WARANGAL

WARANGAL

INTRODUCTION

Warangal was the capital of the glorious Kakatiya dynasty. The creative genius in the field of architecture, literature, and engineering still hold their grandeur in the form of ruins that lie scattered clad in striking solemnity. HISTORY The Kakatiyas derived their name from their family deity, Goddess Kakati or Durga. Sweeping out of some small provinces in the early 11th century, they overran their predecessors, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. They made their capital at Warangal or Orugal, its ancient name. The first king in their lineage was Prola, followed by his successor, Ganapati Deva who ruled for a long period of over 60 years (1200-62) and made extensive conquests. Like his predecessors, the Chalukyas, he was a great patron of arts and under his illustrious reign, the tradition of achievements in scholarly and artistic pursuits continued and prospered as is evident from renowned structures like the Ramappa Temple and the Thousand-Pillared Temple built in his time. For two centuries, the Kakatiyas were the unopposed lords of the integrated Telugu empire. In 1329, the Tughlaqs of Delhi ultimately vanquished Warangal. The invading armies plundered the land and its priceless art treasures. After the Kakatiyas, Warangal was never the same. The lost glory moves any visitor who takes a stroll along the ruins of some of the finest creations of this dynasty.