Telangana360

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...

Nalgonda (Nilagiri): Dynastic & Administrative Record 1. Asmaka Mahajanapada (c. 700 – 300 BCE) Nilagiri–Raigir Region Status: Peripheral tribal chiefdoms allied to Asmaka polity. Administrative Change: Transition from clan-based settlements to fortified village nuclei. Early territorial symbols and megalithic habitations at Raigir (Rājagiri) and Phanigiri suggest proto-urban activity, marking the eastern frontier of Asmaka. Epigraphic Note: Later regional inscriptions (Satavahana and Ikshvaku layers) recall Asmaka-name memory and link it culturally to early Nilagiri–Raigir tribal polities. Asmaka Eastern Frontier 2. Mauryan Empire (c. 300 – 232 BCE) Dakshinapatha → Nilagiri-Raigiri Vishaya Status: Nilagiri-Raigiri Vishaya within Dakshinapatha province under Suvarnagiri control. Administration: Suvarnagiri provincial capital → Mahamatras govern local vishayas/janapadas. Administrative Change...

First martyr of the armed phase of the Telangana Peasant Movement Full Name: Doddi Komarayya (also spelled Komaraiah / Komraiah) Birth: Early 1920s (exact date unknown) Death: 4 July 1946 Place of Birth: Kadavendi (Kadivendi) village, Nalgonda district (now part of Warangal district), Telangana Occupation: Peasant, grassroots activist, local leader of Andhra Mahasabha (AMS) and Communist Party of India (CPI)  Early Life and Political Awakening Doddi Komarayya was born into a poor peasant family belonging to the Kuruma/Golla (shepherd) community in Kadavendi village. The region was under feudal control of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and peasants faced severe exploitation, including forced labor and high rents. Growing up amidst these conditions, Komarayya became politically aware and joined the Andhra Mahasabha (AMS), advocating for peasant rights and social justice. He later aligned with the Communist Party of India (CPI), which emphasized land reforms and anti-feudal ideologies. Ro...

Devarakonda Samsthanam (c.1551 CE -  1948 CE) was a prominent feudal principality in the Deccan region, now part of Telangana, during the medieval and early modern periods. It was a vassal state under larger powers such as the Qutb Shahi dynasty and later the Nizam of Hyderabad. Known for its strategic location and fortified settlements, Devarakonda played a significant role in regional politics, culture, and trade. 1. Origins and Rise Founding:  Established in the late 15th century, emerging from the fragmented regional powers following the decline of the independent rule of the Recherla Nayaks (1360–1475 CE). Strategic Importance: Situated near the Krishna River basin and key trade routes, it served both defensive and commercial purposes. Rise: Grew in prominence through military prowess, strategic alliances, and loyalty to larger kingdoms like Golconda and later under Nizam rule. 2. Rulers – Titles and Achievements Rulers before the Qutb Shahi period were from th...

Devarakonda Fort is located in Devarakonda town in the Nalgonda district of Telangana, India. Devarakonda, serving as a Mandal headquarters, is a small village that is home to one of the most astonishing forts in the region. Once a towering symbol of the village’s glory, the fort now lies in ruins due to neglect, yet it continues to attract tourists from across the world. Historically, Devarakonda Fort served as a prominent defensive structure for the Recherla Nayaks dynasty, who ruled parts of Telangana after the fall of the Kakatiya dynasty. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Devarakonda Fort is like stepping into a living historical narrative, where every corner of the fort tells tales of bravery, struggles, and the triumphs of its rulers. Inside the fort premises stand the Rama and Shiva temples, constructed by Maada Naidu, adding a sense of spirituality and serenity to the historic site. Visitors are also treated to the picturesque view of a small pond within the fort area. Arc...

Vattikota Alwar Swamy (1 November 1915 – 5 February 1961) was a pioneering Telugu writer, human rights activist, communist leader, journalist, and publisher from the Nalgonda district of present-day Telangana, India. He is widely regarded as the first Telugu novelist and the "Father of the Telangana Library Movement" Early Life Full name: Vattikota Alwar Swamy Date of birth: 1 November 1915 Place of birth: Cheruvu Madaram Kalan (village), Shaligouraram Mandal, Nalgonda District (in present-day Telangana). Parents: Mother Machavaram Simhadramma, father Ramachandra Charyulu. Early difficulties: His father died when Alwar Swamy was young. Because of economic constraints, he worked as a cook for his teacher Seetharama Rao while pursuing his education Activism, Literary Work, and Contributions Vattikota Alwar Swamy wore many hats: writer, human rights activist, communist leader, publisher, and journalist. Many of his works and actions were deeply rooted in social justice, the pli...

The Telia Rumal is a unique double ikat textile from the village of Puttapaka in the Nalgonda district of Telangana, India. It is characterized by an elaborate pre-dyeing treatment of the yarn with castor ash, sesame oil, and sheep dung to enhance color retention, moisture-holding, and impart a distinct oily quality and scent. The name literally translates to "oiled/oily kerchief." The craft, which originated in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh, was primarily developed due to high demand from Arabic markets. Master weaver Gajam Govardhana and his family are credited with keeping the Telia Rumal tradition alive, expanding the product range from small kerchiefs to saris, dupattas, and dress materials. 🧵 Key Characteristics and Technique Double Ikat and Yarn Treatment The Telia Rumal is essentially a double ikat weave, a rare and highly skilled technique where both the warp and the weft yarns are tied (resist-dyed) and then woven to create the pattern. Its distinctiveness, however, lies...

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 Recherlas (1360 CE - 1475 CE)  were a prominent warrior lineage of Telangana who initially served the Kakatiyas as generals (senāpatis) and feudatories from  996 CE - 1323 CE . They first appear in inscriptions as Recherla “Reddies” and later as Nayakas stationed at strategic centers such as Kupriyal, Palampet, and Anumagallu, responsible for defending Kakatiya territories. Following the fall of the Kakatiya empire in 1323 CE, the Recherla chiefs, like other Telugu nobles, initially aligned with the Musunuri Nayakas in the struggle against Delhi Sultanate rule, serving as key feudatories within this new confederation from 1323 CE to 1360 CE By circa 1360 CE, as Musunuri power waned, the Recherlas under Dāma Nayaka I asserted their independence, establishing the sovereign kingdoms of Rachakonda (in Northern Telangana) and its branch at Devarakonda (in Southern Telangana). Their rule (c. 1360 - 1475 CE) represents a critical link between the Kakatiya polity and the subsequen...