Sovereign Kakatiyas / Independent Kakatiyas (A.D.1163-1323)
Rudradeva who ascended the throne in A.D.1158 remained feudatory of Kalyana Chalukyas till 1162 and declared independence in 1163 (1000 pillar temple inscription of Anumakonda). Among the independent Kakatiyas Rudradeva (A.D.1163-1195), Mahadeva (A.D.1195-1199), Ganapatideva (A.D.1199-1262), Rudramadevi (A.D.1262-1289) and Prataprudra II (A.D.1289-1323), are important rulers. They had ruled Warangal as their capital and for one hundred and sixty years, today's Telangana and Andhra Pradesh areas. Kakatiyas united the Telugu speaking people under one banner, doing unique service to the Telugu culture, earned permanent fame in the history of medieval Telangana and Dakshinapatha. The Sovereign Kakatiyas rulers fought against the contemporary Hindu kings like Yadavas, Hoyasalas and Pandyas. And their rule came to an end finally by the attacks of Delhi Sultans.
Rudradeva (A.D.1158-1162 & 1163-1195)
Rudradeva's period is special one among the Kakatiya rulers, and has historical importance. His ruling period is divided into two phases. First phase was from A.D.1158 to 1163 as feudatory position and second phase from A.D.1163 to 1195 as independent ruler. His thousand pillar temple inscription of Anumakonda (A.D.1163), informs that in 1163 A.D, Rudradeva declared his complete independence, and established a very large kingdom in Telangana. Rudradeva's mother was Muppamamba and father was Prola II. Rudradeva ascended the throne after his father in A.D. 1158. His minister Inangala Brahma reddy's Draksharamam inscription mention him as a great warrior, and Chalukya Chola king second Raja Raja was his contemporary. In this inscription he was known as Anumakonda Rudra.
The Thousand pillar temple inscription of Anumakonda informs that Rudradeva defeated the rulers of Nagar (Karimnagar Naganuru) Dommaraja, Polavasa ruler second Medaraju, Myligadeva, ChodoUdaya etc. and established his dominance in Telangana. According to P.V. Parabrahma sastry, Rudradeva first defeated Mylagideva then he attacked Kalachuris. After the occupation of Kalachuri kingdom, his kingdom expanded in the north up to the banks of the river Godavari. Sabbinadu was also came under the control of Kakatiyas. Excited by these victories Rudradeva marched his army towards the Kanduri Cholas. After the death of Tailapdeva his successors Kanduri Choda Bheema (his capital was at Vardhamanapura). In Panugallu Kanduri Udayachoda contested for the throne Rudradeva took this opportunity and conquered the Kanduri kingdom and merged it into his kingdom. Rudradeva with his Political vision appointed Udaychoda as his feudatory to that kingdom and married his daughter Padmavati. A.D.1202 Jammaluru inscription of Cheruku Bollayya mentions that Rudradeva handed over the vast forest area of Srisailam to his friend Cheruku Bollayya. By these victories Rudradeva's influence extended to today's Nalgonda and Mahaboobnagar areas. By this the boundaries of kingdom extended to Godavari River in the north, Bidar in the west and Srisailam in the south. Rudradeva as a mark of these victories issued a 'Vijaya sasana' (victory inscription), in Anumakonda and built a great temple by consecrating the idols of Rudreshvara, Vasudeva and Suryadeva in that temple.
Rudradeva declared war on those who were responsible for the death of his father. This is known as 'Palanati war'. Nalagamaraju requested the help of Rudradeva, which gave him a great opportunity for the war. At this same time the Chalukyas of Pithapuram sought his friendship. Rudradeva made plans for the occupation of the kingdom of the Velanati Chodas, and attacked their feudatories Kondapadarnatis. Tripuranthakam inscription supports the above details. During the period of Rudradeva, the armies of the Kakatiyas fought with the armies of the Yadavas, it was an attempt of Rudradeva to expand his area towards west, and in the war of A.D. 1195, with the Yadava king Jaitugi (Jaitrapala), the Kakatiya army got defeated and Rudradeva lost his life.
Rudradeva's Greatness
Rudradeva established the Sovereign power of Kakatiyas, with Warangal as the capital city. He was a great warrior, able administrator and politician, and ruled with the aim of serving his subjects. He had in his court, people of trustworthy who are able administrators and helped him in his administration. Among them most able one was Gangadhara of Vellanki family, his inscription from Karimnagar, issued in A.D. 1170 explains this. Gangadhara joined as army chief under Prola II, and was responsible for the administration of Anumakonda. Later he joined Rudradeva as army chief and participated in many wars with his patron, and sometimes took the administration of Sabbinadu. In Anumakonda he excavated a water tank and built Prasanna Keshava swamy temple. Rudradeva was a great patron of arts and built many temples. Thousand pillar temple was built by him. He for the convenience of civil and military needs built, near Anumakonda new city of Warangal or Orugallu fort. This became the new capital of the Kakatiyas. He was also patron of poets and literature. He was like 'Kalpa taruvu' to the scholars and these facts are mentioned in the Nayareddy's 1196 A.D. Pillalamarri inscription (PSR.p.148). Draksharamam inscription mention him as Vinayabhusana. In a poem in Neetisaramuktavalli written by Baddena, the author of Neetisastra was Rudradeva. Rudradeva was childless and succeeded by his brother Mahadeva in A.D.1195. This fact is supported by Khandavalli copper Plates (Parabrahma sastry, P.V. P 103; E.A.IV P-109).
Mahadeva (A.D.1195-1199)
Mahadeva was the son of Prolaraja II. He is the elder among the brothers of Rudradeva. His reign was from (1155-1199 A.D.). Very less information is available from both inscriptions and literature. We have two inscriptions of Mahadeva's period, one is Sundela village in Peddapalli taluqa of Karimnagar of A.D. 1197, and second is the damaged one from the Warangal fort, has no date. Mahadeva fought only one war in his whole life. The war against the Yadavas, and got defeated and also lost his life. According to Parabrahma Sastry, based Paithan copper plates of Yadava Ramachandradeva, the Yadava king Jaitrapala defeated the Trilingadhipati in a war and released young Ganapatideva from the prison and put him on the throne of Warangal. The facts are also supported by some literary works like Pratapa Charitra and Somadeva rajiyam. During his period the feudatory ruler rebelled against him.
Bayyamba was Mahadeva's Queen, and they had a son Ganapatideva, and two daughters, Mailamba and Kundamamba. Mahadeva was a follower of Saivism. His teacher was Dhruveshwara Pandita (PSRp149). Among his army chief Recherla Rudra was the ablest and faithful one. When the army of Kakatiyas got defeat with Yadavas, and the kingdom was in critical condition, Recherla Rudra acted cleverly in protecting the Kakatiya rule.
Ganapatideva (A.D.1199-1262)
Ganapatideva greatest among the Kakatiya rulers ascended the throne in 1199. His parents were Bayyamba and Mahadeva. His father died in the war with the Yadava king Jaitugi, and young Ganapatideva became prisoner. With the efforts made by the Recherla Rudra, Jaitugi released Ganapatideva, anointed him on to the throne attempted to suppress the internal rebellions and enemies like Mallyala Chounda.
Ganapatideva united all Telugu speaking people and ruled more efficiently for long sixty-three years (A.D.1199-1262). He made Warangal as his capital, and ably administered both Telangana and Andhra regions. Manthena inscription first inscription belonging to his period is in Karimnagar, issued on December 26 1199 A.D. (Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh, Karimnagar, and No.28).
There are different opinions among the historians on why Yadava king Jaitugi released Ganapatideva from the prison. Many historians opine that Hoyasala king Ballala II, thought of taking advantage of the situation at Warangal and expand his kingdom towards that region, and if it happens, the prestige of the Hoyasalas will increase, Yadavas being their strong enemies, did not like this and wanted to check the Hoyasalas expansion. So Jaitugi released the young Ganapatideva from the prison made him to sit on the Kakatiya throne, this historians thought to be a political game played by the Yadavas. Moreover Jaitugi gave his daughter Somaladevi to Ganapatideva and performed their marriage.
Ganapatideva - Contemporary Yadava Rulers - Relations
| S.No | King | Dynasty | Ruling period | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaitugi (Jaitrapala) | Yadavas (Devagiri) | A.D.1193-1199 | Ganapatideva's father died in the war with Jaitugi. |
| 2 | Singhana | Yadavas | A.D.1200-1247 | War with Hoyasalas and victory |
| 3 | Krishana | Yadavas | A.D.1246-1261 | - |
| 4 | Mahadeva | Yadavas | A.D.1261-1271 | War with Hoyasalas |
| 5 | Ramachandradeva | Yadavas | A.D.1271-1311 | War with Hoyasalas and defeat. Delhi Sultans attack and defeat of Yadava army, Ramachandradeva's acceptance for subordination. |
| 6 | Shankera deva | Yadavas | A.D.1311-1313 | Attack on Yadava kingdom by Mallik Kafur, defeat and death of Shankeradeva. |
| 7 | Harapala | Yadava | A.D.1313-1317 | Allauddin Khilji's son Mubarka shah's attack on Yadava kingdom, defeat of Harapala and death and downfall of Yadava kingdom. |
Ganapatideva - Contemporary Hoyasala Rulers - Relations
| S.No. | King | Dynasty | Ruling period | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhallala II | Hoyasala | A.D.1170-1220 | Yadava king Billalmadeva's defeat |
| 2 | Narasimha II | Hoyasala | A.D.1220-1254 | - |
| 3 | Narasimha III | Hoyasala | A.D.1254-1295 | War with Yadava Ramachandradeva victory and got defeat by Pandya king Kulashekara |
| 4 | Bhallala III | Hoyasala | A.D.1295-1342 | Attacked the Yadava kingdom in A.D. 1305, and defeated Ramachandra's army. |
Ganapatideva's Victories - Importance
Ganapatideva was great warrior, establisher of an extensive kingdom. During his long rule of sixty-three years, he achieved victories ably assisted by army chiefs Recherla Rudra, Malyala Chounda. All the conquered kingdoms were merged into his empire. Some of them are recognized as feudatory rulers. With some he made matrimonial alliances. With great political foresight maintained diplomatic relations. By the time Ganapatideva ascended the Kakatiya throne, in the coastal region the earlier ruling families like Eastern Chalukyas, Chola-Chalukya, and Kalyana Chalukyas became weak. Among them Velanati kingdom was powerful, and its ruler Prudhvishwara who was the grand son of Chola Rajendra II. Prudhvishwara was a great warrior made the neighboring, ruler as feudatories by defeating them. Among his feudatories Kolanu kings (Kolleru), Kotas of Guntur, and Prakasham Konidena Telugu Cholas, in Nellore, Kadapa, and Chengalpattu region by Telugu Cholas, in the Krishna Bank Gudimetta Chagis, in the north of Krishna River i.e. in Khammam district Natavadi kings were ruling. In the coastal region some areas were under the rule of Kalinga Gangas.
Ganapatideva thought of establishing his authority over the coastal region which was ruled by small ruling families, he invaded on the coastal region in A.D.1201. The 1201 A.D., Bezawada inscription (E.I.Vol.VI p159) issued by Nattavadi Rudra, Brother-in-law of Ganapatideva mentions that, the army of Ganapatideva won over the army of Prudhvishwara. During this conquest Kakatiya army invaded the areas of Kota Nayakas of Dharani Kota. Made them his feudatory, Later he invaded Divi Seema ruled by Ayyavamsha rulers. The ruler of this Divi Seema Pinna Choda fought ferociously against the Kakatiyas but got defeated. After this conquest Ganapatideva's army chief Malayal Chounda took the titles 'Dwipiluntaka', and 'Divichoorakaara' (PSR Andhradesha Charitra Samskruti, AD.1336, p151, Telugu Academy 2009). As a political foresight, Ganapatideva handed over back the Divi seema to Pinna Choda, to take support of Divi Seema rulers, in the expansion and stability of Kakatiya kingdom. This helped in the development of matrimonial relations between the Kakatiyas and Ayyavamshas. Ayyavamsha Pinnachoda gave his two daughters, Naramba and Peramba in marriage to Ganapatideva. Pinna choda's son Jaayapa was appointed as Gajashahini in the Kakatiya army. After Ayyavamshas became the feudatory of Kakatiyas, the strength of the Prudhvishwara was weakened. Nellore Tikkaraju and others also joined on the side of Ganapatideva. Prudhvishwara lost his life in the war. Ganapatideva was mentioned in his inscriptions as "prudhvishwara shirah Kanduka kreeda Vinodah" (Played with the Prudhvishwara's head as ball). Anantha, the treasurer of Prudhvishwara's inscription of A.D.1206 from Sri Koormam (S.I.I. Vol. NO. 1254- P.V.Parabrahma Sastry p108) being the last inscription of the Ayyavamsha, it may be inferred that Prudhvishwara might got defeat by Ganapatideva and died. Ganapatideva appointed Jayapa Senani as the Viceroy of this region.
Ganapatideva's Southern Conquests (A.D.1207-1209)
Ganapatideva waged two southern expeditions. Contemporary political conditions are the main cause of the conquests. Especially during the medieval period the establishment of the rule of Telugu Chodas of Nellore (region consisting of Nellore, Kadapa and Chengalput districts), and the political situation was the cause of this conquests. Telugu Choda king Nallasiddi ruled Nellore kingdom Vikramasimbapuri as capital. He declared independence taking advantage of the emperor Chola Rajadhiraja II (A.D.1173) became weak. After Nallasiddi, his successors Betaraja I, and Errasiddi ruled. Errasiddi had two sons, Manumasiddi I and Tammasiddi. In this period, Chola emperor Kulathonga III (A.D.1178-1216) interfered in the politics of Telugu Chodas. When Manumasiddi I ascended the throne Kulothunga III invaded on the Nellore kingdom and defeated the Manumasiddi I. Kulothunga III handed over Nellore throne to Nallasiddi, who accepted his suzerainty. The inscriptions of Kulothunga III available from A.D.1187-1204 mention that Nallasiddi ruled Nellore as the feudatory of Kulothunga III. After Nallasiddi his brother ruled Nellore. In the time Manumasiddi I son Tikka Bhupala desired to occupy the throne and sought the help of Ganapatideva. Due to this reason Kakatiya emperor with his army invaded the Nellore Choda kingdom in A.D.1207-1208, and defeated Tammasiddi and put Tikkabhupala as the ruler of Nellore. He was an able and capable administrator. Later Ganapatideva's army attacked Kanchi the capital of the Chola kingdom. This first southern victory is also supported by the information in the Chebrolu inscription of A.D. 1228 and A.D.1231 Jayapasenani's Ganpeshwaram inscription (Parabrahma Sastry, Telugu translation pp108, 109).
Kalinga Conquest (A.D.1211-1212)
After the victories over the Velanadu and Nellore Telugu Choda kingdoms Ganapatideva sent his armies to the Kalinga land which was earlier under the rule of Prudhvishwara. Ganapatideva's army chief Induluri Somaya mantri led the forces to victory. The contemporary writing like Sivayoga saram confirms the same (PSR p153). Induluri Somaya mantri was appointed as the ruler of Kolanu rastrra. Kalinga king Aniyanka Bheema III faced the Kakatiyas army, but no side was victorious as per the information given in the inscriptions. The Kalinga conquest did not gave Ganapatideva the expected result. At the same time, Ganapatideva made matrimonial relations with those rulers. He married his elder daughter 'Ganapaamba' to Kota Rudra's son Myna Beta. Second daughter Rudramadevi was married to Needadavolu Chalukya king Veerabhadra. Vengi region was conquered by Induluri Somanna. After Aniyanka Bheema, his son Narasimhadeval's period Kakatiya army attacked Vengi and Kalinga kingdoms and conquered them, (A.D.1238).
In A.D. 1248 Ganapatideva's friend Choda Tikkaraju died. His son Manumasidde II (Veera ganda gopala) lost his kingdom in the war with his Dayadis. He sent his minister and court poet Tikkana somayaji as emissary to the Ganapatideva's court seeking his support. Ganapatideva sent his army under the leadership of Samantha Bhoja as a support to Manumasiddi. In the attack by the Kakatiya army, Manumasiddi's enemies Bayyana and Akkana died. Kakatiya army entered the Dradidadesha, and occupied Kanchi the capital of Kulothunga (Rajendra III) Chola. Later Samantha Bhoja's army defeated the combined army of Dravida and Karnataka at Palleyuru in Tanjore district. By A.D.1250 defeated Vijaya Ganda Gopala (enemy of Manumasiddi), and put Manumasiddi II on the throne of Telugu Chodas of Nellore. After that Kakatiya army defeated Vaidumba king Rakkasi Gangadi. In this war Manuma Siddi's chief of the army Kayastha Gangaya Sayani had participated. Ganapatideva handed back the occupied kingdom back to them. And recognizing the capability of Gangaya Sayani Ganapatideva appointed him as Bahattar Niyogadhipati (supervisor over the seventy two Niyogas). This fact is supported by the Tripurantakam inscription of A.D. 1250.
Kakatiya - Yadava Relations
Ganapatideva maintained friendly relations with his contemporary Yadava king Singhana. No evidence is available on any war taking place between the two. For the period A.D.1199-1262, Yadava king Singhana's son Permadideva lived in the court of Ganapatideva for some period; this is the opinion of some scholars. Information from the Peruru inscription of A.D.1159 from Nalgonda district support to this view. Peruru inscription informs that Permadideva gave some land donation to the Brahmins (according to Parabrahma sastry, Kakatiyas, p 113). During Ganapatideva's war with the Pandya king, Yadava king sent his army supporting Kakatiyas.
War with Jataverman Sundar Pandya A.D.1257
Ganapatideva during his last days of rule fought war with the Pandya king Jataverman Sundar Pandya. By A.D. 1257, Pandya kingdom was ruled by Jataverman Sundar Pandya. He was a great warrior. He invaded the Nellore Telugu Choda kingdom, which was earlier a feudal kingdom of Cholas, marched with huge army on Manuma siddi II. Knowing the capacity and ability of Pandya king Kanchi king Vijaya Ganda Gopala accepted his over lordship. Imagining the future danger Manumasiddi II requested the army help of Kakatiya, Yadava and Bana kings, but the Pandya king Planned a dual strategy, and divided his soldiers into two divisions. One division was sent under the leadership of Koppera Zingana towards Draksharamam. But lost war with the Kakatiyas army, and Koppera Zingana accepted Ganapatideva as his over lord. At the same time Pandya king strategically sent his second division of the army on Manumasiddi II, on Nellore. By A.D. 1263, Pandya army reached Muthukuru near Nellore, under the leadership of Jataverman. In this war the army of Kakatiyas and their allies got defeated in the fierce battle. Veera Ganda gopala lost his life. Manumasiddi died in the war. His allies went back. Nellore became a part of Pandya kingdom. In his long career of sixty two years, Ganapatideva never faced a defeat, which he did in the Muthukoor war. The defeat relieved Ganapatideva from active administration. He handed over the responsibility of administration to his daughter Rudramadevi.
The Importance of Ganapatideva
He was a great emperor, Political strategist with great foresight. He strived very hard for the stability of the kingdom, saved the Kakatiya kingdom from the internal disturbances, rebellions and attacks from outside kings. He strengthened his political power through matrimonial alliances. He transferred the capital from Anumakonda to Warangal during his rule. He completed the construction of the new capital city Orugallu, which was began by his grand father Prola and uncle Rudradeva. And his successors made it a beautiful city and invincible by the enemy.
Among his feudatories and army chiefs important ones are, Recherla, Malyala Nayakas, Recherla Rudra his army chief was known for his faithfulness and valour. Recherla Rudra saved the Kakatiyas kingdom during its critical period from disintegration. Among the Malyala feudatories who stood with the Kakatiya emperor was 'Malyala Choda', his son 'Katama', they played an important role in Ganapatideva's Divi seema conquests. Jayapa of Divi Seema joined the service of Ganapatideva and did great service, was appointed to the post of 'Gajasahini'. Nellore Telugu Choda king Manuma siddi was a good friend of Ganapatideva. Induluri Somaya mantri was important among the Ganapatideva's ministers. Somaya mantri played crucial role in the war of Kalinga (A.D.1212). Prolabhima Nayaka was another great minister of Ganapatideva. He had titles like 'Aru vela Dooshaka', 'six thousand dooshaka'. Kanchi Choora Kara. Kayastha Gangaya sahini was the head of Bahattar (seventy two) Niyogadhipathi. Ganapatideva did not have sons, so he trained his daughter Rudramadevi in all fields and declared her as his successor and handed over the administration to her in A.D.1262.
Rudramadevi (A.D.1262-1289)
Rudramadevi was considered as the meritorious administrator in the history of medieval India, especially south India. She was the daughter of Somamba and Ganapatideva. Under her father's supervision, she learnt the running the political administration, army affairs. Defeated by the army of Pandyas in the muthukuru war, Ganapatideve took leave of the administration and handed over that responsibility to his daughter. Rudramadevi ruled up to A.D. 1289. To know her administration, sources like the inscriptions, literature and contemporary writings help us. Especially, Marco Polo of Venice city visited India during the period of Rudramadevi. He got down at the Motupalli Port. He praised a lot about the capabilities of Rudramadevi, and the trade and commerce, export and import taking place there, the duties of the port officials, the care taken of to the foreign traders and the arrangements by Rudramadevi.
General Conditions in the Kingdom
By the time Rudramadevi took over the administration, Kakatiyas power was in danger. Main causes for this were feudatories, and administrators' rebellions, defeat given by the Pandyas at the Moothukuru war. On the other hand, the Yadava king Mahadeva (A.D. 1262-1271) planned to occupy the Kakatiyas areas. During this critical situation, the responsibility of protecting the Kakatiyas kingdom was taken by Recherla Prasadaditya. The Velugoti Vamshavali mentions him with the titles 'Kakatiya vamsha sthapanacharya', 'Rayapithamahanka', etc. (Parabrahma sastry p118). Kayastha Jennigadeva, Kayastha Tripurari, Malyala Gundiya Nayaka, Madaya Nayaka, Mahapradhana Kandara Nayaka, stood as guards to Rudrama Devi.
Rudrama Devi fought many wars during her ruling period. According to Ekamranatha's Pratapa Charitra, when Rudramadevi ascended the throne, her step brothers, Harihara, and Murari deva rebelled against her. Rudramadevi suppressed these rebellions with the support of her able army chiefs. By the time Rudramadevi ascended throne, her neighboring Kingdom were Yadavas, Eastern Gangas and Pandyas were ruling. Among them Eastern Ganga king Narasimha deva invaded the Vengi kingdom and occupied it. But in A.D. 1274, Narasimhadeva's son Bhanudeva I invaded the Kakatiyas kingdom. This time Rudramadevi's army chiefs Potinayaka, Proli nayaka defeated the enemy army. This fact is supported by the information given in the Draksharamam temple inscription. River Godavari became the border between the Kakatiyas and Ganga kingdoms.
Yadava Invasion on Kakatiyas Kingdom
During the suppressing of internal rebellions by Rudramadevi Yadava king Mahadeva, invaded. Rudramadevi with her army faced the Yadava raja, and in the fierce battle got victory, and shunted out the enemies up to Devagiri fort. In this war Rudramdevi's army chief Sindhu Bhairava played an important role. The inscription found at Bidar fort describes this information (Kakatiyas, Telugu p 119). Recently found inscription from 'Allapadu' mentions that Yadava king Ellanadeva married Rudramadevi's daughter. By this Hemadri in his writing 'Vratakhandam' did not mentioned intentionally, that his lord got defeated in the hands of a lady. Rudramadevi, as a symbol of her historical victory over the Yadavas, took the title 'RayaGaja kesari', constructed Ranga mandapam to the Swayambhu temple in the Warangal fort. Rayagaja Kesari is mentioned in her Bidar fort inscription also. (Kakatiyas, p 120).
Rebellion by the Kayastha Ambadeva
Kayastha Ambadeva made a great rebellion, during the fag end of her rule, and is mentioned in Tripuranthakam and Nandahuru inscriptions. During the rule of Rudramadevi Kayastha Jennigadeva was her most faithful subordinate. He ruled Nandluru region in Kadapa district. On the orders of Rudramadevi, in A.D. 1264, he brought an end to the administration of the Pandyas. After Jennigadeva his younger brother Tripuranthaka became the ruler of this region. He during the period A.D. 1270-1272 ruled this region as faithful to Rudramdevi. After Tripuranthaka his younger brother Ambadeva became the ruler of the region. He did not accept Rudramadevi's subordination and rebelled against her. Moreover defeating the feudatories of Rudramadevi made them his subordinates. He made friendship with Rudramadevi's enemies, Pandyas and Yadavas. According to Tripuranthakam inscription (A.D. 1290, S.I.I. Vol.X. 465), ambadeva established his domination over the Pandyas and Yadavas, took the titles 'Pandya rajanya-priya-preshita-chandavedanda-Turugasthaara-viraajmaana-samshoshita-souhaardra', and 'Devagiri-rajaprasarpita-praabhrutamani-kanakabhushana', etc. Ambadeva defeated Rudramadevi's reagent (Guntur region) Sripati Ganapati in A.D. 1273, took the title 'Raya Sahasra malla' and occupied the Valluru under the rule of Pandyas. By A.D. 1287, Ambadeva occupied Gandikota, Mulikinadu, Renadu, Perakkallu, Sakilinadu, Pottapinadu etc. And was ruling from Vallura as capital and this information is mentioned in the Attirala inscription. (Kakatiyas, p 122). Like this Ambadeva expanded his ruling areas in all directions. This resulted in a grave danger to the Rudramadevi's power. In A.D. 1286 Ambadeva defeated the Pandyas. Defeated Pandya king Maraverman Kulashekara ran away from the war field. With this victory Ambadeva became more powerful.
Death of Rudramadevi
Ambadeva's Tripuranthakam inscription describes his victories. As per the information given in the recently found inscription in the village Chandupatla Nalgonda district, A.D. 1289, November 27, Rudramadevi and her chief Mallikarjuna rayalu lost their life while suppressing the rebel Ambadeva. Mallikarjuna's servant Puvvalamummadi donated some lands to the Somanatha temple in the Chandupatla village. Chandupatla inscription does not mention details of when and where Rudramadevi died. By this even today, there is no complete historical source of information to know the death of Rudramadevi. Overall, majority of the historians' opinion is that while suppressing the rebellion of Ambadeva, she might have died before, 27th November 1289, A.D. because we do not have her inscription later than 27th November 1289.
Greatness of Rudramadevi
Rudramadevi ruled very efficiently, from Orugallu as capital. Though a woman, got training under the supervision of her father conducted the administrative affairs thoroughly. With the aim of welfare of the people. She faced daringly the attacks of enemy kings. She had faithful and ablest army chiefs and feudatories, who stood with her. The only failure was the rebellion of Ambadeva.
Among her army chiefs and feudatories, important one is Malyala, Recherla Gona family, Reddy Nayakulu, Velama families. In Velama families Recherla Prasaditya earned name during the period of Rudramadevi. Kayastha kings, who ruled prior to Ambadeva, protected the South West region of the kingdom. Among them protected Kakatiyas kingdom from the enemy attacks.
Rudramadevi's husband was Chalukya Veerabhadra, of Nidadavolu branch. In the employees of Rudramadevi, Devagiri king Singhana's son Sarangapani was important. Ranaka Gopadevaraju of 'Are' community was also in her employment. Rudramadevi had three daughters, Mummadamma, Rudrama and Ruyyamma. Due to no male child, her daughter Mummadamma's son Pratapanadra II was declared, as her successor. Mummadamma's husband was Mahadeva of Kakatiya prince (E.C Vol.XII Tumkur NO 14; Kakatiyas telugu, p 126). Her second daughter was married to Yadava prince Ellanadeva. Youngest daughter's husband was Induluri nayaka. In the medieval history of Deccan, Rudramadive ruled prior to Chanda Bibi, and HayatBakshi Begum, and earned permanent fame.
Pratapa Rudra II (A.D.1290-1323)
In Kakatiya dynasty Pratapa Rudra II was the last ruler. Prior to Ambadeva's rebellion, Rudramadevi declared Pratapa Rudra II as her successor. He took over the reigns of the Kakatiya administration, Since in A.D. 1290, he ruled with two main aims. They are 1. To finish of the danger aroused due to the rebellion of Ambadeva, 2. Protection to the Kakatiya kingdom from the enemy attacks. To fulfill these two aims he required a strong and disciplined army. For this he overhauled the army. He handed the army to the Nayakas. Totally he appointed 77 Nayakas, explained them how many soldiers do they need to maintain, how much land and villages under their control. He arranged for the special training of the army.
He prepared three phase strategies to face the Ambadeva and his friends Yadavas and the Pandyas. In A.D. 1291 he sent a huge army on Tripuranthakam the centre of Ambadeva, under the leadership of Manumagannayya son of Kolani Somana mantri, and Ayyadeva son of Induluri Pedda Gannayya mantri. In this war Kakatiya army got a big victory, this information is mentioned in the Tripuranthakam inscription issued, by Induluri Annayya, in the year A.D.1291. Same view is expressed by Parabrahma sastry. After A.D. 1291, we do not find any inscription of Ambadeva, in Tripuranthakam. Ambadeva's son and successor Murari II ruled independently from Mulkinadu. To attack Murari Prataparudra II sent huge army under Maharaya Patta Sahini Somaya and Induluri Annaya. This war which took place before A.D. 1304, the Kakatiya army had great victory. Kayastha kingdom was merged into the Pratapa Rudra II kingdom. Soma Nayaka was appointed as administrator.
Attacks of Delhi Sultanate on Orugallu
During the period of Pratapa Rudra II, Kakatiya kingdom, faced the attacks from Delhi Sultanate, like other contemporary kingdoms of Yadava, Hoyasala, and Pandyas. Unexpectedly Delhi Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji sent huge army under the leadership of his son-in-law, Garshasp-I-Malik in A.D. 1295 on Yadava Ramachandra's capital Devagiri. Yadava army got defeated by the Khalji army; Ramachandradeva accepted Khaljis overlorship and gave huge money and gold, made peace settlement. The defeat of Yadava Ramachandra put other Hindu kings' identity in danger. Pratapa Rudra II made his army, and the defense of the kingdom very strong, Prepared his infantry, war horses, elephants, archers and infantry very strong.
First Muslim attack on Telangana (A.D.1303)
In A.D. 1296, Garshasp Malik treacherously killed Jalaluddin Khalji, his uncle and Sultan of Delhi and ascended the throne as Allauddin Khalji, ruled upto A.D.1316. For the first time sent his army on Trilinga or Telangana or Orugallu in A.D. 1303. Delhi sultan's army chiefs, Malik fakruddin Jana and Zhujas of Kara entered Telangana with their army. In the historic battle took at Upperpalli village in Karimnagar district, Kakatiya army chiefs Potuganti myli, Venna son of Recherla Prasadaditya, showed their talent and dareness, courage sent back the army of the Sultan. This fact is mentioned in the Velogotivari Vamshavali a Telugu writing.
Second Attack on Orugallu by Delhi Sultanate
Allauddin Khalji desired of a large empire. The failure of his army attack on Telangana developed a strong will in him. Filled with revenge, he in A.D.1309 sent huge army under the leadership of Malik Kafur and Khwaja Haji, on Telangana. Starting in the month of October 1309 A.D. Sultan's contingent entered Warangal via Devagiri. In A.D. 1310 February, ferocious battle took place between the two sides, but finally Kakatiya emperor accepted the defeat and made peace settlement. Till Allauddin Khalji's death Pratapa Rudra paid the tribute every year and remained a faithful to the Delhi Sultan.
Prataparudra's feudatories rebelled against him, for the defeat and accepting the subordination of Delhi Sultan. In the southern part of Kakatiya kingdom Nellore Telugu Chola king Ranganatha rebelled against the emperor Prataprudra. Vaidumba head Mallideva, also rebelled, Gandikota was his centre. To suppress these rebels Prataparudra sent army under the leadership of Juttayalenka Gonkayareddy. By defeating Mallideva, Juttayalenka Gonkayareddy got the appreciation of his emperor. He was appointed as the king's reagent of Gandikota and near by areas by Prataparudra. In A.D. 1311 Delhi Sultan attacked the Pandya kingdom, on the request of Sultan; Prataprudra participated in the war with his army. Sultan's chief Malik Kafur's army marched up to Madurai. The internal wars among the Pandya kings continued for a long time. As friend of Sultan, Kakatiya emperor's army participated in the war. Prataprudra's chief Muppidi Nayaka took important role in this wars. In A.D.1316 Allauddin Khalji died and his army went back to Delhi. By this, Prataprudra's army had to fight with the Nellore ruler, Ballala III of Hoyasala and Pandya king Veera Pandya.
Prataparudra's army chief defeated, Hoyasala, Ballala III and his friend Shambuvaraya king of Padaiveedu, and Chandragiri ruler Yadavaraya in a fierce battle. Kanchi city was occupied. According to Parabrahma sastry, this fact is mentioned in the Draksharamam temple inscription, which was preserved in the Mackenzie manuscripts (Kakatiyas, p 131). In these conditions, when Pandya army faced the Kakatiya army, Prataprudra took the charge personally, and led the army. Kakatiya chiefs like Muppidi Nayaka, Recherla Eradacha, and Manaveera and Deveri nayaka supported him. Finally Kakatiya army was victorious and they put Sundara Pandya on the Pandya throne. As a mark of victory, Deveri nayaka made some donations to Ranganatha god of Salakalaveedu village in the Kaveti Island. Some inscriptions of Deveri nayaka, which are found here, mention the above fact. Like this Prataprudra extended his domination in the Dakshinapatha during A.D.1312 to 1316.
Prataparudra II and Politics of Delhi Sultans (A.D.1316-1317)
After the death of Allauddin Khalji in A.D 1316, his army chief Malik Kafur put Sultan's son Shahboddin on the throne, and continued the administration. But after few days Malik Kafur was murdered. Taking this as advantage Prataprudra stopped payment of yearly tribute. In the similar way in Yadava kingdom Ramachandradeva's son-in-law Harapaladeva rebelled against the Sultan. In this changed political situation Allauddin Khalji's another son Qutubuddin Mubarak Shah dethroned Shiehbuddin and ascended the throne of Delhi Sultanate. He sent army on the Dakshinapatha, on those kings who were earlier feudatories under his father. In A.D.1318, he invaded first on Devagiri kingdom, defeated Harapala and killed him. Devagiri came under his control, immediately he sent his army chief Khusru Khan on the Kakatiya kingdom. There are different opinions are expressed by contemporary historians like Amir Khusru and Isami. On the whole mutually agreed settlement took place, and Prataparudra accepted to be feudatory of Mubarak Shah and paid the tribute.
Prataparudra fought a war with Kampili ruler Kumara Rama in A.D.1318. Main reason for this war was, Kumara Rama insulted Prataparudra and also he did not like Prataparudra helping Bhallala III of Hoyasala dynasty. Regarding the result of the war, in the Kannada work Kumara Ramana Charitra and Telugu work Bheemeshwara Puranam different versions are found. It seems that both might have won every war (PSR, p174).
Ghiyasuddin Tughluq ascended the Delhi Sultanate in A.D. 1320
In A.D.1318 in Delhi court group Politics reached to height. In this Khalji dynasty was the loser. Allauddin Khalji's son Qutubuddin ordered his chief of the army Khusru Khan to invade Mathura, (meanwhile). At last Khusru Khan was murdered. The Turkey nobles appointed Ghiyasuddin Tughluq as Delhi Sultan, who ascended the throne in A.D.1320. From then onwards Tughluq dynasty started to rule. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq's son was Ulug Khan. Ulug Khan was sent by his father to invade on Warangal, first time in A.D.1323. Ulugh Khan failed in his first attempt, but on the orders of his father, made the second attack on Orugallu in the same year. Prataparudra II and his army fought ferociously but the result was nil. Ulug Khan got the victory. The wealth and Warangal fort became the target of the Sultanate army. While taking to Delhi as captive, Prataparudra escaped and committed suicide by jumping into the Narmada River. This fact is mentioned in the Vilasa copper plate inscription of Masunuri Prolaya Nayaka. By the death of Prataparudra II Kakatiya dynasty came to an end. Telangana and Orugallu were merged into the Delhi Sultanate Empire, and Orugallu's name was changed to Sultanpur.
Prataparudra II's feudatories, Army chiefs and Ministers
Kayastha Mallideva, Recherla Mummadi Nayaka, Recherela Venna son of Recherla Prasadaditya, his grand children Eradacha, Nalladacha, is his supporters. Prataparudra made the army strong and fought wars heroically.
Delhi Sultanate army's attacks on Dakshinapatha - Downfall of Kakatiya Kingdom
Under the rule of Kakatiyas today's Telangana and Andhra regions were united. Language and Culture Progressed. But the contemporary Deccan Hindu kingdoms like Hoyasala, Pandya, Yadava and Kakatiya kingdoms ended in the attacks of Delhi Sultans. As a result foundations were laid for the spread of Islam and Turkish political authority in the Dakshinapatha.
Muslim attack on North India started almost around A.D.950, where as on South India they were started in A.D.1303. The Slave dynasty ruled north India between A.D.1206-1294, due to the attacks from the Mongols and busy in conquering the North Indian rulers, not cutting of their relations with Afghanistan, the Delhi Sultans did not try for the south Indian conquests. But the Khalji dynasty began with Jalaluddin and by the time his son-in-law Allauddin Khalji's time Mongols were taken under control and the Rajputs were completely defeated. Camping at Kara Alllauddin Khalji thought that the way to meet the expenses of the army is conquering the south. By that time Devagiri was occupied, hence the second step fell invariably on Andhra. The south Indian kingdoms during the Muslim attacks had no idea to neither work together, nor consider it as a common disaster and face them, lacking such a thought was a pathetic condition in the Indian politics.
Ekamranatha's Pratapa Charitra, Masunuri Prolaya nayaka's Vilasa copper plate, Anitally, Kaluvacheruvu copper plate and other local histories mention that during the Prataprudra II Period, there were Eight Turkish attacks, but Muslim historians mention only five. In A.D.1303, Malik Fakruddin Juna, and Zaju the chiefs, on the orders of Allauddin Khalji for the first time came via Bengal and attacked Telangana. The two armies fought near Upperapalli in Karimnagar district, in which Kakatiya chief's Recherla Venna, Potuganti Myli led the army of Kakatiya. In the first attack Khalji army got defeat by the Kakatiya army.
Second invasion on Orugallu took place in A.D.1309. Contemporary historians like Amir Khusru and Barani had explained this war. Khalji army was led by Maliknaib Kafur and Khwajahaji. In the beginning the Khalji army reached Devagiri, from there crossing Basirghar, Kunarbal reached Anumakonda. The attack continued for a month, then and occupied Anumakonda. First they took over the mud fort, later attacked the stone walled fort, while attacking this Muslim army burnt the near by villages, in this helpless situation Prataperudrall agreed for as treaty, paying huge amount yearly as tribute with Malik Kafur. After the death of Allauddin Khalji, Prataparudra stopped payment of tribute. Qutbuddin Mubarak the Sultan of Delhi at that time, sent Khusru Khan on Orugallu. In the third attack also Prataparudra was defeated and accepted to pay the tribute, by making a peace treaty. Fourth attack took place in A.D.1321-22. As per Tariq-i-Faristha written by Faristha, in 1320 Khalji's rule came to an end and Tughluqs rule began at Delhi. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq was the first ruler of Tughluq dynasty, wanted to build a Muslim rule in the south, instead of collecting tribute. For this his son Juna khan reached Orugallu via Devagiri attacked for six months. According to Isami's Futwut Salatin, Faristha's Tariq-i-Faristha and Velugotivari Vamshavali, when Tughaluqs army was about to win, poet Ubaid spread a rumor of death of the Delhi Sultan, two army chiefs Taimur and Tigrin rebelled and began discussions with Prataprudra. Juna Khan stopped the attacks and went back to Delhi. While the Delhi army was going back, the Kakatiya army caused them great loss and created trouble. Fifth attack took place in A.D.1323. Juna khan reached Devagiri. With additional force coming from Delhi, he occupied Bidar and Bodhan and then attacked Orugallu. The seizing continued for five months. By Muslim attacks, Prataprudra's treasury became empty, Muslim's wanton destruction of the villages created fear and panic among the people. They lost will power, lose faith in the lord and God. In addition to this the jealousy among the Velamas and Reddy's reached the peak. Prataprudra, showing respect to the Velamas was not liked by the Reddys. According to Prataprudra Charitra, army chief Bobba reddy left the war with his army. The protection of Kakatiya kingdom was fractured due to caste differences. Prataprudra was defeated by Juna Khan and became captive. While taking to Delhi, Prataparudra escaped and committed suicide by jumping into the Narmada River. Kakatiya kingdom became a part of Delhi Sultanate, Orugallu popularly known as 'Andhra nagari' was changed to Sultanpur.
Quick Review
- Rudradeva (A.D.1163-1195)
- Mahadeva (A.D.1195-1199)
- Ganapatideva (A.D.1199-1262)
- Rudramadevi (A.D.1262-1289)
- Pratapa Rudra II (A.D.1289-1323)
- Declared independence in A.D.1163
- 1000 pillar temple inscription, Anumakonda
- Defeated Dommaraja, Medaraju, Myligadeva
- Built new capital Orugallu (Warangal)
- Died in war with Yadava Jaitugi (A.D.1195)
- Ruled 63 years (A.D.1199-1262)
- United all Telugu speaking people
- Conquered Velanadu, Nellore, Kalinga
- Matrimonial alliances with Ayyavamshas
- Handed administration to Rudramadevi
- First great woman ruler of medieval South India
- Defeated Yadava king Mahadeva
- Took title 'Raya Gaja Kesari'
- Faced Ambadeva's rebellion
- Died A.D.1289 suppressing Ambadeva
- Last Kakatiya ruler (A.D.1290-1323)
- Appointed 77 Nayakas for army
- Defeated Ambadeva's son Murari II
- Faced repeated Delhi Sultanate attacks
- Died A.D.1323; Kakatiya dynasty ended
- First attack: A.D.1303 (defeated by Kakatiyas)
- Second attack: A.D.1309 (Malik Kafur)
- Third attack: A.D.1318 (Khusru Khan)
- Fourth attack: A.D.1321-22 (Juna Khan)
- Fifth attack: A.D.1323 (Orugallu fell)
Telangana History & Culture - Kakatiya dynasty overview
