Telangana360

Strategic Significance & Historical Events Pratapgiri (Pedda Gutta) was not merely a frontier outpost; it was the "Northern Gate" of the Telugu land. Its history is defined by its role as a high-stakes military command center during the transition from the Kakatiya sovereignty to the Musunuri resistance. The Royal Refuge (c. 1310 – 1323 CE): During the Delhi Sultanate invasions, Prataparudra II frequently utilized this fort as a strategic retreat. Because the capital, Orugallu , was often under siege, Pratapgiri served as a hidden supply hub and granary. The "Eye" of the Godavari: Actual sources describe the fort's Thana (watch-post) successfully signaling the approach of northern armies crossing the Godavari river, providing the capital with days of advance warning via fire-signals. The Musunuri Guerrilla Base: Following the fall of the Kakatiyas, Musunuri Kapaneedu used the "impenetrable" fore...

Enhancing Agriculture and Eco-Tourism in Bhupalpally The Boggulavagu Project , situated in Malhar Rao Mandal of Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, Telangana, is a significant medium irrigation scheme designed to bolster agriculture and support local communities. Constructed across the Boggulavagu stream—a tributary of the Pranahita River—the project aims to provide irrigation facilities to the region's agricultural lands. Project Overview Location: Approximately 6.5 km southwest of Rudraram village, Malhar Rao Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, Telangana. Catchment Area: 84.434 km². Dam Specifications: 1,660-meter-long earth dam with a 140-meter-long head regulator. Irrigation Area: 2,084 hectares (approximately 5,150 acres). Agricultural Impact By providing a reliable water source, the Boggulavagu Project supports both Kharif and Rabi crops, enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security for the region. Ecological Significance The project...

Kapuram Fort (Kapuram Khilla) Modern Location: Kapuram Village, Malhar Rao Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District , Telangana. Geographic Context: Situated in the northern forest tracts of the Telangana plateau. Located in the dense deciduous forests of the Godavari basin, Kapuram Guttalu (hillocks) comprise three distinct monolithic formations rising up to 250 feet. Historically a hybrid Giri-Vana Durga (Hill-Forest Fort), the terrain offers a strategic vantage point that once monitored the northern trade routes. The ancient Guttalu of Kapuram rising from the scrub forest. Photo: Telangana Today Inscriptional Classification of Kapuram Fort According to actual sources from the medieval period, the status of Kapuram was categorized based on its strategic utility and natural terrain: 1. Giri-Durga (Hill Fort) Due to its elevation on three monolithic hillocks ...

Kota Gullu – Ganapeshwara Temple Complex Ghanapuram, in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana, is a historically significant village renowned for its Kota Gullu temple complex, showcasing exquisite Kakatiya architecture. Built in the 13th century, this site reflects the grandeur of the Kakatiya dynasty, with intricately carved red sandstone temples, fortified enclosures, and beautifully designed pillared halls. The complex offers insights into the spiritual, cultural, and socio-political life of medieval Telangana, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and spiritual travelers alike. Its proximity to Warangal and other natural attractions like waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries adds to its appeal as a cultural tourism hotspot. Temple Complex & Architecture The complex consists of nearly 22 temples enclosed within a stone boundary. The main temple, Ganapeswaralayam , is dedicated to Lord Shiva and faces east. A grand 60-pil...

Kaleshwaram Fort is located in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of modern Telangana. The Fortified Sacred Sanctuary, Unlike standalone forts like Golconda, the defensive structures at Kaleshwaram were built to protect the highly strategic and sacred Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers) and the ancient Kaleshwaram Temple. The "fort" refers to a series of fortifications, watchtowers, and structures built on the hills surrounding the temple complex. Significance: Kaleshwaram is far more than just a fort; it is a historically and spiritually significant site. The fortifications were built to protect the ancient Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple, situated at the sacred Triveni Sangam (confluence) of the Godavari and other rivers. Historical Context: The strategic fortifications seen today were primarily built by the Kakatiya dynasty(12th-14th century) to control this vital river crossing and pilgrimage center. It served as a key military outpost for various subsequent dy...

Vijayanagara Empire 1377 AD - 1404 AD : Harihara Raya II  1397 AD : Prince Devaraya (1406 AD - 1422 AD)   son of Harihara Raya II 28th February, A.D. 1397 : Kaleshwaram. This inscription is on one pillar of 16-Pillared mandapa of Muktesvara temple from Kaleshwaram, dated Saka 1319, Isvara, 1st day of the year, Wednesday, corresponding to the 28th February 1397 A.D., states in a verse in Sardulavikridita that Devaraya, the son of Harihara, performed the tulapurusha on the occasion of his digvijaya. It was obviously under orders of his father Harihara that Prince Devaraya undertook this campaign of Conquest. The Velugoyivarivamsavali alludes to a number of clashes of the Velamas, who sided with the Bahmani Sultans, with the Vijayanagara kings (Further Sources of Vijayanagara History, Vol. I, pp. 82-83). The Panugallu inscription (cf. op.cit., Vol. II, pp. 38-39), dated 6 months later than this record, refers to the capture of the fort of Panungal by Immadi Bukka, assisted by h...

Rock art is a form of landscape art that includes designs that have been placed on boulder and cliff faces, cave walls and ceilings, and on the ground surface. Petroglyphs are rock carvings (rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone.  Of all the questions with regard to rock art the most problematic is its dating. For the relative dating of rock art the following aspects are taken into consideration.  They are: 1. Thematic content 2. Superimposition 3. State of preservation 4. Colour scheme 5. Archaeological evidence. 1. Thematic content The thematic content in the rock art of Telangana mainly consists of animal figures such as deer species, humped bull (Bos indicus), hare, rabbit , mangoose, porcupine, dog, tiger etc., and birds such as peacock, human and anthropomorphic figures, hand prints and geometric figures. The thematic content of the paintings and also the petroglyphs, is useful for under...

Rock Cut Cave Temples of Adavi Somanapalli locally known as Nainag Gullu located in a forest and one needs to walk 4km from Thadicherla on the hillock of Adavi Somanapalli, Malhar Rao Mandal, located 22km away from Manthani in Bhupalapally district, Telangana State, India. Dates back to 5th - 6th century AD. To reach the caves, one has to trek through a jungle path from the Kataram–Manthani highway. These are a group of four rock-cut cave temples facing west on the banks of Manair river. Locally, these shivalayas are called Naina Gullu. Unfortunately, it is partially in ruins owing to the inferior quality of the rock stone and natural calamities. These rock-cut temples resemble the famous cave temples of Moghalrajpuram near Vijayawada constructed by the Vishnukundins. They were initially jain caves that were later converted into a Lord Shiva temple. The first two temples have an ‘Ardhamandapa’, the ornate gateway or open hall that leads into the ‘Garbhagriha’ or sanctum sanctorum. ...

The Lifeline of Bhupalpally District Morancha Vagu is a 45 km long stream that originates from the Bhupalpally Forest Area in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District, Telangana, and eventually joins the Maner River near Kalvapalle . Tributaries of Morancha Vagu Morancha Vagu is fed by several small tributaries, which help sustain the local agriculture and villages along its course: Medi Vagu: Originates from Ramappa Lake and joins Morancha Vagu near Palampet, Mulugu District . Poddaru Vagu: Originates from Ghanapuram Lake and joins Morancha Vagu near Ghanapur, Mulugu District . Importance of Morancha Vagu Supports agriculture and irrigation for surrounding villages. Maintains groundwater levels and local ecosystems. Acts as a natural drainage system during rains. July 2023 Floods in Moranchapalli Heavy Rains and Flooding On July 26–27, 2023 , the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district experienced unprecedented rainfall. Moranchapalli village was severely affected a...

The monolithic caves of Jain pantheon near Koyyur Village, Malharrao Mandal in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district are set to hog the limelight with theForest Department making efforts to incorporate the structure into its ongoing eco-tourism programme. Situated on a hillock among scenic surroundings on the banks of river Manair, the caves stand out as an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Hewn in solid sandstone precipice the caves testify the prevalence of Jainism in these parts during ancient times. Though the caves were found long ago, they remained uncared for. With an intention to draw public attention to these caves, Bhupalpally Forest Department officials are planning to lay pathways to ensure better connectivity to the caves called locally as ‘Nayanagulllu’. At a distance of two km there is a Nagulamma Temple which is frequented by devotees on weekends and on auspicious occasions. It is proposed to lay a pathway from the temple and from Mainar bridge near ...

Jayashankar Bhupalapally is a district in the Indian state  of Telangana was made as a district on October 11, 2016.  The  district headquarters are located at Bhupalpally. It was a part of the Warangal district prior to the re-organisation of districts in the state. Jayashankar district was named after Acharya Jayashankar who was a prominent activist in Telangana Movement. District headquarters is located at Bhupalpally,  Jayashankar district is bounded on north and north east by Gadchiroli district and Bijapur district of Maharashtra and Chattisgarh respectively, on east by Bhadradri district, on south by Mahabubabad district and Warangal district, on west by Peddapalli district. Head Quarters        :   Bhupalpally Revenue divisions    : 2 ( Bhupalpally  and Mulug   ) Mandals              : 20  Population           :  750...

Origin : Thumbidihatti, Kouthala Mandal, Asifabad Intersection of Wardha and the Wainganga Rivers near the border of Maharashtra and Telangana. Elevation : 146 m ( 479 ft) Length : 113 km (70 mi) Catchment : 1,09,078 km2 Outflow : Godavari River near Kaleshwaram States : Maharashtra, Telangana Entire Pranahita River acts as border between Telangana and Maharashtra. Districts : Komoram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayshankar Bhupalpally. The Pranhita begins at the confluence of 2 extensive rivers - the Wardha and the Wainganga. This junction lies on the border between the states of Maharashtra and Telangana near Kouthala(near Sirpur kagaznagar). Right at the onset, the river enjoys a wide river bed. Pranhita is the largest tributary of Godavari River covering about 34% of its drainage basin conveying the combined waters of the Penganga River, Wardha River and Wainganga River. By virtue of its extensive network of tributaries, the river drains all of Vidharba region as w...