The Evolution of Nalgonda

From Prehistoric Nilagiri to Modern Administrative Hub

The history of Nalgonda is a testament to the endurance of human settlement along the Musi and Krishna rivers—evolving from Neolithic workshops and Ashokan outposts to a medieval fortress and a cornerstone of Telangana’s modern irrigation and governance.

1. Neolithic & Megalithic Origins (3000 BCE – 500 BCE)

The granite hillocks of Nalgonda provided the perfect canvas for early humans. Sites like Yeleswaram and Raigir have revealed polished stone tools and megalithic burials (dolmens), proving that the "Nilagiri" (Blue Hills) region was one of the earliest inhabited landscapes in the Deccan.

Neolithic Polished Tools Yeleswaram Burials

2. The Buddhist Heartland: Vijayapuri (3rd Century BCE – 3rd Century CE)

Under the Mauryas and later the Ikshvakus, the district became a global center for Buddhism. Vijayapuri (Nagarjunakonda) served as a "Maha-Vihara" (Great Monastery), attracting scholars from across Asia. This era established the region's first structured administrative systems and international trade links.

Ikshvaku Dynasty Nagarjunakonda Vihara

3. Vishnukundina & Chalukyan Influence (4th – 8th Century CE)

As Buddhism faded, the region became the power base for the Vishnukundinas, who established Indrapalanagara (Tummalagudem). It later transitioned into a vital frontier for the Badami and Vengi Chalukyas, serving as a buffer zone between the eastern and western Deccan powers.

Indrapalanagara Capital Ghatikas (Learning Centers)

4. The Rise of Nilagiri: The Medieval Fortress (11th – 14th Century)

The city of Nalgonda was originally called Nilagiri. Under the Kakatiyas and their loyal feudatories, the Recherla Nayaks, the hilltop was fortified. The district became a military bastion, with the Panagal temple complex reflecting the era's architectural and administrative peak.

Nilagiri Fort Panagal Chaya Someshwara

5. Islamic Influence & The Name "Nalgonda" (15th – 1867)

With the Bahmani and later Qutb Shahi conquests, Nilagiri was renamed Nalgonda (a fusion of the Telugu 'Nalla' and 'Gonda'). During the Mughal annexation in 1687, it was integrated into the Hyderabad Subah, maintaining its importance as a strategic crossroads between Hyderabad and the coast.

Qutb Shahi Sarkar Mughal Revenue Unit

6. Salar Jung Reforms & The 1905 Reshuffle (1867 – 1948)

In 1867, Sir Salar Jung I included Nalgonda in the Zilabandi system. In 1905, the district boundaries were significantly altered; parts of the district were moved to Mahbubnagar and Khammam to create more manageable administrative units under the Nizam's rule.

Zilabandi System Nizam Administration

7. Modern Reorganization: The 2016 Trifurcation (1948 – Present)

After Indian independence and the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, Nalgonda became a hub for the Green Revolution via the Nagarjuna Sagar project. In 2016, as part of the Telangana state reorganization, the massive district was divided into Nalgonda, Suryapet, and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri.

Nagarjuna Sagar Era 2016 Trifurcation

Historical Synthesis: From the Buddhist chants of Vijayapuri to the medieval ramparts of Nilagiri, Nalgonda remains the sentinel of the Musi river, embodying the transition from spiritual center to a modern agricultural powerhouse.

References & Historical Sources

1. E.H. Hunt: "Megalithic Burials in Nalgonda District" (1924).
2. K. Gopalachari: "Early History of the Andhra Country."
3. Nizam’s Government Records: "Review of the Administration of HEH the Nizam’s Dominions."
4. Telangana State Gazetteers: "Nalgonda District (Revised Edition)."