Kakatiya Dynasty History
From the 10th to 13th century AD, the Deccan and Telugu region was ruled by the Kakatiyas, while the Kannada region was under the Hoyasalas, the Maratha region under the Yadavas, and the Tamil region under the Pandyas. These dynasties were known for their service to the people, protection of Hindu culture, and tolerance towards other religions. Despite their valor and devotion to their motherland, internal disunity led to their downfall and opened doors for Delhi Sultanate attacks. The Kakatiyas began as army officials under the Rashtrakutas, later serving the Kalyana Chalukyas, and eventually became independent with capitals at Anumakonda and Orugallu. They ruled Telugu-speaking areas for over three centuries and sowed the seeds of today's Telangana culture.
Sources of Kakatiya History
Two main types: Archaeological (inscriptions, coins, monuments) and Literary (Telugu, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian). Inscriptions reveal socio-economic conditions, wars, and military details. Coins include Kesari Gaddyana, Nishka, Madas, Pati-Varas. Monuments like the Orugallu fort, Kakatiya Toranas, thousand pillar temple (Anumakonda), Ramappa temple (Palampet), and temples at Pillalamarri, Nagulapadu, and Ghanapuram showcase exquisite sculpture and drapery designs.
| S.No | Inscription / author | King / officer | Time / period | Historical importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magallu inscription | Eastern Chalukyan King Danarnava | A.D. 956 | Donation of Magallu village to a Brahmin by Kakartya Gundana |
| 2 | Anumakonda 1000 pillar temple inscription | Rudradeva | A.D. 1063 | Declaration of independence in 1063 by Rudradeva |
| 3 | Draksharamam temple inscription | Prola II's minister Inangala Brahmireddy | A.D. 1158 | Prola II's son Rudradeva's accession to the throne |
| 4 | Bayyaram Inscription | Ganapatideva's sister Mailamba | A.D. 1219 | Digging of Bayyaram Tank by Mailamba (Khammam district) |
| 5 | Motopalli inscription | Ganapatideva | A.D. 1244 | Remissions to foreign merchants |
| 6 | Malkapuram inscription | Ganapatideva | A.D. 1261 | References to Vidyamandapas |
| 7 | Chandupatla inscription | Rudramadevi's servant Puvvulamummadi | A.D. 1289 | Rudramadevi lost her life suppressing Ambadeva's revolt; land donation for her sadgati |
| 8 | Tripurantakam inscription (Nellore) | Ambadeva, Rudrama's official | A.D. 1291 | Victories of Ambadeva |
| 9 | Salakalaveedu inscription | Pratapa Rudra II | A.D. 1317 | Deveri Nayaka donated Sakalaveedu village to God Kaveri Ranganatha after victory over Pandyas; mentions many taxes |
| 10 | Kolunupalli inscription (Mahaboob nagar) | Pratapa Rudra II | A.D. 1321 | Donations to Chenna Keshavawamy and Narasimha Swamy temples |
| S.No. | Book | Author | Language | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pandiradya Charitam, Basavapuranam | Palkurki Somanatha | Telugu | Conditions of Saivism and other religions during Kakatiya period |
| 2 | Neetisaram / Neeti Sastramuktavali | Baddena | Telugu | Explains Raja neeti and Raja dharma |
| 3 | Shivayogosaram | Kolanu Ganapatideva | Telugu | History of Indaluri Nayakas |
| 4 | Kridhabhiramam | Venukonda Vallabharaya | Telugu | Description of life of people in Warangal fort |
| 5 | Prataparudriyam / Prataparudra Yahsho bhushanam | Vidhyanatha | Sanskrit | Court poet of Prataparudra II |
| 6 | Nrutyarathnavali | Jayapa Senanai | Sanskrit | Explains characteristics of Nrutya and Natya |
| 7 | Andhra Mahabharatam | Tikkana Somayaji | Telugu | Ganapatideva's friend Nellore King Manumasiddi's court poet |
| 8 | Nirvachanottara Ramayanam | Tikkana Somayaji | Telugu | Viraata Parvam |
Other language writings
Arabic & Persian: Tariq-i-Farishtha (Farishtha), Fut-wut-salatin (Isami), Barani's Tariq-i-Ferozshahi, Rehalla (Ibn Battuta). European: "The Travels" by Marco Polo mentions foreign trade at Motupalli during Rudramadevi's period. Telugu works like Pratapacharitra (Ekamranatha), Siddeshwara Charitra (Kashe Sarvappa), and Neetisaram also inform Kakatiya administration.
Kakatiyas - Identity and Early History
Many inscriptions and literary works reveal information on the identity and early history of the Kakatiyas, leading to different opinions among historians. In the Eastern Chalukyan king Danarnava's Magallu inscription (A.D. 956), for the first time Kakartya Gundyana and his preceding three generations are mentioned. Some historians argue he is the founder of the Kakatiya dynasty. There is no unanimity on the birthplace: some believe Kakatipuram village gave them the name, while others oppose this. According to the second group, the Kakatiyas worshipped 'Kakati' (the goddess) -
Quick Review
- Kakatiyas - Telugu region
- Hoyasalas - Kannada region
- Yadavas - Maratha region
- Pandyas - Tamil region
- Inscriptions (10 key ones listed)
- Coins: Kesari Gaddyana, Nishka, Madas, Pati-Varas
- Monuments: Orugallu fort, Ramappa temple, 1000-pillar temple
- Telugu: Pandiradya Charitam, Neetisaram, Kridhabhiramam
- Sanskrit: Prataparudriyam, Nrutyarathnavali
- Persian/Arabic: Tariq-i-Farishtha, Ibn Battuta
- Magallu inscription (A.D. 956) - first mention
- Kakartya Gundyana - possible founder
- Birthplace: Kakatipuram (disputed)
- Worshipped goddess 'Kakati' (per some historians)
Telangana History & Culture - Kakatiya dynasty overview
