Alampur

Hatampura: The Sacred Core of Kanne-300

Alampuram (Hemalapuram/Hatampuram) is a town situated in Jogulamba Gadwal district in the Indian state of Telangana.

Hatampura (modern Alampur) served as the spiritual and administrative anchor for the Kanne-300  under Kollipake-7000 division. Its location was strategically and religiously unique, situated at the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers.

The River Barrier: As you noted, the Tungabhadra acted as a natural boundary. While modern Kurnool Town sits on the southern bank, Hatampura (Alampur) sits on the northern bank.

The Border of Districts: This river didn't just separate modern towns; it often served as the dividing line between Ayaje-300 (to the north) and the Kanne-300 or Naruvadi-500 regions (to the south and east).

Accessibility: Despite the river, the places were within "easy reach," making Alampur the primary urban and religious destination for people living in the Kannesima (Kanne-300).

Alampura or Hatampura in Aize-300 or Ayaje-300 is near Kanne (300) is situated very near modern Kurnool Town, within its easy reach, on the opposite bank of the river Tungabhadra which runs between the places separating them as it were, the place noted for its many peculiar architectural gopuras, is a famous Saiva centre the presiding deity being Balabrahmivara with the goddess, Jogulamba, or Yogeswari.

Jogulamba (Yogeswari): Recognized as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas, making the site a rare Sangama (confluence) of both Saiva and Shakta traditions.

The Tungabhadra region is the strategic place, situated on the Vengi Karnataka border and on the route between South India and the north. The Krishna-Tungabhadra doab was the meeting place and battlefield between many empires that flourished in the Deccan. 

The Chalukyas of Badami and Rashtrakutas of Malkhed met the Pallava of Kanchi in this region and fought a number of times, devastating the territory. Similarly, the Chalukya of Kalyani and the Cholas of the south constantly came into conflict and their forces met in this region for over a century.

Chalukya Vikramaditya had a brilliant career as a prince and the Alampur region was the central place of his activity. Even his brother, Somesvara II assigned him the governorship over Gangapadi and the territory beginning from Alampura.

Religious and Architectural Significance

The Navabrahma Temples: The "many peculiar architectural gopuras" refer to the Navabrahma group. Unlike the tall, tapering gopurams of later South Indian architecture, these Chalukyan temples feature Rekha-Nagara prasadas (curvilinear towers), which were quite distinct for the region during the 11th century.

The Deities: * Balabrahmesvara: The presiding deity and the focus of the vast majority of the grants made by the Telugu Cholas, the Vaidumbas, and the Chalukya Queens.

c. 232 BCE – 208 CE : Satavahana Dynasty

The area around Alampur was officially designated as Satavahani-hara in the records. 

• The First Sovereign Record: The Myakadoni Inscription (Bellary/Adoni region, near Alampur).

• Ruler: Pulumavi IV (the last great Satavahana).

• Local Official: Mahasenapati Skandanaga.

• Significance: Skandanaga is the first "local ruler" (military governor) named in an inscription covering the Alampur-Adoni frontier. He represents the final phase of Satavahana administrative control over the Tungabhadra doab.

In the late Satavahana period (c. 130 CE – 225 CE), the Pugiya (Pukiya) and Hiranyaka families were the most powerful local "Mahatalavara" (Great Lords) families in the Telangana and Andhra regions.

They served as the backbone of the Satavahana administration in the Tungabhadra-Krishna doab before helping the Ikshvakus  Vashishthiputra Sri Santamula (Santamula I) declared independence around 208-209 CE.

c. 208 CE – 320 CE : Ikshvakus of Vijayapuri

Halampura under Hiranyakarashtra This region was governed by the Pugiya and Hiranyaka families, the most powerful Ikshvaku feudatories.

In Ikshvaku inscriptions, the land extending toward the Alampur-Kurnool tract was often referred to as Andhra-patha (the "Andhra Road" or territory).

• This region was governed by local chieftains or princes known as Mahatalavaras and Mahasenapatis who were bound by marriage or feudal ties to the Ikshvaku kings.

• The Gurazala Inscription, which specifically mentions Halampura (Alampur), dates to the late Ikshvaku period (reign of Rudra Purushadatta), proving the town was a recognized administrative unit under their crown.

c. 320 CE (The Takeover): This is the "Collapse Point." The last Ikshvaku king, Rudra Purushadatta, lost control of the lower Krishna valley. The Pallavas, moving up from the Tondaimandalam (Kanchipuram) region, filled this vacuum immediately.

c. 320 – 340 CE : Pallava Dynasty in Telangana

Before the Vakatakas pushed south, the early Pallavas, specifically under kings like Shivaskandavarman and Virakurcha, held sway over the Andhra-patha (the Andhra road/region), which included the Alampur tract.

• Political Context: The Pallavas moved north from Kanchipuram into the vacuum left by the declining Ikshvakus.

• The Records: Inscriptions like the Mayidavolu and Hirahadagalli plates (Prakrit charters) show the early Pallavas governing territories as far north as the Krishna River.

• Alampur Connection: During this phase, Alampur was part of the northern frontier of the Pallava kingdom. They referred to this general area as being part of the Satavahani-hara (the district of the Satavahanas), a name that persisted into the early Pallava administration.

c. 340 CE – 483 CE : Vakataka Dynasty (Vatsagulma Branch)

Halampura under Kuntala to Nalavadi-vishaya

The Imperial Nala Kings (c. 400 – 550 AD)

The primary lineage found in actual sources includes:

• Vrishadhvaja: Identified as the possible founder or early progenitor of the house.

• Varaharaja: Known through a massive hoard of gold coins found in the Edenga region. He was likely the ruler who first pushed the Nala influence deep into the southern river valleys.

• Bhavadatta-varman (c. 430 - c. 450): The most powerful Nala king. He is the one who defeated the Vakatakas and occupied their capital. He would have been the absolute "Overlord" of the Alampur gateway during his reign.

• Arthapati-varman (c.450 - 460 CE) : The son of Bhavadatta-varman. He faced the Vakataka counter-attack and likely lost control of the northern territories, forcing the Nalas to rely more heavily on their southern holdings in the Nalavadi-vishaya.

• Vakataka Counter-Offensive (c. 460 - 465 CE): We know this date range is accurate because the Vakataka king Prithvishena II (c. 460–480 CE) later records that he had to "twice restore the sunken fortune of his family," referring to the recovery of territory lost to Bhavadatta and his successor, Arthapati.

• Skandavarman (c.470 - 483 CE) : The great restorer. His Podagadh inscription records how he brought back the glory of the Nalas. He is the most likely candidate for the Nala king who consolidated the administrative unit that the Chalukyas later named "Nalavadi."

c. 483 CE – 611 CE : Vishnukundina Dynasty

The Vishnukundins did not just want tribute; they wanted to integrate the Srisailam-Alampur axis into their religious and political heartland.

• The Overlap (c. 480–510 AD): While the Vakatakas were fading in the north, Madhavavarman II (Janashraya) was rising in the east. He likely began his westward push toward Alampur during the chaos of the Vakataka collapse.

• Total Dominance (c. 510–560 AD): After the Vakatakas were gone, the Vishnukundins became the primary rivals of the Nalas. Madhavavarman II performed his famous sacrifices (Ashvamedhas) to sanctify his conquest of the "Two Seas," which required firm control over the Alampur confluence.

• The Late Period (c. 560–611 AD): The Vishnukundins held the region as their western frontier until the Badami Chalukyas (under Pulakesin II) swept through in 611 AD.

By the time the Badami Chalukyas rose to prominence, the Nalas were the dominant local authority in the Alampur region, governing a territory the Chalukyas later recorded as "Nalavadi".

611 CE – 753 CE : Badami Chalukya Dynasty 

Alampur is under Nalavadi-vishaya

602 CE Mahakuta Pillar : Mangalesha ( c. 592 – c. 610 CE) Lists Nalas as a conquered tribe/kingdom.

634 CE: The Aihole Inscription of Ravikirti credits Kirtivarman during the rule of Pulakeshin II (c. 609 - 642 CE) with being the "night of doom" for the Nalas. He is described as having destroyed the Nala power in the Nalavadi-vishaya. This is likely when the Nalas lost their independence and became local administrative chiefs or "feudatories" in the Alampur area

One of the few specific names from the early period is found in the Swarga Brahma inscription (c. 681–696 AD). It mentions a local figure or architect-official named Anantaguna-Guna-Vilaasa who was involved in the sacred construction projects. While he may have been a high-ranking master builder, in the Badami system, such individuals often held administrative rank over the temple precincts they managed.

During this time, the region was referred to in inscriptions as part of the Nalavadi-vishaya. The Nalas were an ancient local dynasty that the Chalukyas had defeated earlier

The Chalukyas kept the name but replaced the Nala rulers with their own Dandanayakas (Generals). These generals were the actual local "rulers" who maintained the river fords and ensured the safety of the pilgrims and armies crossing the Tungabhadra.The last great Badami Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II, lost control of the northern Deccan to the Rashtrakuta founder, Dantidurga.

It was during the reigns of Vikramaditya I (655–681 AD) and Vinayaditya (681–696 AD) that Alampur was transformed into a major religious and administrative center.

• The Construction of the Navabrahma Temples: Most of the nine temples were built during this window. The Swarga Brahma Temple, for instance, has an inscription dated to the reign of Vinayaditya. These rulers chose Alampur because it was the gateway to their eastern conquests in Vengi.

c. 740 CE : Prithivi Vyaghra: He is perhaps the most well-documented Nala king in this southern context. His inscriptions suggest he attempted to assert sovereignty in the Vengi and Alampur tracts before being subdued by the Badami Chalukya king, Vikramaditya II (733–744 CE)

c. 752 CE : The Udayendiram Plates of the Pallava king Nandivarman II 21st year (also known as Nandivarman Pallavamalla, r. c. 731–796 CE) are a critical primary source for the history of the Nala dynasty in their later phase. recording the military exploits of the Pallava general Udayachandra, defeated the Nishada chieftain, Prithivi-vyaghra, who, in his desire to become very powerful, was running after the horse of the Ashvamedha (sacrifice). He [Udayachandra] ordered him out of the district (vishaya) of Vishnuraja Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana III (r. 719–755 CE), subjected that territory to the Pallava, and seized faultless pearl necklaces, an immeasurable heap of gold, and elephants."

Around January 754 CE, Dantidurga led his forces through the Tungabhadra-Krishna doab. He famously performed the Hiranyagarbha ceremony (a great gift ritual) at Ujjain and consolidated his grip on the Alampur region.

753 CE – 973 CE : Rashtrakuta Dynasty

846 - 1250 CE : Ratta Dynasty

The Ratta Dynasty (859-1250), a branch of the Rashtrakutas were ruling Kollipake-7000 division under Rashtrakutas. They are believed to descend from Hem Ratti and spoke Kannada, with some using Telugu.

846–888 CE: Sankarganda I administered areas including Jaffarghad, Warangal.

859 CE : Ratti Bhataralu

859 AD : Pragatore, Alampur
Records the grant of land as vritti (tenures) by ratti bhataralu towards the bhoga (service) of the god Lakulisvara. The grant comprises 10 martars of land to Devala Gundaya and 10 martars under krotha cheruvu. The record also mentions for the first time the term komati meaning merchant.

In 859 AD, the supreme sovereign ruling over the Alampur region was the Rashtrakuta Emperor Amoghavarsha I (also known as Nrupatunga).

The Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta were the dominant power in the Deccan at this time, having eclipsed the Chalukyas of Badami. Amoghavarsha I was one of the longest-reigning and most culturally significant monarchs in Indian history, ruling from approximately 814 to 878 AD.

The Local Administration: Ratti Bhataralu

The inscription you referenced mentions the ratti bhataralu making the grant. In the terminology of actual sources from this era:

• Ratti (Reddi/Rattadi): These were the local village headmen or district administrators.

• Bhataralu: An honorific title meaning "lords" or "noble servants."

• Together, they acted as the local executive body in Pragatore (modern Patur/Pragatur near Alampur). While Amoghavarsha I was the Emperor at the capital, these local "Rattis" managed the land grants and ensured the religious services for the deity were maintained.

The Religious Context: Lakulisvara and the Kalamukhas

The grant to the god Lakulisvara is highly significant. Lakulisa was the founder of the Pashupata Shaivism sect, and Alampur was a major center for the Kalamukha ascetics during the Rashtrakuta period. The mention of Devala Gundaya receiving 10 martars of land shows the established system of supporting temple priests and scholars to maintain the spiritual sanctity of the confluence.

The Emergence of the "Komati"

Komati is a landmark in epigraphy. In 859 AD, the mention of a "merchant" (Komati) indicates that the Alampur-Pragatore region was already a thriving commercial hub. Because Alampur sat at the river junction, it wasn't just a place of prayer; it was a place of trade where the merchant class was beginning to gain the social and economic status required to be documented in royal or local stone records.

This period of Rashtrakuta rule provided the foundational stability for Alampur before the Western Chalukyas (starting with Tailapa II) eventually reclaimed the region in the late 10th century.

973 CE – c. 1163 CE : Kalyani Chalukyas

I. The Chola Occupation (c. 1003 –  c.1051 CE)

Rajaraja Chola I launched a massive northern campaign to break the Chalukyan hold on the Deccan. Alampur was a primary target because it controlled the river fords.

• 1003–1005 CE: The Capture of Kanne-300 and Ayaje-300

  • Evidence: Chola inscriptions (like the Tanjore Big Temple records) describe the conquest of Rattapadi Seven-and-a-half Lakh territory.

  • Strategic Role: Kanne-300 and the Ayaje-300 division were seized to serve as the Chola "Supply Depot" and military base for their push toward the Chalukyan capital.

• 1007 CE: The Donur Campaign

  • Proof: The Chola army reached Donur (Bijapur district). To sustain an army that far north, Ayaje-300 (Alampur) had to be a secure "occupied zone" behind the front lines, managed by Chola military governors.

The Chalukyan Counter-Offensive (c. 1015 – 1042 CE)

Under King Jayasimha II (Jagadekamalla I), the Western Chalukyas fought a desperate war to reclaim the Alampur-Kurnool region from the Cholas.

• 1028 AD: The Battle of Pebberi (The Bikkenna Hero Stone)

  • Inscription Name: The Pebberi Hero Stone (Alampur Museum, S. 950).

  • Proof: The stone states that Jasinga Vallabha (Jayasimha II) arrived with his army to reconquer Kanna-nadu (Kanne-300).

  • The Event: During a fierce battle at Pebberi (near Alampur), a warrior named Bikkenna performed a feat of extreme bravery by "piercing an elephant" before falling in battle.

  • Significance: This is a rare "actual source" proving that in 1028 AD, Alampur was the site of active, large-scale warfare. The Chalukyas were successfully pushing the Cholas back across the river.

Consolidation under Somesvara I (1042 – 1050 CE)

• Before the 1051 AD records began, the region was finally stabilized under Somesvara I (Ahavamalla).

  • Fortification: It was during this decade that the Chalukyas re-established the Pedekallu and Ayaje administrative units you see in later years.

  • Restoration of the Ghatikasthana: After nearly 40 years of being a war zone, the Brahmesvara Temple was restored to its status as a religious foundation, leading directly to the 1051 AD record of the priest Pancharasi.

Somesvara I (Trailokyamalla): 1051–1068 AD

• 21st October, 1051 AD: The Alampur Museum Inscription (S. 973)

  • Proof: Records the pontifical reign of Panchadasi Hataraka (Maha-sthanadhipati). It mentions the gift of a house and land as a vritti to the Chaturjataka ascetic.

  • Significance: Establishes the existence of a high priestly lineage and the name Hatampura.

Telugu Cholas of the Pedakallu (1057 CE - 1107 CE)

The Telugu Cholas of Pedakallu were a branch of the Telugu Choda dynasty, with records highlighting their rule as lords of the Pedekallu-7000 or Pedekal-vishaya. Consolidated the "Four Divisions" (Pedekal-800, Kanne-300, Naruvadi-500, and Ayaje-300). 

Irugana Chola (1057 - 1067 CE)

• 19th January, 1057 AD: The Irugana Chola Inscription (S. 978)

  • Proof: Introduces the king’s feudatory, Mahamandalesvara Irugana Chola-maharaja (of Karikala’s lineage).

  • Significance: Shows the administrative control of the Telugu Chodas over Alampur. It mentions the tolls officer (Sunka-vergade) and the priest Brahmarasi Bhattaraka.

Somesvara II (Bhuvanaikamalla): 1068–1076 AD
Vikramaditya VI (Tribhuvanamalla): 1076–1126 AD

Chiddana Chola Maharaja (1067 - 1079 CE)

Mahamandalesvara Chiddanachola-maharaja as the feudatory governing Kanne-300, while the latter refers to Dandanayaka Naranamayya of Vatsa-kula. Malla-maharaja of the Vaidumba family, who was governing Ayaje-300 in 1078 CE

• 1067–1068 AD: The Chiddanachola Ayaje Inscription (S. 989)

  • Proof: Records Chiddanachola-maharaja governing the Kanne-300 and Ayaje-300 division.

  • Significance: Details a massive gift of 300 gadyanas of gold (one per village) to the Brahmesvara Temple.

• 28th December, 1074 AD: The Bichapalli Inscription (S. 996)

  • Proof: States that Chidda-cholamabaraja held the "Four Divisions" (including Kanne-nadu) as a vila-vritti (fief).

  • Significance: Records his victory over the Seguna (Seuna) king and a gift to the Lakshmanesvara temple at Elarametirtha (Bichapalle).

• 9th April, 1076 AD: The Dandanayaka Naranayya Inscription (S. 998)

  • Proof: Introduces Dandanayaka Naranayya of the Vatsa-kula.

  • Significance: Proves the sophisticated trade economy of Alampur. It lists the Vadda-ravula (Great Tolls) on silk, camphor, and horses. It confirms Naranayya "washed the feet" of the priest Brahmarishi-bhaṭṭaraka.

Bijjana Chola Maharaja (1079 - 1097 CE)

Bijjana Chola Maharaja was ruling over Kanne-300 Pedakallu-800 Naravádi-500 from Etagiri in 1079 CE

Odayana Chola Maharaja (1097 - 1107 CE)

16th January A.D. 1097 : Alampur, Language : Kannada.
Records the gift of the village Ye[r]agere situated in Kanne-300 to the same god by Mahamandalesvara [Chi]diyana-chola.

Mallarasa (1107 - 1115 CE)

• 1101- 1108 CE: The Abhinava Sarasvati Inscription (Kanne-300)

• Proof: Records the donation of Ballera village (on the banks of the Tungabhadra) by the Chief Queen Abhinava Sarasvati.

• Significance: Mentions the priest Devaracharya muni pandita and the queen's role in temple renovation.

• 1109 AD: The Mallarasa Koduru Inscription (C.V. Year 32)

  • Proof: Introduces Mahamandalesvara Mallarasa, Lord of Koduru.

  • Significance: Records a gift of taxes from Kandanavola (Kurnool) to the priest Dharanindrarasi Pandita.

• 1115 AD: The Vitaranendra rasi Inscription

  • Proof: Located at the main entrance of the Brahmesvaralaya.

  • Significance: Mentions Mallarasa granting five rituals to the Sthanadhipati Vitaranendra rasi pandita.

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IV. The Late Period: 1150–1154 AD

• 25th June, 1151 AD: The Yoga-Narasimha Pillar Inscription

  • Proof: Mentions Mahamandalesvara Hallavarasa.

  • Significance: Records a land gift to the Madhavadeva temple by Chakama, wife of the door-keeper Nagadeva-nayaka.

• 1153 AD: The Hallavarasa Door-Keeper Inscription (S. 1075)

  • Proof: Confirms Nagadeva Nayaka as the official under Hallavarasa.

  • Significance: Registers further land for the god Madhava at Alampur.

Kalachuris of Kalyani (1178 CE - 1183 CE)

1178 AD - 1183 AD : Ahavamalla

11th January, 1182 AD : Alampur, Jogulamba Gadwal District

This inscription is of the time of the Kalachuri king Ahavamalla, son of Bijjala. It cites the date, his 4th regnal year, Magha s.u. 5, Monday. This date regularly corresponds to A.D. 1182, January 11.

This inscription is on two sides of a pillar in the Suryanarayana temple. Records a gift of income from several taxes, for offerings and maintenance of a perpetual lamp in the temple of Gavaresa by the Ayyavole-500 svamis, nanadesis, mummuri-dandas, Kannada-4000 and the Stalas of several places who had assembled as mahanadu at Dakshina-Varanasi, i.e. Alampura. Sthanapati Kesavarasi was the recipient of the gift.

Cheraku Chiefs (1199 CE - 1289 CE)

Jammuluru Branch (Wanaparthy)

Cheraku Immadi Bollayya Reddy (1199 CE -1253 CE)
The most famous Cheraku ruler. He served three Kakatiya monarchs: Rudradeva, Mahadeva, and Ganapatideva. He was a key ally of General Recharla Rudra during crises and was rewarded with the Amarabad and Velpur regions. A great patron, he built several temples (Koteswara, Mareswara, etc.), excavated tanks, established agraharas, and was titled Kakatiya-Kanaka-prakara ("the golden fort-wall of the Kakatiyas").

Amrabad Branch (Nagarkurnool)
Immadi Visvanatha (1253 CE -1265 CE)
Son of Bolla; founded the Amarabad branch. He was a faithful Dandanayaka (general) of Ganapatideva. He built temples (Bollesvara, Mallesvara, Ganapesvara), constructed tanks, and made extensive grants to the Srisaila (Srisailam) temple.

Immadi Devaya II (1265 AD - 1271 CE)
son of Immadi Visvanatha. Immadi Devaya appears in the inscriptions of his two sons from the Kalvakolanu region, a part of Kandurunadu.

1262 AD : Alampur: The inscription dated in Saka 1184 (A.D. 1262) , records the renovation of a pillar (kambam) of the temple of Brahmesvaradeva by Bammisetti for the merit of Cheraku-Murari Ketaya, Danay-Murari Immadi-Devaya, Dushtarankusa Annaya and Jagadala Marayya.

Veluru Branch  (Nagarkurnool)
Immadi Jetti Bollaye reddi (1271 AD - 1291 CE )
son of Immadi Devaya II
26th December, A.D. 1271 : Irvin, Kalwakurthy, NagarKurnool
Reign of : Rudradeva and Immadi Bolla Reddi.
This inscription is on a pillar in the midst of the village. This inscription records a gift of land to God Indresvara by mahasamanta Vavilala Rudraya reddi for the merit of his sister Rudrasani. This inscription refers to the fact that there were matrimonial alliances between Cheraku and Vavilala families.

Alampur: This fragmentary Telugu inscription on a slab dug up in front of the gopura of the Balabralmesvara temple, in characters of about the thirteenth century AD refers to the rule of Prataparadra deva from Orugallu and his mahasamanta Bolaya-reddi of Varageluru (Vaddemanu, Nagarkurnool) belonging to the Cheraku family.

25th November A.D. 1284 CE : Bhinnauru, Alampur Taluk.
This inscription is on a Stone slab fixed at the entrance of the Siva temple. Records the grant of the village Rudravaram by Immadi Ganapati, Nalireddy in the name of Kakatiya Rudra.

Cheraku Racharudra (1291 CE -1295 CE)
Inscription of Lingala Saka 1213, Nandana or 1291A.D., one Racharudradeva son of Mahasamanta Cheraku Veluru Bollaiah Reddy is mentioned as a vassal of Kakati Prataparudra.

Direct Kakatiya Control ( 1295 CE - 1323)

Pedamam Maldevaraju (1299 CE)

Friday, September 11, 1299 CE - Alampur: Pedamam Maldevaraju

After the usual invocation of Brahmesvaradeva of Hatampura (Alampur), the inscription introduces the Kakatiya king, Prataparudra who was ruling the kingdom of the earth from his capital Orugallu (Warangal). It is stated that the samasta-pekkamaru of the place (names of the members enumerated) obtained from the mahasthanadhipatis of Brahmesvaradeva, such as Pedamalam Maldevaraju and other rajas, and having washed the feet of certain ascetics granted to the temple of the god 5 martars of land measured by a rod of 32 jenas (spans) (S. 1221-A.D. 1299).