Telangana360

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...

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 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  Dhanva Jasuva Pandita Chandaladevi: The daught...

The Haihaya chiefs were a Yadava (Chandravanshi) lineage tracing their legendary origin to Kartavirya Arjuna of Mahishmati (central India, Narmada valley). By the 10th–12th centuries CE, branches of this lineage established themselves in Telangana, especially in the Kandur-nāḍu region (present-day Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda districts). Territorial Domain Core: Kandur-nāḍu (Mahabubnagar–Nalgonda region) Eastern settlements: Peddavuru, Uriya Western links: Aralu branch (Sedam–Chitpur, Kalaburagi district) Southern reach: Valluru (Cuddapah district) 1. Origins of Haihayas Puranic Tradition: Haihayas (Heheya, Haiheya) are presented as Yadava (Chandravanshi) lineage. Their legendary capital was Mahishmati on the Narmada (modern Maheshwar or near Mandhata). Famous king: Kartavirya Arjuna, celebrated in Mahabharata and Puranas. Historical Continuity: Several medieval dynasties (notably the Kalachuris of Chedi/Ratanpur and even the Mushika kings of Kerala) claimed Haihaya descent for legitimacy...

1458 AD - 1504 AD : Gajapati Empire (1435 AD - 1541 AD) Founder : Kapilendra Deva. He ascended to the throne after staging a military coup against the preceding and the last ruler from the Eastern Ganga dynasty, Bhanu Deva IV.  Coronation : 29 June 1435 AD Capital :    Bhubaneswar Religion : Hinduism 1423 AD : Ahmad I appointed Abdul Latif Khan as governor of Telangana 1425 AD : Abdul Latif Khan raided Recherla Nayaks for siding with Vijayanagara Empire. 1435 AD, the Rachakonda area was given by the Sultan to his brother Mohammed Khan During the times of 1433 – 1438 AD, Bahamanis of Bidar occupied the forts of Medak, Warangal, and Bhuvanagiri 1458 AD -  1467 AD : Kapilendra  Gajapati   (1434 CE – 1467 CE) 1458 AD : Conquest of Telangana Sanjar Khan General of Humayaun Shah confered Bhongir as Jagir on him Humayun Shah ascended the throne of the Bahmani sultanate in  1458 AD. Upon his enthronement, Humayun appointed Mahmud Gawan lieutenant of the kingdo...

566 AD : Tummalagudem Inscription of Vikramendra Varman II (555 AD - 569 AD) in Nalgonda Sanskrit and Southern Characters. These records are present in Navodaya Samiti, Hyderabad. Both the Tumulaguda sets, written in Sanskrit language and Southern characters belong to the Vishnu Kundin dynasty. One of them, in characters of about the fourth-fifth centuries A.D., was issued in the thirty- seventh year of the reign of Maharaja Govindavarman, son of Maharaja Madhavavarman, and grandson of Maharaja Indra-varman. It records that the king granted two villages called Embudala and Penkapara to the vihara of the senior-queen (agra-mahishi) Parama-mahadevi. The other set refers itself to the reign of Vikramendra-bhattaraka Varman alias Uttamasraya and is dated in his  eleventh regnal year  and in Saka 488 (A.D. 566-67). It records the grant of the village Irundoro, by the king, to the same vihara built at Indrapura. It also refers to the defeat of the Pallava ruler Simha by Uttamasraya....

Nandikonda is a small village located along the banks of Krishna River in Peddavura Mandal     Nalgonda district. It is located close to the magnificent Nagarjuna Sagar dam. Nandikonda was part of the Ikshvaku Dynasty and the village shot into prominence after scores of ancient Buddhist structures like pillared halls and monasteries were unearthed. The relics that were unearthed during a series of excavations are today displayed at the Museum of Central Archeological Department here. There are also ruins of a fort dating back to Ikshvaku Dynasty. The citadel consists of gates, strong fortifications, water trenches, and even as rectangular-shaped stadium were found during archeological excavations. The Nagarjuna Sagar dam was initially called Nandikonda project and the place finds place in the Buddhist circuit of Telangana. http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/nalgonda/nandikonda.html

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient menhir, a memorial from the Iron Age, in Padurivarigudem in Nalgonda district of Telangana. The structure stands 11 feet high and was built as a memorial for warriors or tribal leaders in the region. Similar relics have been found in Guntur too. E. Siva Nagi Reddy and his associates uncovered the massive menhir that, according to them, dates back to 1000 BC. “Based on the information that we received from T. Saidulu, president of the local Vivekananda Youth Association, we visited the spot on Thursday and confirmed that the menhir belongs to the Megalithic period. It stands 11 feet tall, is six feet in width and goes six feet deep into the soil. The massive stone slab was installed during the Iron Age as a memorial to tribal lords or warriors in the region. It reveals the collective efforts of the ancient iron-smelting community,” he said. The team of archaeologists also examined around 20 circular burial stones, also from the Megalithic age,...

The archaeology officials excavating the early historic site located between Pazzur-Yarragaddagudem villages in  Tipparthy Mandal, Nalgonda District in Telangana State   and unearthed one copper and two lead coins probably belonging to Satavahana and post-Satavahana period. The coins belonged to Mahatalavara, feudal lords who ruled parts of Telangana under Satavahana “Mahatalavara, a feudatory family that ruled parts of Telangana under Satavahana and also during post-Satavahana period, had minted these coins, the archaeology officials said. The archaeologists identified the coin belongs to Mahatavalaras since the two lead coins were having horse symbol on obverse side. They could not identify the symbol on other side of these coins. The copper coin was rusted and they could not identify anything on it.

The history of Nalgonda dates back to the Palaeolithic age. On the basis of the gradual evolution of the lithic material, the pre-historic period is studied under the following heads. Palaeolithic Age During this period, Man fashioned his tools and weapons by chipping hard stones of convenient size and shape. This feature is testified by the findings of an extra-ordinarily interesting unifacial Palaeolithic implements of the Soan type at Yeleshwaram. Neolithic Age Traces of Neolithic culture were found at Chota Yelupu, where sling stones and other objects of interest were unearthed. The existence of Megalithic culture was revealed by the discovery of innumerable burials at various places like Tipparti, Nakrekal, Nalgonda etc. 300 BC - 185 BC : Mauryan Empire The political history of the district commences with the Mauryas. Mauryas, during the reign of Asoka, the Great held their sway over this region. Later the region has come under the over lordship of Satavahanas 230 BC ...