Southern-dynasties / Southern Dynasties / Kakatiyas
Political History:
- The Kakatiya dynasty ruled most of eastern Deccan region comprising present day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha between 12th and 14th centuries.
- Their capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal.
- Early Kakatiya rulers served as feudatories to Rashtrakutas and Western Chalukyas for more than two centuries. They assumed sovereignty under Prataparudra I in 1163 CE.
- Ganapati Deva (r. 1199–1262) significantly expanded Kakatiya lands during the 1230s and brought under Kakatiya control the Telugu-speaking lowland delta areas around the Godavari and Krishna.
- Ganapati Deva was succeeded by Rudramma Devi (r. 1262–1289).
- Marco Polo, who visited India sometime around 1289–1293, made note of Rudramma Devi’s rule.
- Alauddin Khalji invaded Kakatiya kingdom in 1303AD. This brought hard times for kakatiyas.
- Finally in 1323 Prince Jaunakhan (Muhammad bin Tughlaq) defeated Prataparudra Deva and annexed their kingdom.
- Prince Jauna changed the name of Kakatiyas capital Oragallu as Sultanpur.
- Prataprudra Deva committed suicide near Narmada river while coming to Delhi as a captive of prince Jauna.
Literature:
- Sanskrit and Telugu literature flourished during this period.
- Jayapa senani has composed Geeta Ratnavali, Nritya Ratnavali and Vadya Ratnavali.
- Andhra natyam and perinisivatandavam were classical dance forms of this period.
Architecture:
- Kakatiyas followed trikuta model in their temple constructions.
- In this model temples are constructed for Shiva, Vishnu and Surya in a triangular way.
- Floating bricks and welcoming archways were silent features in Kakatiya structures.
- The scenic Pakhal lake in Warangal was built by Ganapathi Deva.
- The 1000 pillar temple in Warangal was built during the Kakatiya Rule and is another example of exquisite Kakatiya Architecture.
- The iconic Kakatiya Thoranam was built by Rudramadevi’s father in the 12th Century. This ornate arch is said to have many similarities with the gateways at the Sanchi Stupa and is also the emblem of Telangana.
- The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, which is now among the jewels set in the British Crown, was mined and first owned by the Kakatiya Dynasty.
- Ramappa temple is the best specimen in Kakatiya temples.
