Telangana360

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...

The Kayasthas of Panugallu (1239 CE - 1297 CE) were the most powerful and ultimately the most rebellious feudal chiefs of the Kakatiya Empire. Originally imported for their military expertise, they rose to control vast territories, only to challenge the very authority that empowered them, playing a pivotal role in the instability that marked the end of Queen Rudramadevi's reign. 1. Origins and Rise The Kayasthas were not native to the Telugu country. Inscriptions suggest they originally belonged to a class of warriors from Western India. Recognizing their specialized skills, King Ganapatideva (1199-1262) brought them to the Kakatiya kingdom specifically to train and command the cavalry, a critical branch of the army. He stationed them at the strategic fort of Panugallu (in modern Nalgonda District) as governors, granting them control over a large and important region. Their rise was built on military service and royal favor. 2. Rulers  Ganagaya Sahini (1239 CE - 1258 CE) The founde...

The Malyala (1076 CE - 1276 CE) were a powerful line of feudal lords and military commanders (Senani) who served as crucial pillars of the Kakatiya Empire from the late 11th to the late 13th centuries. Hailing from a warrior lineage, they were instrumental in the Kakatiyas' military expansions, particularly into the coastal Andhra region, and governed key strategic forts across modern-day Telangana. Founder : Danna Senani Capital: Sankisapura (modern Dornakal, Khammam). Forts : Sankisapura (Dornakal, Khammam), Malyala, Kondaparthi, Vardhamanapuram (Mahabubnagar) 1. Origins and Rise The dynasty emerged into the historical record with Danna Senani (1076-1120 AD), a celebrated general who served under the Kakatiya rulers Beta II and Prola II. His successful campaigns established the family's prestige and earned them control of several important forts, laying the foundation for two distinct branches of the family. Their origins are steeped in a martial tradition, with the title ...

The Cheraku Chiefs (1085 CE - 1323 CE)were a powerful and influential feudatory dynasty in the Deccan, originating from the town of Cheraku in the Eruva region. They began as subordinates to the Kandur Cholas but strategically shifted their allegiance to the rising Kakatiya dynasty, becoming one of their most crucial military and administrative pillars. Their history, spanning over two centuries, is intricately woven into the expansion and consolidation of the Kakatiya Empire. Founder: Kata I Capitals : Jammulur (Nalgonda) and Amarabad (Mahabubnagar) regions.  Language: Telugu Rule :  Subordinates for Kandur Chodas and later Kakatiyas Key Historical Significance The Cheraku Chiefs exemplify the complex feudal structure of the Deccan. They were not merely passive subordinates but active agents who shaped regional politics. Their history demonstrates the fluidity of loyalty, the importance of military service in climbing the social ladder, and the critical role that feudatories ...