana Frontier – Indur-Desa / Kaulas Region

The Badami Chalukyas extended their control over northern Telangana, including the Kaulas region, consolidating the Deccan plateau and maintaining frontier posts along strategic trade and military routes.

Fort Status: Likely reinforced the natural granite hillock at Kaulas, possibly adding stone bastions and gates to monitor northern and western approaches.

Local Administration: Chalukya-appointed local governors or military officers supervised villages, trade, and minor fort garrisons. Kaulas probably served as a frontier outpost rather than a major royal fort.

Significance: Strengthened the frontier infrastructure of northern Telangana, providing continuity between post-Satavahana regional control and later Rashtrakuta fortifications.

Rashtrakuta Dynasty (753 – 973 CE)

Administrative Region: Northern Telangana – Likely under Indur-Desa / Frontier Zone

The Rashtrakutas controlled large parts of the Deccan, including northern Telangana. While inscriptions do not explicitly mention Kaulas Fort, the region likely functioned as a frontier zone under their oversight. They reinforced key strategic passes and hill forts to secure trade routes and protect northern approaches.

Fort Status: Kaulas probably served as a frontier outpost or garrisoned hill fort (Giri-Durga) during this period, utilizing natural granite defenses. Any stone structures would have been modest, primarily for observation and basic troop accommodation.

Local Administration: The fort and surrounding villages were likely supervised by Rashtrakuta-appointed officers or local chiefs (Amatyas). Certain frontier areas, including regions near Kaulas, may have been administered by **Vemulawada Chalukya Nayakas** acting as semi-independent local governors under Rashtrakuta sovereignty. Minor village headmen (Gramakas) would have overseen daily administration. No inscriptions specifically record individual Nayakas at Kaulas during this time.

Significance: The Rashtrakutas maintained Kaulas and neighboring forts as part of a defensive frontier belt in northern Telangana. This infrastructure was later inherited and reinforced by the Kalyani Chalukyas and eventually the Kakatiyas.

Kalyani / Western Chalukya Dynasty (973 – c. 1163 CE)

Administrative Region: Sapadalaksha-Laksha / Indur-Desa

After the fall of the Rashtrakutas, the Kalyani Chalukyas consolidated control over northern Telangana, including the Kaulas region. They reinforced frontier forts inherited from the Rashtrakutas and maintained regional security across the Deccan plateau.

Fort Status: Strengthened existing stone fortifications with bastions, gates, and walls. Kaulas functioned as a strategic Frontier Giri-Durga, monitoring northern approaches and river crossings.

Local Administration: Inscriptions confirm the appointment of Nayakas or fort commanders to manage the garrison and maintain local order. Surrounding villages were likely overseen by minor chiefs or village headmen reporting to these officers. It is probable that some of these Nayakas were early **Kakatiya vassals**, laying the groundwork for their later independent rule over the Kaulas region.

Administrative Hierarchy (as per inscriptions):

• Province / Region: Indur-Desa (Sapadalaksha-Laksha)
• Sub-district / Vishaya: Not mentioned in inscriptions; fort likely reported directly to regional governor
• Fort / Giri-Durga: Kaulas Fort, commanded by a Nayaka / Fort Officer (likely early Kakatiya vassals)
• Villages: Surrounding settlements administered by local chiefs or village headmen (Gramakas)

Significance: Kaulas remained an important frontier fort connecting Rashtrakuta fortifications with the defensive network later expanded by the Kakatiyas, who may have started their local administration here as vassals before becoming sovereign rulers.

Kakatiya Dynasty (c. 1151 – 1323 CE)

Administrative Unit: Northern Frontier – Indur-Desa / Kaulas Region

The Kakatiyas consolidated control over northern Telangana, including Kaulas Fort, integrating it into their network of fortified hill forts. Rani Rudrama Devi and her successors strengthened the fort as a strategic frontier post.

Fort Status: Multi-tiered walls, bastions, and fortified gateways. The Kakatiya insignia remains visible on surviving structures. The fort served both defensive and administrative purposes.

Local Administration: Kaulas Fort was managed by appointed Nayakas under Kakatiya authority. Among them, the Recherla chiefs (Rachakonda Recherla Nayaks) acted as local governors, overseeing garrisons, revenue collection, and village administration in the Kaulas region. These chiefs remained subordinate to Kakatiya rulers and ensured frontier security until the dynasty’s decline in 1323 CE.

Significance: Peak strategic importance for the region; Kaulas became a key frontier fort controlling northern Telangana and trade routes toward Maharashtra and Karnataka. The administration by Recherla chiefs laid the foundation for later Musunuri Nayak control after Kakatiya collapse.

Musunuri Nayaks (1325 – 1350 CE)

Administrative Unit: Northern Frontier of Warangal / Kaulas Region

The fort came under the control of the Musunuri Nayaks, who played a key role in resisting the expansion of the Bahmani Sultanate into northern Telangana.

Kapaya Nayaka: Successfully held Kaulas Fort but faced constant military pressure from the Bahmanis. In 1361 AD, as part of a treaty agreement, he gifted the Turquoise Throne of Warangal to Sultan Mohammed Shah I.

Fort Status: Functioned as a strategic frontier post. Multiple battles were fought in and around Kaulas village, highlighting its importance as a defensive stronghold for the Musunuri chiefs against the Bahmani forces.

Local Administration: Governed by Kapaya Nayaka and subordinate chiefs of the Musunuri lineage, overseeing the garrison, local villages, and trade routes in the frontier region.

Bahmani Sultanate (1350 – 1518 AD)

Administrative Unit: Bidar District (Northern Frontier) - Kaulas Sarkar

After defeating the Musunuri Nayaks, the Bahmanis captured Kaulas Fort in 1350 AD under Allauddin Bahman Shah. The fort served as a strategic northern frontier post in the Sultanate’s Deccan holdings.

Allauddin Bahman Shah: Captured Kaulas in 1350 AD, bringing it under Sultanate control and stationing garrisons for defense.

Vinayaka Deva: Son of Kapaya Nayaka, attempted to recapture Kaulas in 1355 AD with support from Bukka Raya of Vijayanagar, but was defeated by Bahmani forces.

Fort Status: Maintained as a frontier fortress; garrisons protected northern approaches and controlled trade routes.

Rachakonda Recherla Nayaks (1361 – 1383 AD)

Served as **vassals of the Bahmani Sultanate**, managing Kaulas Fort and surrounding villages. They acted as local chiefs responsible for frontier defense, revenue collection, and administration.

Anavotha Nayaka: Oversaw garrisons and local governance under Bahmani authority. Kaulas remained part of the Bahmani administrative network and was never independent.

Fort Status: Subordinate stronghold within the Bahmani Sultanate’s frontier defense system.

Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1518 – 1543 AD)

Administrative Unit: Kaulas & Surrounding Districts – Indur Sarkar

Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk: Established control over Kaulas and recovered the districts of Kowlas and Meduk from Kasim Barid, consolidating northern Telangana under Qutb Shahi authority.

Jagadeva Rao: Chief of Naikwaris (Hindu soldiery) who administered Kaulas Fort during this period, overseeing garrisoned troops and local villages.

Fort Status: Strategically important fortress controlling northern Telangana and trade routes; maintained garrisons under local chiefs.

Local Administration: Managed by Jagadeva Rao and subordinate Naikwaris officers, responsible for fort defense, revenue collection, and maintaining local order under Qutb Shahi sovereignty.

Golconda Sultanate (1543 – 1687 AD)

Administrative Unit: Kaulas & Surrounding Districts – Indur Sarkar

Kaulas Fort remained a key frontier post within the Golconda Sultanate, protecting northern approaches and trade routes. The fort continued to be garrisoned by local chiefs subordinate to the Golconda administration.

Fort Status: Maintained as a well-fortified stronghold with strategic oversight of surrounding villages; bastions and gates reinforced during this period.

Local Administration: Governed by appointed Naikwaris and subordinate officers, responsible for military defense, tax collection, and reporting to Golconda governors in Indur Sarkar.

Mughal Empire (1687 AD – 1724 AD)

Administrative Unit: Northern Telangana Frontier under Mughal Subah of Golconda - Kaulas Sarkar

Zamindar Venkata Rao (1701 AD): The first Telugu Zamindar to become a Mughal 'mansabdar' under Aurangzeb, overseeing the fort and surrounding villages.

Khuni Khan & Ikhlas Khan: Mughal Kiladars who constructed the fort's two primary mosques and supervised garrisons at Kaulas.

Fort Status: Functioned as a strategic northern frontier post with fortified garrisons and Mughal military presence, ensuring control over key routes.

Local Administration: Managed by Zamindar Venkata Rao under Mughal authority, with Kiladars responsible for fort operations, defense, and local governance.

Asaf Jahis / Nizams (1724 AD – 1948 AD)

Administrative Unit: Subah Gulshanabad (Medak) – Kaulas Sarkar / Nizamabad Zilla

Raja Gopal Singh Gaur (1720s): A Rajput chief appointed by the Nizam; he oversaw Kaulas Fort and made the Navgarji tope in 1728.

Raja Deep Singh (1857 AD): Participated in the Indian Rebellion and was imprisoned as Convict No. 558 for aiding Nana Sahib's agents.

Maulvi Muhammad Jamaluddin Sheikh (1915 AD): Appointed Kiladar-e-Kaulas; his descendants of the Barlas clan held the position until 1947.

Fort Status: Maintained as a strategic frontier post under the Nizams, with garrisons, cannons, and administrative oversight. Several bastions, temples, and wells were preserved or maintained during this period.

Local Administration: Managed by appointed chiefs like Raja Gopal Singh Gaur and later Kiladars such as Maulvi Muhammad Jamaluddin Sheikh, overseeing fort defense, village administration, and revenue collection under the Nizam's authority.

Administrative Changes: On Nov 1, 1905, the Kaulas Sarkar was abolished as a separate district unit, and its territory was merged into the newly renamed Nizamabad District in honor of the Nizam.

Temples

Sri Ramalayam

A 17th-century masterpiece built of black and white basalt stone, featuring intricate carvings of deities, floral motifs, and narrative panels from the Ramayana. The temple was a key center of worship for both the fort garrison and local villagers. It underwent restoration in the 20th century to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage.

Significance: Served as a spiritual hub, with daily rituals and festivals reinforcing the fort’s social and religious life.

Kasikund Temple

Built by Rajput kings, this temple features a natural fresh water spring (kund) that continues to flow, making it a vital water source for the fort during sieges. The temple combines Nagara-style shikharas with local Dravidian influences in its carvings and layout.

Significance: Functioned both as a place of worship and as a practical water source for soldiers and inhabitants of Kaulas Fort.

Ashtabuji Mata (Jagadamba Mata)

A small but spiritually significant shrine situated behind the fort, where rulers, soldiers, and local villagers sought divine protection before battle. The idol depicts the goddess with eight arms (Ashtabuji), symbolizing her omnipotence and protective powers.

Significance: Highlighted the intertwining of religion and military life, with regular rituals and festivals to bless fort defenders.

Venkateswara & Ganapati Mahadev

These twin temples reflect Semi-Dravidian and Indo-Islamic architectural influences, indicating construction or renovation during a period of cultural blending. They house rare sculptures of goddesses and deities, showcasing a fusion of religious motifs and artistic styles.

Significance: Served as a center for worship and ritual for both Hindu inhabitants and soldiers stationed at the fort, illustrating the religious diversity and syncretism of Kaulas Fort.