Kakatiya Economic System
1163–1323 CE Agriculture, irrigation, village economy, industries, guilds (Shrenis) and flourishing inland and foreign trade under the Kakatiyas of Orugallu.
Economic System
During the early days, when Kakatiya kingdom was established in the Deccan Plateau, they have scanty water resources and less fertile lands of Telangana region. Ganapatideva with his military victories brought the fertile coastal Andhra under his authority. Through the agricultural taxes and taxes on trade and commerce, lot of income reached the treasury. The contemporary historians and travelers', Barani, Isami, Ferishtha and Marco Polo have mentioned About the Kakatiyas wealth and richness in their writings. Kakatiya rulers and their feudatories had shown special interest for the development of agriculture. They constructed the tanks and canals. In some places they cleared the forests and converted it into agricultural land. There are no sources to know their income and expenditure. Along with agriculture, internal and external trade, and industries were developed.
Agriculture
Agricultural land was divided into two types, Magani (wet land) and Metta (dry land), is known from some sources. In the Magani, Neeru nela (water land) and Thota (garden land), in Metta (dry land), rain dependent crops like Maize, Mustard seeds, Castor seeds and sessamum are grown. Irrigated lands were known as 'Acchu Kattu' lands. The crops grown on these lands, government treasury collected land tax. When land was given for lease, the agreement between the owners of the land the leaser was made by exchange of Tambulam (Betel leaves).
Villages were more in number during the Kakatiya period. Majority of the People's occupation was agriculture. Many inscriptions of the period mention that Kakatiya and their feudatories built many new villages. Inscriptions of the period mentions that Manthena, Chennuru, Kaleshwaram, Narasampeta, Achampeta, Khammammetta and Kothagudem etc. Were built by them. The Kakatiya rulers and their feudatories not only built new villages but also constructed new tanks. For example, during the period of Ganapatideva one feudatory, Prolaraju, ruling over Chennuru rajya, to build a new village and built a tank, for this he collected for every marutur land one sixteenth of a ruka, which is one visa as god's portion of the share. A.D.1303 Katakuru inscription of Prataparudra. (A.D.1303) mentioned this. Among the agricultural crops Paddy, Cotton, Ulavalu(telugu), oilseeds, Millets(Jonnalu), vegetables chilies, black gram, green gram, Ginger, Sugarcane, wheat, onions and Blue(Neeli) dye are some important crops. Flowers and fruits are grown in special gardens. Agricultural taxes are Siddayam, oir Pangamu, Pannu, Kanika, Darshanamu, Vennu Pannu, Neeruveedi, Ardhayam, Pullari (tax on grass land), are the some names of the taxes found in the inscriptions. The tax is collected either in cash or kind. Tax is exempted on the lands given to the Brahmins, Temples and village servants. Manthena inscription (IAP KN No28, Kakatiyas Telugu p 185), mentions that Brahmin Manchibhattu, whoi was a Rajapurohita, donated a wide land, taking permission from the king. Like this Ganapatideva's Kaleshwaram inscription mention that lord Budhadeva son of Rudra donated four nivartanas of land near the village tank (IAP KN.No32). Many villages are named after the Kakatiya kings and queens who built them. Ganapavaram built by Ganapatideva, Mahadevapuram by Mahadeva, Rudravaram by Rudra, Bayyaram by Bayyaladevi, Muppavaram by Muppamamba, which are some of the popular villages. There is difference of opinion among the historians and scholars during the Kakatiya period, on who was the owner of the land, King or the people? The A.D.1311 inscription from Mellacheruvu in Nalgonda, district mentions that the king had all rights on Rachapolamu, regadi or veligadu or sand soil. King as per his wish can distribute these lands to Brahmins or farmers. P.V. Parabrahma Shastry and other historians opined that people had personal rights over the lands. In case of some necessity, if the king wants to take the personal lands, he did by paying due compensation. During the period of Kakatiyas, building of villages and excavation of tanks was considered as a meritorious (Poonya), deeds by the society. Ganapatideva's sister, Kundamamba built 'Kundavaram village in the Chennuru taluqa of Adilabad district and excavated a tank, called after her as 'Kunda Samudram', which is mentioned in the inscription found near the tank. In the same way Ganapatideva's teacher (Guru) 'Visweshvara sivacharya' purchased forest land for 850 gadyanas, cleared the forest land and built a village in his name called 'Visvanathapura' and also excavated a tank there. This fact is mentioned by P.V.Parabrahma Shastry (Kakatiyas pp189-190). The king gave special tax exemptions to the land around the newly built villages to encourage cultivation.
During the Kakatiya period the Nayankara ministers, army chiefs, Karanams and village servants and Ayyagars were given tax free lands, in those villages where they live is mentioned in the inscriptions. Ganapatideva's daughter Ganapamba's Mogalutla inscription (E.A. Vol IV p97, P.V.P. Kakatiyas p 191) mentioned that Kammarlu (blacksmiths), Kummarlu (Potters), Chakali (washermen), etc. The village servants, from their cultivated land have to donate half of its income to donee. Rachapolam or Racha bhumulu (kings' lands) are mentioned in the Mellacheruvu inscription. Newly cultivated land is known as 'Podu'. Inscriptional evidence shows that some tax exemptions were given to these newly cultivated lands.
Irrigation System
Kakatiyas took special care to provide water to the agricultural lands. During this period excavation of tanks took place briskly. Big tanks were called 'samudram'; were constructed as a chain system. When the upper tanks are filled with water, the extra water is flowed into the tanks at the lower level, hence called Golusukattu cheruvulu (tanks constructed in a chain system). The important tanks of the period can be seen in the following table. Motupalli and Bayyaram inscriptions give detail of the tanks of the period.
Important Tanks / Samudrams of the Kakatiya Period
| S.No. | Tank / Samudram | Builder | Place | Details / Speciality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kesamudram or Kesari samudram | Prolaraju I or Prolaraju Arigajakesari | Mahboobabad taluqa in Warangal district | Prolaraju built on the name of his title |
| 2 | Settikeriya cheruvu or kesuri samudram | Betaraju II | Warangal district | Erected a statue of Varuna deva as per Hanmakonda inscription |
| 3 | Anumakonda cheruvu | Rudradeva | Hanmakonda | -- |
| 4 | Pakala cheruvu or Pakalacheruvu inscription | Ganapatideva's minister Bayyana Nayaka's son Jagadalumum madi | Narasampet tq. Maneru Basin | On four sides of the tanks forest is covered, even today irrigating 9,037 acres of land. Explains the rules to be followed in constructing the tank and choosing of land for building of the tank |
| 5 | Ramappa Cheruvu | Ganapatideva's army chief Recherla Rudra in A.D.1213. | Palampeta village in Mulugu taluka. | Inscription in the Siva temple gives all details. The Ramappp temple also built during the construction of the tank is the opinion of the historians. Irrigating even today 4,350 acres of agricultural land |
| 6 | Ghanpur tank | Ganapatideva's period | Warangal district | Even today irrigating agricultural land of 350 acres in Ghanpur village. |
| 7 | lakhnavaram | -- | -- | -- |
| 8 | Bayyaram cheruvu | Mailamba Ganapatideva's sister and wife of Natavadi Rudra | Bayyaram village Khammam district. | -- |
| 9 | Kunda samudram | Another sister of Ganapatideva Kundamamba | Kundavaram, Adilabad district | -- |
| 10 | Chounda samudram | Ganapatideva's army general Mallyala Chounda | Kondaparti village Warangal district. | - |
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During the Kakatiya period along with tanks, water springs canals played important role in supplying water to the agricultural lands. The inscriptions of the period mention water springs, like 'Gosugu canal', 'Ravipati canal' Moosati canal, Aleti canal, Kuchineni canal, Bommakanti canal (PVP Kakatiyulu Telugu p195). Not only tanks, samudrams but also with Etams, Pulleys (a type of water drawing from the wells), and water is drawn from the wells. A.D.1254 Dosapadu inscription of Ganapatideva's period mentions that along with bulls, wood required for making pulley or etams they were also donated (PVP Kakatiyulu Telugu p195). Maintenance of these tanks and canals special arrangement was made by Kakatiyas. The tanks and canal were repaired every year. Drudging and repairs were carried out every year. Persons were appointed to look after all these works, and they were paid one kuncha of grain for every putti of grain produced in the fields under these canals. They ordered and executed this system known as Dashbandha or Dashavandha manyam. Some land was also given as manyam to the persons who carried out these works.
The efforts and care put by the Kakatiyas rulers for irrigations was not continued after them. During Kakatiya period the farmers used to worship the bulls and their ploughs and other agricultural implements', before beginning of the agricultural activities and celebrated them as festivals. Even today 'Eruvaka' and Samkranti are the big festivals for the farmers.
Village Economy during the Kakatiya Period
The Kakatiyas had ruled for more than two and half centuries with Anumakonda and Warangal as their capital cities in the Telangana region. Village remained as the base of Administration and Economy. Contemporary literature and inscriptions give details of village economic system, Handicrafts, caste occupations and both internal and foreign trade. Agricultural land was divided into 'Magani' (wetland) and 'Metta' (dryland). The Magani land was sub divided into Neerunela and Tontanela. Neerunela means crops growing land and Tonta means garden land. In the dry land Sesamum, Castor seeds, Blue dye, (Neelimandu), Ragulu are grown. The lands which are tilled with ploughs are called as 'Achukattu nela'. Achukattu means one type of tax called 'Ari' is collected from these lands. There were many varieties of paddy mentioned. In the Orugallu region scented variety of paddy is grown. According to B.S.L. Hanumanthrao, yellow gram (Kandulu) was began, to be consumed by people during this period only. Coconut, Guava, Mango, Banana, and Betel leaves gardens were common. Jaggery Sugar and Oil pressing, industries were found compulsorily in every village. As per the inscriptional data, the number of cows donated to the temples, show the cattle wealth of that period.
Industries, Inland and Foreign Trade
Along with agriculture, many industries also developed. Palkuriki Somanatha in his Basavapuranam mentions that there were 20 varieties of clothes. Marco Polo wrote that in Mysolia or Machilipatanam clothes of high quality, appreciable by the kings were weaved. In Warangal Ratnakamballu (quality woolen blankets) and Makhmal (fine variety of cloths) clothes were weaved. Many handicrafts made of different metal alloys (pancha lohas) were made. Inscriptions of that period mention the metal lamps, Bronze hand lamps, plates, and hand bells are few examples. Palanati Veera charitra mention's that Brahmanaidu erected a panch loha flag post (pillar) in the Tripuranthakam temple. Guttikonda and Palanatiseema are famous for Iron industries. The weapons used in the wars of the period were locally manufactured. The swords made at Nirmal in Adilabad district, became popular even in foreign countries. Marco Polo also mentioned that there were diamond mines in the Golconda region. Diamond mines were there in Rayalaseema too. The carpenter made colorful Ratnas (water Pulleys) and ivory boxes. In Andhra Pradesh, the wax dolls (Lakka Bommalu) and other sport items were made. In those days coloring of Puppets used in the Puppet shows became a major industry. During the Kakatiya period important commercial centres were Orugallu, Panagallu, Jedcherla, Alampur, Maktal, Manthena, Peruru, Velpuru, Tripuranthakam, Penugonda, Kocherlakota, Pedaganjam, Nelluru, Ghantasala, Gudivada, Durgi, Macherla, Tangeda, Enamadala, Lebaka, Nandaluru, Upperapalle, Mopuru and Dornala. The Warangal fort inscription of Ganapatideva informs about the various businesses done by the traders in market yards. These traders formed into Shrenis (guilds).
The Shrenis or guilds are formed during the Satavahana period, flourished in Andhra. During Satavahana period occupational guilds (craft guilds), and trade guilds played an important role in trade and commerce. A.D.1282 Tripuranthakam inscription mentions that 'Nanadesi Pekkandru' a trading guild got permission for trading from the king. During the Kakatiya period both occupational guilds and trading guilds unitedly carried on the business. Every guild elected a head, who is called 'Shresthi' or Setti. The problems of the members of the guild are solved by the guild itself. Each guild had an official insignia, and each guild maintained army for its protection. The business man is called 'Behari' and the business is called 'Vyavaharam'. Two types of trade are carried by these guilds, Swadeshi (inland) and Paradeshi (foreign) trade. The first type is called the 'Nakaram' and the second type is called 'Nanadeshi Pekkandru, Ubhaya nanadeshi pekkandru are the names mentioned in the inscriptions. Aiyyavole-500 guild during Kakatiya period did not have good reputation in Telugu area. Guilds donated some share of their profit to god. The Vaisyas were superior in business. In some inscriptions mention Vaisyas with Reddy, Naidu, Boyas, and Dasaris with Vaisya guilds. The Veerabananja Samaya (shreni) got permission to trade in Pakanadu, Vengi, and Anumakonda cities.
The names of the guilds found in the inscriptions are, Swadesi, Paradesi, Vaadalavaru, Saasar booru, Tagarambur, Ubhaya Nanadessi etc. Trade and commerce was centered on the Vaisya community in those days. In these vaisyas are known as Chettis or settis or Shresttis. Baddena in his Neetisastramuktavalli mentioned the importance of the Vaisya community; vaisyas was like a breath to a city, as water is to a crop, a trunk to an elephant, same way Vaisya is to a city. Kings also encouraged vaisyas for their trade and commerce. In A.D. 1268, Mahaboobabad inscription of Rudramdevi mentions one Preggada Daram Govindasetti. The Draksharamam inscription of kulothunga Gonkaraja's setti, Surapa setti is mentioned. In another inscription mentions Ayyapareddy son of Reddy Sunkana. From this it can be understood that Reddys also appointed as Raja Settis. Unless there is permission from the king trader cannot do any trade. With the growth of inland trade, foreign trade also prospered during this period. The commercial centres during the Kakatiya period were well connected to the ports by high ways, like Motupalli, Machilipatanam, Andhra and Karnataka were well connected by high ways from Motupalli to Bellary via Tripuranthakam. From Palanadu connecting Nalagonda, vai Nakarekall reached Orugallu, this trade route is mentioned in the Kridhabhirammam. Based on the inscriptional references of the taxes levied on the ports, it can be understood that Rivers Krishna and Godavari were used as water ways Motupalli was the centre of foreign trade. Other important ports of foreign trade include, Krishnapatnam, Hamsaladeevi, and Machilipatanam. Giving assurances to the foreign traders, (Ganapatidve issued at Motupalli the Abhaya sasana). The Motupalli inscription gives details of imports and exports from that port. Elephants, Horses, Gold, Jewel, sandalwood, Jewaji, camphor, camphor oil, rose water, ivory, copper, Tin, lead, Mercury, Silk, Ruby, and other Sughandha dravallu. Trade was conducted with China, Persia, Arabia, Ceylon and east India islands. The rate of tax was fixed on the basis of the quality of the goods. For example, if 30 elephants were traded one elephant as tax, must be paid. Ganapatideva assured that the taxes will be lesser to the traders.
As mentioned above Kakatiya rulers followed a liberal policy and encouraged both inland and foreign trade, by this Andhradesha could flourish with wealth and richness. The Kakatiya ruler took care that the government officials do not exploit the traders and ensure that traders carried on their trade ethically without cheating people.
Quick Review
- Land types: Magani (wet) and Metta (dry); Magani sub-divided into Neerunela and Tontanela.
- Irrigated land: Acchu Kattu; newly cultivated land = Podu; king's land = Rachapolam.
- Tanks: Big tanks called Samudram; chain system = Golusukattu cheruvulu; Ramappa Cheruvu (4,350 acres), Pakala Cheruvu (9,037 acres).
- Maintenance: Dashbandha or Dashavandha manyam; paid one kuncha grain per putti.
- Crops: Paddy, Cotton, Millets, Sugarcane, oilseeds, Blue dye; scented paddy in Orugallu.
- Taxes: Siddayam, Pannu, Kanika, Darshanamu, Pullari etc.; exempted for Brahmins, temples, village servants.
- Industries: 20 varieties of cloth; Ratnakamballu and Makhmal in Warangal; Nirmal swords; Golconda diamond mines; pancha loha handicrafts.
- Guilds (Shrenis): Head = Shresthi or Setti; Swadeshi (Nakaram) and Paradeshi (Nanadesi Pekkandru); Aiyyavole-500 guild.
- Foreign trade: Motupalli main port; Abhaya sasana by Ganapatideva; trade with China, Persia, Arabia, Ceylon.
- Tax example: If 30 elephants traded, 1 elephant paid as tax.
Note: Kakatiya rulers followed a liberal trade policy and protected traders from exploitation by officials.
Kakatiya Dynasty, Economic System | Telangana Culture
