Masterpieces of Kakatiya Architecture: Ramappa Temple, Kota Gullu [12th-14th Century]

Kakatiya Dynasty at a Glance

Characteristics of Kakatiya Architecture

Kakatiya architecture is characterized by its unique blend of Dravidian and local Deccan styles. Key features include:

• Elaborate Pillars and Sculptures: Intricately carved pillars and sculptures often depicting deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics.
• Star-Shaped Platforms: Many temples were built on raised star-shaped platforms, adding a distinctive visual appeal.
• Use of Granite and Sandstone: Robust materials like granite and sandstone were extensively used, ensuring the longevity and resilience of their structures.
• Complex Fortifications: Forts built during the Kakatiya era feature advanced defensive structures.

Thousand Pillar Temple

Location: Hanamkonda, Telangana
Period: Constructed during the reign of Rudra Deva in 1163 CE

• Design and Structure:
  • The Thousand Pillar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya, is a stunning example of Kakatiya architecture.
  • Built on a star-shaped platform, the temple features a unique Trikuta layout with three sanctums.
  • True to its name, the temple complex includes a vast number of intricately carved pillars, each adorned with detailed sculptures and floral patterns.
• Sculptural Art:
  • The temple’s pillars and walls are adorned with exquisite carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, flora, and fauna.
  • A prominent feature is the Nandi statue, a large monolithic sculpture of Shiva’s sacred bull, which stands in front of the temple.

Ramappa Temple

Location: Palampet, Telangana
Period: Constructed in 1213 CE during the reign of Ganapati Deva

• Sandbox Technique: This technique involves placing a layer of sand under the foundation of the structure, which absorbs and dissipates seismic shocks and reduces its impact on the building. One famous example of the sandbox technique is the Taj Mahal in India. The foundation of the Taj Mahal was built using this method, which has made it stable over centuries, despite its location near the Yamuna River. Another example is Japan’s traditional wooden pagodas, some of which have stood for over a thousand years in earthquake-prone regions.
• Cultural Significance: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

Warangal Fort

Location: Warangal, Telangana
Period: Built during the reign of Ganapati Deva and further developed by his successor, Rudrama Devi

• Design and Structure:
  • It was the capital for the Kakatiyas and Musunuri Nayakas.
  • The fort is notable for its concentric fortification walls, including a massive granite wall and an outer earthen rampart.
  • It was first built with bricks and later rebuilt with stone by Ganapatideva (1199-1262 AD).
  • His daughter Rudrama Devi and grandson Prataparudra II further strengthened it.
  • It has four gates called Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (Ornamental Gateways), standing as grand arches carved with intricate designs and sculptures. These gates are part of Telangana’s emblem after the state was created. The fort has been on UNESCO’s “tentative list” for World Heritage Sites since 2010.
• Architectural Features:
  • The fort encircles several structures, including temples, tanks, and gardens.
  • Ruins of the Swayambhu Devalayam (a temple dedicated to Shiva) inside the fort complex.

Kakatiya Kala Thoranam

• Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (Warangal Gate) is a archway in the Warangal Fort.
• The fort has four identical decorative gates that originally served as entrances to a large Shiva temple within the fort, now in ruins.
• This historic archway was an iconic symbol of the Kakatiya dynasty.
• The design of these arches has been adopted as the official Emblem of Telangana.
• It is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Ghanpur Temples (Kota Gullu)

Location: Ghanpur, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District, Telangana
Period: Constructed during the reign of Ganapati Deva in the late 12th and early 13th centuries

• Design and Structure:
  • The Ghanpur Temples, also known as “Kota Gullu,” comprise over 20 temples within a fortified complex.
  • The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • These temples are enclosed by two layers of brick walls, giving them a fortified appearance.
• Sculptural Art:
  • The temples feature mythical sculptures like Gaja-Kesari (a half-human, half-lion figure riding an elephant) and horse-headed, lion-backed elephants.
  • Intricate carvings and floral patterns adorn the pillars and walls, showcasing the detailed artistry of the Kakatiyas.

List of Temples built by Kakatiyas

Temple Name	Location	Dedicated To	Significance
Ramappa Temple	Palampet, Mulugu District	Lord Shiva	UNESCO World Heritage Site; famous for its intricate carvings and floating bricks.
Thousand Pillar Temple	Hanamkonda, Warangal	Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Surya	Known for its architectural grandeur with a star-shaped structure.
Padmakshi Temple	Hanamkonda, Warangal	Goddess Padmakshi	Famous for its Jain influence and Kakatiya-era carvings.
Ghanpur Temples (Kotagullu)	Ghanpur, Warangal	Lord Shiva	Group of temples known for their architectural beauty and sculptures.
Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple	Inavolu, Warangal District	Lord Shiva	One of the early Kakatiya temples known for its cultural importance.

Kakatiya Architecture UPSC MCQs

Will be uploaded soon.

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