Gandhari Khilla, also known as Gandhari Fort, is a remarkable hill fort located near Bokkalagutta in Mandamarri Mandal, Mancherial district, Telangana, India. A geological and architectural marvel, the fort is perched atop rocky hillocks, offering panoramic views, deep gorges, and narrow valleys that thrill visitors with a sense of adventure. A small stream flows through the hills, feeding the hill-bounded Medi Cheruvu (tank), adding to the fort’s scenic charm.
The fort houses ancient temples, rock-cut wells, and sculptures, making it a treasure trove of history, culture, and architecture. With its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, Gandhari Khilla stands as a testament to medieval engineering, tribal heritage, and devotional traditions.
Gandhari Khilla is a unique convergence of geology, architecture, history, and culture. From prehistoric petroglyphs to medieval temples and tribal traditions, the fort offers a multi-layered experience for historians, adventurers, and devotees alike. It continues to serve as a living cultural and religious site, while holding immense potential for tourism and heritage preservation in Telangana.
Entrances: The fort has three main stone-carved entrances, designed to allow elephants and horses to trek uphill. The fourth and main entrance is carved into a connecting hillock. Sculptures of Bhairava, Hanuman, and Maisamma adorn these gates.
Rock-cut Sculptures: The fort contains idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh, and Hanuman, including an eight-foot, 10-headed Naga Seshu carved from a single rock.
Wells: There are three perennial wells and a notable ‘Enugula Bavi’ (Elephants’ Well), specifically designed with steps to allow elephants and horses to drink water.
Defensive Features: The fort’s layout includes rock-cut steps, fortified gateways, and elevated positions, including the Nagaara Gundu (Stone of Drum), where royal attendants historically sounded drums to alert inhabitants of potential threats.
Caves and Pattanam: Several rock-cut caves and remnants of the ancient settlement (Pattanam) exist, including wells like Savatula Baavulu and Enugula Baavi, along with pre-historic petroglyphs in Gonthemma Pokkalu, showcasing Mesolithic and Megalithic art.
Maisamma Temple: A prominent hilltop shrine where Gandhari Maisamma Jatra is celebrated. Devotees temporarily draw the deity in rangoli colors during rituals.
Naga Sheshuni Gudi: Houses a 7-hooded Naga sculpture holding a Shivalinga; considered one of the finest examples of Telangana sculpture.
Rock-cut Cells / Temples: Two rock-cut cells, possibly former Buddhist Chaityas, contain sculptures of Bhairava and later additions by the Recherla Nayaks (14th–15th century).
Other Temples: Additional structural temples from the 12th–14th centuries with intricately carved door jambs, Dwarapalas, and Jaali work.
Historical Buddhist Influence: A panchaloha Buddha idol was discovered here, indicating the fort’s earlier role in propagating Buddhism.
Gandhari Maisamma Jatra:
Held every two years during the full moon day of Magha (January/February) for three days.
Attracts tribals from Gonds, Naikpod, Koyas, Mannes, and devotees from neighboring states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
Traditional dances like Thappetagullu and Pillanagovi, oral storytelling, and Pedda Puja rituals are performed.
Ranam Kudupu: A ritual linked to the battle traditions of Anapota-II, involving ceremonial sacrifices, continues during the Jatara.
Cultural Displays: Tribals perform Kolatam (stick dances), draw Patnam patterns, and gather medicinal herbs, showcasing a blend of spiritual and cultural heritage.
Tourism and Future Potential
Fort’s geological and early masonry style hints at pre-Kakatiya origins, possibly Rashtrakuta era. No inscriptions found.
The fort houses ancient temples, rock-cut wells, and sculptures, making it a treasure trove of history, culture, and architecture. With its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, Gandhari Khilla stands as a testament to medieval engineering, tribal heritage, and devotional traditions.
Architecture and Features
Gandhari Fort is an exceptional example of rock-cut hill architecture and medieval military design:Entrances: The fort has three main stone-carved entrances, designed to allow elephants and horses to trek uphill. The fourth and main entrance is carved into a connecting hillock. Sculptures of Bhairava, Hanuman, and Maisamma adorn these gates.
Rock-cut Sculptures: The fort contains idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh, and Hanuman, including an eight-foot, 10-headed Naga Seshu carved from a single rock.
Wells: There are three perennial wells and a notable ‘Enugula Bavi’ (Elephants’ Well), specifically designed with steps to allow elephants and horses to drink water.
Defensive Features: The fort’s layout includes rock-cut steps, fortified gateways, and elevated positions, including the Nagaara Gundu (Stone of Drum), where royal attendants historically sounded drums to alert inhabitants of potential threats.
Caves and Pattanam: Several rock-cut caves and remnants of the ancient settlement (Pattanam) exist, including wells like Savatula Baavulu and Enugula Baavi, along with pre-historic petroglyphs in Gonthemma Pokkalu, showcasing Mesolithic and Megalithic art.
Temples and Deities
Gandhari Fort is a religious center with temples that reflect centuries of worship and artistry:Maisamma Temple: A prominent hilltop shrine where Gandhari Maisamma Jatra is celebrated. Devotees temporarily draw the deity in rangoli colors during rituals.
Naga Sheshuni Gudi: Houses a 7-hooded Naga sculpture holding a Shivalinga; considered one of the finest examples of Telangana sculpture.
Rock-cut Cells / Temples: Two rock-cut cells, possibly former Buddhist Chaityas, contain sculptures of Bhairava and later additions by the Recherla Nayaks (14th–15th century).
Other Temples: Additional structural temples from the 12th–14th centuries with intricately carved door jambs, Dwarapalas, and Jaali work.
Historical Buddhist Influence: A panchaloha Buddha idol was discovered here, indicating the fort’s earlier role in propagating Buddhism.
Tourism
Gandhari Khilla offers opportunities for historical, adventurous, and tribal tourism:
Natural Attractions: Deep gorges, hill-bound tanks like Medi Cheruvu, and streams.
Adventure Tourism: Rock climbing, exploration of caves, and trekking to Nagaara Gundu.
Cultural Tourism: Tribal fairs, Jatara celebrations, and local art performances.
Development Potential: Boating in Pulimadugu pond and Medi Cheruvu, guided tours of caves and rock-cut temples, and educational programs on tribal history and architecture.
Natural Attractions: Deep gorges, hill-bound tanks like Medi Cheruvu, and streams.
Adventure Tourism: Rock climbing, exploration of caves, and trekking to Nagaara Gundu.
Cultural Tourism: Tribal fairs, Jatara celebrations, and local art performances.
Development Potential: Boating in Pulimadugu pond and Medi Cheruvu, guided tours of caves and rock-cut temples, and educational programs on tribal history and architecture.
Festivals and Cultural Significance
Gandhari Khilla is a hub of tribal and religious activities:Gandhari Maisamma Jatra:
Held every two years during the full moon day of Magha (January/February) for three days.
Attracts tribals from Gonds, Naikpod, Koyas, Mannes, and devotees from neighboring states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
Traditional dances like Thappetagullu and Pillanagovi, oral storytelling, and Pedda Puja rituals are performed.
Ranam Kudupu: A ritual linked to the battle traditions of Anapota-II, involving ceremonial sacrifices, continues during the Jatara.
Cultural Displays: Tribals perform Kolatam (stick dances), draw Patnam patterns, and gather medicinal herbs, showcasing a blend of spiritual and cultural heritage.
Tourism and Future Potential
History
The fort’s history spans over a millennium, encompassing tribal rulers, medieval dynasties, and religious traditions:Kakatiya dynasty (1151 CE - 1323 CE)
Origins: Gandhari Fort is believed to have been built by tribal kings with assistance from Kakatiya rulers around 1200 CE
Sirpur-Chanda Gond Dynasty (c. 1310 - 1751 AD)
Recherla Nayaks (1360 CE - 1430 CE)
Recherla Nayaks, constructed several fortifications, temples, and sculptures.
1403 AD: A Telugu inscription mentions Sri Peddiraju Ananataraju, a vassal of Recherla King Anapota Nayaka (c. 1385-1420 CE) presenting a Hanuman sculpture.
12th–15th century inscriptions suggest the fort’s association with Vaishnavism and local governance.
1403 AD: A Telugu inscription mentions Sri Peddiraju Ananataraju, a vassal of Recherla King Anapota Nayaka (c. 1385-1420 CE) presenting a Hanuman sculpture.
12th–15th century inscriptions suggest the fort’s association with Vaishnavism and local governance.
Bahmani Sultanate (1430 CE - 1518 CE)
Gond chiefs - Sirpur Chanda Gond Dynasty
Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1518 CE - 1687 CE)
The area was governed from Basar / Nirmal / Sirpur region. Gond chieftains acted as vassals.
Mughal Empire in Telangana (1687 CE - 1724 CE)
Mughal conquest of Golconda; Gandhari becomes part of Mughal Hyderabad Subah.Asaf Jahi Dynasty - Nizams (1724 CE - 1948 CE)
Nizam + Maratha fiscal claims (c. 1724–1818 CE)
Deshmukhs / Sardeshmukhs Tributary areaAfter the death of Aurangzeb (1707 CE), Maratha chiefs (especially those of Berar and Bastar frontier) began asserting hereditary rights in parts of the northern Deccan — including Adilabad–Nirmal–Mancherial zone.
The Marathas did not annex Gandhari militarily, but they claimed “Sardeshmukhi” and “Chauth” rights — the right to collect 10% (Sardeshmukhi) and 25% (Chauth) of the land revenue from territories nominally under the Nizam or local Gond chiefs.
These rights were first enforced around 1724–1740 CE, during the time of Balaji Vishwanath and Shahu Maharaj, continuing under Peshwa Baji Rao I.
When Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I founded the Hyderabad State (1724 CE), he accepted limited Maratha rights over certain northern areas in exchange for peace treaties (confirmed in 1728, 1737, 1752).
Thus, Maratha fiscal control (via Sardeshmukhi collectors) extended into northern Telangana, especially Adilabad, Nirmal, and parts of Mancherial — including Gandhari.
The Marathas did not annex Gandhari militarily, but they claimed “Sardeshmukhi” and “Chauth” rights — the right to collect 10% (Sardeshmukhi) and 25% (Chauth) of the land revenue from territories nominally under the Nizam or local Gond chiefs.
These rights were first enforced around 1724–1740 CE, during the time of Balaji Vishwanath and Shahu Maharaj, continuing under Peshwa Baji Rao I.
When Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I founded the Hyderabad State (1724 CE), he accepted limited Maratha rights over certain northern areas in exchange for peace treaties (confirmed in 1728, 1737, 1752).
Thus, Maratha fiscal control (via Sardeshmukhi collectors) extended into northern Telangana, especially Adilabad, Nirmal, and parts of Mancherial — including Gandhari.
Nizam’s Hyderabad State (1818–1897 CE)
Sardeshmukhs of Mutyampalli (1818–1897 AD)Venkata Mutyam Rao
Venkata Jagannatha Rao
Venkata Rama Rao
issued Sannads to local leaders like Kova Baburao and Kova Somuju to collect taxes from Gonds of Gandhari Taluk.
issued Sannads to local leaders like Kova Baburao and Kova Somuju to collect taxes from Gonds of Gandhari Taluk.
Nizam (Asaf Jahi VII) (1900–1948 CE)
District revenue administration Sardeshmukhi rights reduced; integrated into district
https://telanganatoday.com/gandhari-a-unique-rockfort-of-telangana
https://telanganatoday.com/gandhari-a-unique-rockfort-of-telangana
Dr. Dyavanapalli Satyanarayana
https://www.thehansindia.com/hans/education-careers/focusing-on-innovation-in-healthcare-868895?infinitescroll=1
https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2017-02-10/Gandhari-Maisamma-Jatara-from-today/279664#google_vignette
https://telanganatoday.com/gandhari-maisamma-jatara-ends-on-a-colorful-note-in-mancherial
https://www.thehansindia.com/hans/education-careers/focusing-on-innovation-in-healthcare-868895?infinitescroll=1
https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2017-02-10/Gandhari-Maisamma-Jatara-from-today/279664#google_vignette
https://telanganatoday.com/gandhari-maisamma-jatara-ends-on-a-colorful-note-in-mancherial
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