The Kakatiya Dynasty, a beacon of cultural and architectural brilliance, flourished in the Deccan region from 1163 to 1323 AD. With Hanumakonda and Orugallu (Warangal) as their capitals, the Kakatiyas left an indelible mark on the history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, extending their influence into parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha.

Founder and Extent of Rule

Prola Raja II is credited as the founder of the Kakatiya Dynasty, and under his successors, they ruled over present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as well as parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha. The earliest known record describing the Kakatiyas as a sovereign power is the Anumakonda inscription of Rudradeva (Prataparudra I).

Religion 

The Kakatiyas followed Hinduism but exhibited tolerance towards Jainism. Their gold coin, known as Gadvanam, reflected the economic prosperity of their kingdom.

Famous Rulers and Contributions:

Prataparudra I (1158 - 1195 AD):

• Declared an end to their status as feudatory chiefs of the Chalukyas.
• Oversaw the Palanadu war.
• Authored the 'Nitisara' in Sanskrit.

Ganapati (1198 - 1262 AD):

• Adorned the title "Rayagajekesari."
• Notably supported the poet Tikkana Somayaji.
• Created the man-made Pakhal Lake in Warangal.
• Shifted the capital from Hanumakonda to Warangal.

Rudrama Devi (1262 - 1296):

• The first woman ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
• Welcome to Italian traveler Marco Polo during her reign.

Prataparudra II (1296 - 1323):

• Faced Muslim invasions by Allauddin Khilji and Gayasuddin Tughlaq.
• The decline of the Kakatiyas ensued during his reign.

Architecture:

Rudresvara Temple: Built in Anumakonda by Prataparudra I, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya.

Ramappa Temple: Constructed by Recherla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Literature:

Jayapa Senani: Notable works include Geeta Ratnavali, Nritya Ratnavali, and Vadya Ratnavali.

Tikkana Somayaji: Renowned for works like Nirvachanottara Ramayanamu, Vijayasenamu, Kavivaagbandhamu, and Krishnasatakamu.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The 12th and 13th centuries witnessed the emergence of the Kakatiyas from being feudatories to establishing themselves as a sovereign dynasty. Under Prataparudra I, the use of Telugu language in inscriptions began. Marco Polo's observations during Rudrama Devi's reign attest to the administrative prowess of the Kakatiya rulers.

The Kakatiya Thoranam, an ornate arch built in the 12th century, stands as an emblem of Telangana. Notable architectural like the Pakhal Lake and the 1000 pillar temple in Warangal reflect the dynasty's commitment to cultural splendor.

Socially progressive, the Kakatiyas did not rigidly adhere to the caste system, allowing individuals flexibility in choosing their professions. The renowned Koh-i-Noor Diamond, initially owned by the Kakatiyas, later found its way into the hands of the Delhi Sultanate during the tumultuous attacks on the Kakatiya Kingdom in the late 13th century.

The Kakatiya rule, symbolizing an era of prosperity and cultural brilliance, concluded in 1323 AD when Warangal fell to Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi. Despite their eventual decline, the Kakatiya Dynasty remains important in history for its contributions to art, literature, and governance in the Deccan region.