Telangana360

The Sirpur-Chanda Gond Dynasty (c. 1310–1751 AD)was one of the most remarkable tribal kingdoms of central India, flourishing for over four centuries across parts of modern Telangana and Maharashtra. Founded by the legendary Kol Bhill (or Kol Bheel/Kolkhil), a hero who united scattered Gond tribes, the dynasty laid the foundations of a well-organized state with thriving agriculture, fortified cities, and vibrant cultural traditions. The dynasty’s capitals shifted over time—from Sirpur in present-day Komaram Bheem Asifabad (Telangana) to Ballarsha, and finally to Chanda (modern Chandrapur, Maharashtra)—reflecting both strategic and spiritual considerations. The Gonds, one of India’s largest tribal communities, referred to themselves as Koitur or Koya, meaning “people of the green mountains,” and spoke Gondi (Koyator) in several regional variants. Over centuries, the Sirpur-Chanda Gond kings successfully navigated relations with powerful neighbors—the Kakatiyas, Musunuri Nayaks, Recherla ...

Panagal (also historically known as Panugal, Panugallu, Panagallu, or Panagallupura) is a historically significant village  nearly 4 km from Nalgonda city, located in the Nalgonda Mandal and Nalgonda district of Telangana, India. Its importance stems from its rich archaeological and architectural heritage, primarily from the Kakatiya dynasty period (11th - 14th centuries CE). Historically, this area was part of the Eruva or Eruva Mandalika region, a notable administrative division during the time of the Kakatiyas and their predecessors, the Chalukyas. Key Historical Significance Panagal is renowned for two primary landmarks that attract historians, archaeologists, and tourists: 1. Panagal Archaeological Complex: This complex is a treasure trove of Kakatiya-era temples and structures, showcasing the distinctive architectural style of the period. The main attractions within the complex include: Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple: This is the most famous temple in Panagal. It is unique bec...

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336 CE - 1646 CE) was a preeminent South Indian empire founded in 1336 AD by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty. Its capital was the magnificent city of Vijayanagar (modern-day Hampi, Karnataka). The empire was established as a Hindu bulwark against the advancing Delhi Sultanate and later the Deccan Sultanates. The official languages were Sanskrit, Kannada, and Telugu, reflecting its multi-lingual and cosmopolitan nature. Hinduism was the state religion, and the empire was renowned for its patronage of art, architecture, and literature. Founders : Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty Capital : Vijayanagar  (modern Hospet, Bellary district, Hampi, Karnataka.) Languages : Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu Religion : Hinduism 1. Origins and Rise The founders, Harihara and Bukka, had previously served the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms. After Kampili fell to the Delhi Sultanate in 1327, the brothers were captured, taken to Delhi, and co...

The Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518–1687) was a prominent Shia Islamic kingdom that ruled the Golconda region in the Deccan plateau of southern India. Renowned for their immense wealth derived from legendary diamond mines, their enduring architectural legacy, and a remarkable policy of cultural synthesis, the Qutb Shahis played a pivotal role in shaping the history and identity of the Deccan. Emerging from the decline of the Bahmani Sultanate, the dynasty was founded by Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, a Turkoman noble from Persia. Over 170 years, their rule witnessed the evolution of a unique Deccani culture that seamlessly blended Persian, Turkic, and indigenous Telugu traditions. Their greatest legacy is the city of Hyderabad, founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, which stands today as a thriving metropolitan capital and a living testament to their vision. The dynasty is celebrated not only for its military fortifications, like the majestic Golconda Fort, and architectural marvels, like the...

The Bahmani Kingdom or Bahmani Sultanate (1347 CE to 1527 CE) arose in the Deccan in the mid-14th century and became the first independent Muslim state with sustained power in the Deccan plateau and ruled Telangana from 1350 CE - 1518 CE. Founded by Zafar Khan (commonly known as Hasan Gangu, Alla-ud-Din Bahman Shah or Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah), it established Persianate court culture in south India, patronized Persian, Arabic and Deccani literature, introduced new administrative practices, and acted as the principal rival of Vijayanagara for over 150 years. Its later political fragmentation (early 16th century) produced the five Deccan sultanates — Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Golconda (Qutb Shahi) and Bidar/Barid which dominated later medieval Deccan politics. Significance: institutionalised Indo-Islamic rule in the Deccan, patronage of Deccani Urdu/Dakhini and Persian culture, innovations in administration and land revenue, and long-term geopolitical impact by spawning the five successo...