Rise to power and consolidation. Prola II was the son of Kakatiya chief Beta II and succeeded his elder brother Durgaraja. The Kakatiyas at this time were feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, ruling the area around Anumakonda (modern Hanamkonda). Sometime before his ascension, the Paramara prince Jagaddeva attacked Anumakonda, but Prola II successfully repulsed the invasion. Upon taking the throne, he embarked on a series of military campaigns to subjugate chiefs who had rebelled against Chalukya suzerainty, simultaneously strengthening his own position.
Defeat of Tailapa III and the path to independence. Prola II’s most famous act was his conflict with the Western Chalukya emperor Tailapa III. According to inscriptions, Prola II captured Tailapa, the "crest jewel of the Chalukyas," but impressed by his devout and amiable bearing, released him. This act, while magnanimous, severely damaged the prestige of the Chalukyas and encouraged other feudatories to rebel. Prola II thus emerged as the preeminent power in the region, effectively throwing off the imperial yoke in the latter part of his reign. His victories over Govindaraja, Gunda of Mantrakuta, and Jagaddeva are recorded in the Anumakonda inscription of his son Rudradeva.
Patronage and public works. Despite his military focus, Prola II was also a patron of religion and public works. Though a Shaivite himself, he permitted the construction of the Kadalalaya Basadi, a Jain shrine at Padmakshi, commissioned by Mailama, the wife of his minister Betana-pergada, in 1117 CE. He is also credited with building a large irrigation tank named Jagatkesari at Anumakonda. His reign saw the beginning of monumental construction that would characterize the later Kakatiya period.
Major Military Campaigns & Conquests
📜 Epigraphical Records – The Inscriptions of Prola II
Based on the volumes of Epigraphia Telanganica and other sources, Kakatiya Prola II (reigned c. A.D. 1116–1158) was the most famous of the early Kakatiyas, who raised the family from feudatory status to near-sovereignty. His military exploits are known primarily from the Anumakonda inscription of his son Rudradeva (1163 CE) and the Ganapesvaram inscription of his grandson Ganapatideva (1231 CE). The inscriptions portray him as a loyal Chalukya subordinate who gradually grew powerful and ultimately threw off the imperial yoke. He bore the titles Mahamandaleswara, Jagatikesari (Lion of the World), and Arigajakesari (lion to his elephant-like enemies).
I. Early Reign and Consolidation (A.D. 1116–1137)
II. Later Reign and Defiance (A.D. 1137–1158)
Administrative & Cultural Legacy
Prola II was not only a warrior but also an able administrator who laid the groundwork for the future Kakatiya empire. He maintained the loyalty of his subordinates while skillfully navigating the complex politics of the Deccan. His reign marked the transition of the Kakatiyas from loyal vassals to independent sovereigns, a process completed by his son Rudradeva.
Patron of Religious Tolerance: Though a Shaivite (Parama Mahesvara), Prola II permitted the construction of the Kadalalaya Basadi, a Jain shrine at Padmakshi, demonstrating a policy of religious tolerance that would characterize the later Kakatiya rulers.
Architectural and Public Works: Prola II is credited with the construction of the Jagatkesari tank at Anumakonda, an irrigation project that reflects his commitment to agriculture and public welfare. The Padmakshi Temple complex, originally a Shaivite cave temple with a later Jain shrine, stands as a testament to the religious and architectural diversity of his era.
Founder of the Kakatiya Dynasty: Many later records and traditions regard Prola II as the true founder of the Kakatiya dynasty. His military victories, administrative skills, and patronage of art and religion set the stage for the imperial expansion under his successors Rudradeva, Mahadeva, and Ganapatideva.
Timeline of Key Events
- c. 1116: Prola II ascends the Kakatiya throne, succeeding his elder brother Durgaraja.
- Before 1116: Repulses the Paramara prince Jagaddeva's attack on Anumakonda.
- 24 Dec 1117: Padmakshi Temple inscription – earliest known record of Prola II's reign.
- 3-4 Mar 1120: Matedu inscriptions – subordinate constructs temples for Prola II's merit.
- 26 Sep 1128: Sanigaram inscription – records a land grant to god Parthesvaradeva.
- c. 1138: Conflict with Kumara Tailapa (brother of Chalukya king Someshvara III).
- 25 Mar 1149: Last known inscription of Prola II as a subordinate chief.
- c. 1151: Defeats and captures Chalukya emperor Tailapa III.
- c. 1151-1158: Prola II effectively becomes independent, throwing off the imperial yoke.
- c. 1157-1158: Death of Prola II; succeeded by his son Rudradeva.
- 1163: Anumakonda inscription of Rudradeva records Prola II's exploits.
Kakatiya Heritage Trail – Monuments from Prola II's Era
Padmakshi Temple (Hanamkonda)
Originally a Shaivite cave temple, a Jain shrine (Kadalalaya Basadi) was established here in 1117 CE during Prola II's reign. The site reflects the religious diversity of the early Kakatiya period. Located on a hill in Hanamkonda, Warangal district.
📜 Tip: The 1117 CE inscription mentioning Prola II and the construction of the Jain shrine by Mailama can be seen at the temple.
Anumakonda (Hanamkonda) – The Ancient Capital
The original capital of the Kakatiyas, known as Anumakonda or Anmakonda. Prola II ruled from here and defended it against the Paramara invasion. The area later became the site of the famous Thousand Pillar Temple built by his son Rudradeva.
📜 Tip: The Anumakonda inscription of Rudradeva (1163 CE) provides the most detailed account of Prola II's military campaigns.
Visitor Information – Kakatiya Heritage Sites
Padmakshi Temple, Hanamkonda
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM (daily). Entry free.
Best season: October – February.
Location: Hilltop in Hanamkonda, Warangal district, Telangana.
📜 Tip: Look for the 1117 CE inscription on the temple walls—it is the earliest known record of Prola II's reign and mentions the construction of the Kadalalaya Basadi.
Thousand Pillar Temple, Hanamkonda
Location: Hanamkonda, Warangal district.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM. Entry: ₹10–20.
Best season: October – March.
📜 Tip: Though built by his son Rudradeva, the 1163 CE inscription at this temple records the military exploits of Prola II, making it an essential stop for understanding his legacy.
Tips for History Enthusiasts & Travellers
Legacy – The Founder of Kakatiya Power
Prola II stands as the architect of Kakatiya independence. He took a minor feudatory family and, through a series of brilliant military campaigns and shrewd political maneuvering, transformed it into the dominant power in the Telangana region. His defeat of the Chalukya emperor Tailapa III, his victories over rebellious chiefs like Gunda and Govindaraja, and his successful defense against the Paramara invasion all demonstrated the rising power of the Kakatiyas. Though he never formally declared himself sovereign, his actions paved the way for his son Rudradeva to become the first independent Kakatiya king. His patronage of religious institutions, his construction of irrigation tanks, and his administrative acumen laid the foundation for the great Kakatiya empire that would reach its zenith under his grandson Ganapatideva. Today, the Padmakshi Temple and the inscriptions at Hanamkonda stand as silent witnesses to the glory of Prola II's reign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Prola II's greatest military achievement?
Defeating and capturing the Western Chalukya emperor Tailapa III, which signaled the end of Chalukya hegemony in the region.
How long did he rule?
Approximately 42 years (c. 1116 – 1158 CE).
Was he the father of Rudradeva?
Yes. His son Rudradeva became the first sovereign ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty.
Where can I see inscriptions of Prola II?
The Padmakshi Temple (1117 CE), Sanigaram (1128 and 1149 CE), and the Thousand Pillar Temple (1163 CE inscription of his son).
What is the Kadalalaya Basadi?
A Jain shrine established at Padmakshi in 1117 CE by Mailama, wife of minister Betana-pergada, during Prola II's reign.
What is the significance of the Jagatkesari tank?
An irrigation tank built by Prola II at Anumakonda, reflecting his commitment to agriculture and public welfare.
What titles did Prola II hold?
He bore the titles Mahamandaleswara, Jagatikesari (Lion of the World), and Arigajakesari (lion to his elephant-like enemies).
Why is Prola II considered the founder of the Kakatiya dynasty?
His military victories and political maneuvering transformed the Kakatiyas from feudatories to sovereign rulers, laying the foundation for the empire.
References & Further Reading
Primary Sources – Epigraphia Telanganica & Other Inscriptions
- Padmakshi Temple Inscription (1117 CE) – Earliest record of Prola II; records construction of Kadalalaya Basadi.
- Matedu Inscriptions (1120 CE) – Records of subordinate Vemabola Boddama Mallenayaka.
- Sanigaram Inscription (1128 CE) – Grant of land to god Parthesvaradeva.
- Sanigaram Inscription (1149 CE) – Last known record of Prola II as subordinate chief.
- Anumakonda Inscription of Rudradeva (1163 CE) – Detailed account of Prola II's military exploits.
- Ganapesvaram Inscription of Ganapatideva (1231 CE) – Later record confirming Prola II's status.
Secondary Sources
- Wikipedia – Prola II
- DBpedia – Prola II
- Historical Sketches of Ancient Dekhan – Account of Prola II's conflicts.
- Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society – Political history of the Kakatiyas.
- Epigraphia Telanganica, Volumes 1–4 – Comprehensive collection of Kakatiya inscriptions.
- Sastry, P.V. Parabrahma. The Kakatiyas. Hyderabad: Government of Andhra Pradesh, 1978.