Temples of the Kakatiya Period and their Characteristics
1163–1323 CE Kakatiya temples are known for their distinctive art and architectural features, blending Chalukyan and local Telangana styles.
Temples of the Kakatiya Period
| S.No. | Temple Name | Place it centred / constructed | Other details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anumakonda Thousand Pillar temple, Rudreshwaralayam | Rudradeva built in A.D. 1163 | This is a Trikutalaya; Rudra, Vasudeva and Surya are main deities. Declaration of Kakatiyas' Sovereignty is supported by the inscription of A.D. 1163, found in the temple. |
| 2 | Ramappa temple or Rudreshwaralayam | Palampet village, Mulugu tq, Warangal district; built in A.D. 1213 by Ganapatideva's general Recherla Rudradeva | Constructed on a six and half ft height upa pitha; Pradakshina patha is ten feet wide; had four storeyed Vimana; entrance doors on three sides. In the interior Nandi sculpture is there. The temple is constructed with faded red color hard stones. In the temple the decorated tiles and sculptures are seen as bold and fresh. In this temple the female figures known as 'Madanika' with full ornamentation are carved. These female figures are in tri bhangima postures with the legs either constricted or in allied feet. The sculptors carved them as per the styles of Jayapasenani's Nrityarathnavalli. The serpent figures are beautifully carved. On the walls the sculpted figures of Musicians, the singer of bhakti songs, and on the wall of Rangamandapa sculptures on the pillars and the scene of Gopika vasthrapaharanam, and rasa kreeda from Bhagavatam, shows the expertise skill of the sculptors. |
| 3 | Ghanapuram Fort temple | Warangal | Ghanapuram fort temple in the Rangamandapa, beautiful Nayika (heroine) sculptures were wonderfully carved by the sculptor. The Nayikas in different poses playing the various music instruments were carved on the temple pillars. In the temple, Nandi sculpture decorated with beads garland looks full and awesome, is an example of the superior art of the Kakatiyas. |
| 4 | Nagulapadu Trikutalayam (1234), Kameshwaralayam (A.D. 1256) | Nagulapadu | Rangamandapam had beautiful carved pillars, with the scenes of Ravana sabha is very soothing. |
| 5 | Swayambhulingo temple (A.D. 1254) | Warangal fort | Destroyed during the Muslim attacks, at present is in a dilapidated condition in the Warangal fort. |
| 6 | Pillalamarri Erakeshwaralayam (A.D. 1208) | Nalgonda | Mukkanteeshwaralayam (A.D. 1195), Nameshwaralayam (A.D. 1203). |
| 7 | Soumyanachalayam | Nandaluru | Here the sculpture of Visvakshena is carved in a wonderful way. |
| 8 | Pachala Someshwaralayam | Panugallu, Nalgonda | Built during A.D. 1015–1042, Kalyana Chalukyas. |
| 9 | Ramlingeshwaralayam | Nandikandi, Medak District | A.D. 1015–1042. |
Scroll horizontally to view full table on mobile
Significance of Temples in Medieval Period
— K.A. Neelakantha Sastry, 'The Cholas', p. 654, 1955
Under the patronage of Kakatiyas, in Andhradesha, many temples flourished with lime light, their income resources and wealth are in plenty. For example Pratapaclaritra of Ekamranatha mentions that in the kingdom of Prataparudra II there were 5,500 Saiva temples, 1,300 Vaisnava temples, Mallaradeve had 2,400 temples, Bhairava, Durga, and Ganapati together had 4,400 temples (op cit G Andjaiah, p12). To the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in A.D. 1313 (in Prataparudradeva II time) had fifty two villages. The income from these villages was spent for the Daily poojas, services, by the temple employees and Priests (Ibid p 132). During this period different caste people and traders, donated some share from their income to the temples. To the temple lands special tax exemption was there. To various temples, the Perikas (the transporters) carried on bulls and bullock carts the daily needed fruits and goods, the kings and their officers exempted tax on these is mentioned in the Tripuranthakam inscription.
Kakatiya Legacy
The Kakatiyas got the credit of establishing a first large empire in the present Telangana. They developed unity among the Telugu speaking people, brought them together. They gave a politically strong and friendly administration. In literature, art and architecture and religious field the Kakatiyas were highly successful. In their time society was peaceful and economically very strong. Their irrigation policy and Religious policy was excellent role model for the present generation.
Quick Review
- Architectural features: High Adhisthana, sculpted pillars, Jalies on mandapa parapets, Torana pillars, high vimanas, Ranga mandapas, Mukha mandapas.
- Thousand Pillar temple (Anumakonda): Built by Rudradeva in A.D. 1163; Trikutalaya with Rudra, Vasudeva and Surya as main deities.
- Ramappa temple (Palampet): Built in A.D. 1213 by Recherla Rudradeva; four-storeyed Vimana; Madanika figures in tri bhangima postures; sculptures as per Jayapasenani's Nrityaratnavalli.
- Ghanapuram Fort temple: Nayika sculptures playing music instruments; decorated Nandi sculpture.
- Nagulapadu: Trikutalayam (1234) and Kameshwaralayam (A.D. 1256); Rangamandapam with Ravana sabha scenes.
- Swayambhulingo temple: Warangal fort, A.D. 1254; destroyed during Muslim attacks.
- Pillalamarri: Erakeshwaralayam (A.D. 1208), Mukkanteeshwaralayam (A.D. 1195), Nameshwaralayam (A.D. 1203) – Nalgonda.
- Soumyanachalayam: Nandaluru; wonderful sculpture of Visvakshena.
- Pachala Someshwaralayam: Panugallu, Nalgonda; A.D. 1015–1042 (Kalyana Chalukyas).
- Ramlingeshwaralayam: Nandikandi, Medak District; A.D. 1015–1042.
- Temple wealth: 5,500 Saiva temples, 1,300 Vaisnava temples (Prataparudra II period); Srisailam temple had 52 villages (A.D. 1313).
- Legacy: First large empire in Telangana; united Telugu-speaking people; strong administration; excellent irrigation and religious policy.
Note: Kakatiya temples are a synthesis of art, religion and economy – serving as landlords, banks, schools and centres of culture.
Kakatiya Dynasty, Temples and Architecture | Telangana Culture
