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Malyala Chiefs

The Malyala Chiefs: The Sword-Arm of the Kakatiyas Overview: The Malyala dynasty (1076 – 1276 CE) was a formidable line of military commanders ( Senani ) and feudal lords. They were the premier "Sword-Arm" of the Kakatiya Empire, responsible for pivotal victories in Coastal Andhra and the management of strategic southern frontiers. Capitals: Sankisapura (Dornakal) and Vardhamanapura (Bhoothpur). Key Forts: Kondaparthi, Dharanikota, Budapuram. 1. Origins and Rise The dynasty rose during the Western Chalukya era with Danna Senani . They were initially "Lords of the Town of Malyala" before being granted larger territories. Following their success as king-makers and protectors, the family expanded into two strategic branches to manage the growing Kakatiya borders. 2. The Lineage of Rulers Danna Senani c. 1076 – 1120 CE The Dynastic Founder: Known as the "Lord of the town of Ma...

Viriyala Chiefs

The Viriyala Chiefs: Lords of the Koravi Frontier Strategic Geography: The Viriyala family ruled from Katukuru (Jangaon) and Gudur (Mahabubabad). They controlled the Velpugonda-24 Seema , a vital military sub-division within the Koravi-Mandala . This region served as the "Shield of Telangana," protecting the interior from eastern invasions. 1. The Political Landscape: Neighbors of the Viriyalas The Viriyala chiefs were the military anchors of a complex network of Samantas . During the peak of the Western Chalukya era (c. 1100 CE), their neighbors included: North The Polavasa Chiefs: Hereditary lords of Sabbimandala-1000 (Jagtial/Karimnagar). While they held land rights, Kakatiya Beta II was granted the Imperial Governorship of this Mandala by Vikramaditya VI. West The Kakatiyas: Ruling Anumakonda-Vishaya . The Viriyalas were their primary protectors and "King-Makers." South The Kandu...

Musunuri Nayaks

The Musunuri Nayaks (1325 CE - 1368 CE) were Telugu warrior-chiefs belonging to the Durjaya clan, who emerged as the first native resistance against the Delhi Sultanate after the fall of the Kakatiya Empire in 1323 CE. Rising from their base in Rekhapalli in the Bhadrachalam forests, they rallied the surviving Kakatiya Nayakas and reclaimed Warangal in 1336 CE under the leadership of Kapaya Nayaka. They played a decisive role in reviving Telugu power, defending Hindu traditions, and resisting northern and later Bahmani incursions until their decline in 1368 CE. Founder : Prolaya NayakaCapital (under Kakatiyas): Musunuru (Krishna district, Andhra) Telangana Base: Rekhapalli Fort (near Bhadrachalam, on Godavari) – used as a defense outpost. Later Capital (after 1325 CE): Warangal itself (Kapaya Nayaka). Father: Pochi / Pochaya Nayaka Brothers: Raja nayaka, Kamma nayaka and Deva nayaka Territory: Musunuru (Nuzvid, Krishna district) → extended into Rekhapalli (Bhadrachalam forests) and Tel...

Natavati or Natavadi Chiefs

The Natavadi Chiefs (1104 CE - 1269 CE) were a significant feudal dynasty that ruled over the Natavadi Vishaya (region) in present-day Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh from the early 12th to the late 13th century (1104 AD - 1269 AD). Initially feudatories of the mighty Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, they navigated the complex political landscape of the Deccan to become important allies and vassals of the rising Kakatiya Empire. Their history is primarily reconstructed from inscriptions found at sites like Nidikonda, Tripurantakam, Draksharama, and Simhachalam. Founder : Durgaraja (Duggabhupa) 1104 AD - 1157 AD  Capital : Madhira (Modern Khammam) Geographica Area Core Area Modern District: Khammam district Key Towns: Madhira: This was one of their capitals, specifically mentioned as Madapalle (which is the ancient name for modern-day Madhira). This town is located in the southeastern part of Khammam district. The surrounding areas of Khammam district would have formed the adminis...

Mudigonda Chalukyas

The Mudigonda Chalukyas (c. 845 CE - 1200 CE), also known as the Bottu Chiefs in their later phase, were a minor but significant Chalukya dynasty that ruled a strategic region in modern-day Khammam district and eastern Warangal, Telangana, between the 8th and 12th centuries. They hailed from the village of Mudigonda, which served as their initial capital.  The Mudigonda Chalukyas are distinguished in history for their exceptional political endurance, serving as feudatories across five centuries to nearly every major Deccan empire. Their period of subordinate rule began when they accepted the suzerainty of the Badami Chalukyas after Pulakeshin II's conquest of the eastern Deccan in 611 CE. Demonstrating remarkable political adaptability, they subsequently transferred their allegiance seamlessly through the rise and fall of empires: first to the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, then to the Rashtrakutas, later to the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, and ultimately to the Kakatiyas. This abili...

Ikshvaku Dynasty of Vijayapuri

The Ikshvaku Dynasty (c. 208 – 320 CE) also called Andhra Ikṣvakus or Sriparvatiya Ikṣvakus was a powerful kingdom that rose in the eastern Deccan following the decline of the Satavahana Empire. Originally feudatories, they declared independence and established a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital at Vijayapuri (modern Nagarjunakonda). Though their reign was brief, their legacy is profound, marked by a unique blend of Vedic Brahmanism and Buddhism, active international trade, and sophisticated art and architecture. Their capital, now largely submerged under the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, was a major intellectual and religious center. Founder: Vasiṣṭhiputra Śrī Śāntamūla (Śāntamūla I) Capitals: Vijayapuri (modern Nagarjunakonda, submerged under Nagarjunasagar Dam), Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh Extent: Eastern Krishna Valley; ruled parts of modern Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna) and Telangana (Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar, Khammam) Religion: Brahmanism (royal), Buddhism (queens, princesses), Ja...

Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi

624 AD -1189 AD : Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi Capitals : Pistapuram, Vengi, Rajamahendravaram Religion : Hinduism Languages : Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit Mudigonda Chalukyas are the vassals ruling in Mudigonda in current Khammam district and Koravi in Mahabubabad district of Telangana. The Chalukyas of Vengi branched off from the Chalukyas of Badami. The Badami ruler Pulakeshin II (610–642 CE) conquered the Vengi region in eastern Deccan, after defeating the remnants of the Vishnukundina dynasty. He appointed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana the governor of this newly acquired territory in 624 A.D 624 - 641 AD : Kubja Vishnuvardhana I 641 - 673 AD : Jayasimha I  673 AD, seven days : Indra Bhattaraka 673 - 682 AD - Vishnuvardhana II 682 - 706 AD : Mangi Yuvaraja 706 - 718 AD : Jayasimha II 718 - 719 AD, six months : Kokkili  719 - 755 AD : Vishnuvardhana III 755 - 772 AD : Vijayaditya I Bhattaraka The Alluvalu Grant of Vijayaditya I The find spo...

Zafar Baoli Stepwell

Zafar Baoli stepwell is located inside Khammam Fort built by Kakatiya rulers in 950 AD . Khammam Municipal Corporation which in along with the district administration and archaeology department is restoring the 13th Century Zafar Baoli or stepwell in Telangana. The officials want to make this well located inside the Khammam Fort a tourist attraction without affecting the original structure and design. Neglect over a period of time has damaged this historic place and made it dirty. Once a source of drinking water, the well turned into a dumping ground as the locals dumped garbage in it. The well measuring 60 feet in length, 20 in width and 60 in depth was constructed by the Kakatiya rulers and is located in the southern part of the Fort which itself is spread in four square kilometres. The original objective of this well was to provide drinking water to people and soldiers living in the fort. Though the construction took place under the Kakatiya regime it was developed by the Nizam...

Telangana Navodaya Schools

Overview and Admission Guide Telangana Navodaya Schools are part of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) , an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India , with headquarters at B-15, Institutional Area, Sector 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201307. History and Background The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) system was established in 1986 by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi , and it was the brainchild of P. V. Narasimha Rao , then Human Resources Minister. The system provides free residential education for students from grades 6 to 12, primarily targeting rural populations. All JNVs are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) . The first Navodaya Vidyalayas were established in 1985-86 in Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jajjar (Haryana) . Vision JNVs aim to provide high-quality modern education , including: Cultural education Value inculcation Environmental awareness Adventure activities Physical e...

Jamalapuram Temple

Jamalapuram is a small village situated close to Yerrupalem town of Khammam district, Telangana, India.  Located about 85 km from Khammam town and 6 km from Yerrupalem railway station in serene atmosphere near the Pedda Cheruvu tank, the historical shrine attracts devotees from various parts of  Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The village has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Here Lord Venkateswara is manifested in the form of swayambhu. The temple also boasts of Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sivalayam, Ganesh Temple, Anjaneya Swamy temple, Sri Alivelu Amma vari Temple and Ayyappa Swamy Temple.  The temple’s location amidst pleasant weather surrounded by lush green hills is an added attraction. The shrine in Khammam district, said to be over 800 years old, attracts devotees in droves. The ancient Swayambhu Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Jamalapuram is believed to be more than 850 years old, says Uppala Srinivasa Sarma, main priest of the shrine. T...

Sthambadri Temple

The temple of Sri Narashima Swamy is located in the heart of the Town, which is popularly known to local people as guha gudi. The ancient temple is believed t be existing from Tretha Yuga. According to legends, the Narsimha Swami or Narsimhadri temple, situated on a hill called Stambhadri, is said to have existed since 1.6 million years. The town is located on the banks of the River Munneru, which is tributary to River Krishna. During Tretha Yugam Mouthgalya Maharishi with his disciples penance here in a cave and he was blessed by Lord Vishnu. Mothgalya Maharishi requested Lord Vishnu to stay back in this place along with Lakshmi. Lord came out of the pillar as Sri Lakshmi Narashima Swamy. Hence the place was known as Sthambadri. The temple is on a vertical rock which is known as Khamba which means Pillar. The temple is on khamba so it was originally known as Sthamba Sikari which later turned into Sthambadri. At present the place is known as Khammam, which was derived fr...

Lakaram Lake

Lakaram Lake is a lake nestled in the calm and serene ambience of Khammam District in Telangana. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Telangana and can be a wonderful place for a family picnic. Surrounded by lush green trees and plants, the Lakaram Lake offers scenic views of the beauties of nature and several reasons to admire it. The location of the lake is very convenient as it is just 4 kilometres away from the bus stand. 15 years ago, it was just a lake with waste trees and herbs, but now it has been developed as an amazing tourist spot. The lake also features with a lush green park where you can enjoy and relax in the lap of the nature. You can also enjoy boating in the calm and tranquil water of the lake and witness the beautiful lush green surroundings. Lakaram lake is the biggest lake among all which had been chosen under the prestigious project Mission Kakatiya for restoring of the lakes in Telangana. Source http://www.touristlink.com/india/lakaram-lake/overvi...

Kusumanchi Temples

Kusumanchi is a town and Mandal in Khammam district, Telangana, India, which was popularly known as Krupamani during the Kakatiya period. The Shivalingam in this shrine is one of the largest in Telangana. There is a 15 ft high idol of Lord Venu Gopala Swamy on the southern side of the temple. Jakkepalli, Kistapuram, Kokya Thanda, Lokya Thanda, Mallaigudem, Munigepalli, Naikangudem, Narasimhulagudem and Palair are some of the tribal villages located in the vicinity of Kusumanchi which can be visited. Kakatiya rulers built Ganapeshwaralayam, Mukkanteswaralayam in Kusumanchi After being neglected for decades, the historical Siva temples of Kakatiya era in Kusumanchi mandal headquarters are set to undergo renovation. Sri Ganapeshwaralayam and Mukkanteswaralayam, the two Siva temples built by Kakatiya rulers during 12th and 3th centuries in Kusumanchi stand testimony to the architectural acumen of the great Kakatiya kings. The historical shrines resemble the famous Ghanpur and R...

Khammam Fort

Khammam Fort is located in the city of Khammam, Telangana, India.  The fort is believed to have been built by the Kakatiya rulers in 950 AD. It served as an impregnable citadel during various regimes of different dynasties, including the Kakatiyas, Qutb Shahi’s and Asaf Jahis.  The fort was situated in a very vast area in the heart of the City of Khammam. It was notified as a protected monument by the Archaeology Department several decades ago.Despite decades of neglect, the historical edifice, which once flourished with regal opulence, presents its alluring charm due to its architectural splendor. The funds to build this Fort complex were procured by three army men Lakshma Reddy, Ranga Reddy and Velama Reddy of the Kakatiya dynasty. It is believed that gold coins used in construction of this fort were unearthed from their farm near Khammam and Upon receiving the news from these men, the then Kakatiya king ordered them to build a Fort on the Hill in Khammam whic...