Telangana360

Somandri Dynasty or Gadwal Samsthanam (c.1662 CE - 1948 CE) was a historically significant vassal state (samsthana) under the Nizam of Hyderabad. It was considered one of Hyderabad's most prestigious samsthanas due to being among the oldest, largest, and wealthiest. The rulers belonged to the Mustipalli dynasty, who were Pakanati Reddis and followed the Veera Vaishnava tradition. Gadwal was strategically located in the Raichur Doab, the fertile land between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. Its key historical significance lies in its longevity, dating back to the late 13th century, its military strength (exemplified by rulers like Soma Bhupala), and the prominent roles played by its Rani-rulers (Rani Ammakka and Rani Lingamma) who initially resisted the authority of the first Nizam of Hyderabad. The state is also famous for the development of the distinctive Gadwal handloom sarees. The fort capital was Pudur (Pundrapura), also known as Keshavapuram or Keshavnagar. The chronology...

The Gadwal Saree is a handcrafted woven sari originating from Gadwal in the Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana, India. Renowned for its unique structure and artistry, it is a significant part of India's textile heritage. A true Gadwal saree is characterized by its lightweight cotton body intricately woven with a heavy silk pallu (the decorative end piece) and borders, often featuring elaborate Zari work (metallic thread). This distinctive "interlocking weft" technique results in a saree so finely woven that it can be packed into a matchbox. In 2010, its uniqueness and cultural importance were formally recognized when it was registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. Section 1: Materials and Production Process Materials: Gadwal sarees are traditionally woven using a combination of cotton for the body and silk (typically tussar or mulberry) for the border and pallu. This blend gives rise to the name "Sico...

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...

Alampuram (Hemalapuram) is a town situated in Jogulamba Gadwal district in the Indian state of Telangana. Alampura or  Hatampura  in Kanne (300) is situated very near modern Kurnool Town, within its easy reach, on the opposite bank of the river Tungabhadra which runs between the places separating them as it were, the place noted for its many peculiar architectural gopuras, is a famous Saiva centre the presiding deity being Balabrahmivara with the goddess, Jogulamba, or Yogeswari. The Tungabhadra region is the strategic place, situated on the Vengi Karnataka border and on the route between South India and the north. The Krishna-Tungabhadra doab was the meeting place and battlefield between many empires that flourished in the Deccan. The Chalukyas of Badami and Rashtrakutas of Malkhed met the Pallava of Kanchi in this region and fought a number of times, devastating the territory. Similarly, the Chalukya of Kalyani and the Cholas of the south constantly came into conflict and th...