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Introduction: Kakatiya Dynasty
The Kakatiya Dynasty was a significant South Indian dynasty that ruled present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Rising to prominence under Prola II and reaching its zenith under Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudrama Devi, the dynasty expanded its territory across the Deccan region.
The Kakatiyas are celebrated for their contributions to administration, architecture, and culture, particularly the fortifications of Warangal and the development of a robust feudal system that integrated local chiefs into the imperial structure.
Kakatiya Dynasty UPSC Notes
Sources of Kakatiya Dynasty
| Mangallu inscription (956 CE) | Depiction of Kakatiyas as commanders of the Rashtrakuta armies |
| Sanigaram inscription (1149 AD) of Prola II | Provides valuable insights into the political landscape of medieval South India and the early years of the Kakatiya dynasty’s rule. |
| Anumakonda inscription (1163 CE) of Rudradeva (Prataparudra I) | The earliest known record portrays the Kakatiyas as a sovereign power. |
| Nandalur Inscription (1264 CE) | Issued by Nagaraja, the pradhani (chief minister) of Janniga-deva (a Kayastha subordinate of Rudrama Devi). It records a gift to the temple of Samuyanathaswami, showing Kakatiya’s presence in the Kadapa region (southern part of modern-day Andhra Pradesh). |
| Atluru Inscription (1268 CE) | Found near Siddavatam, points to Janniga-deva’s authority in the Kadapa region. |
Important Facts about Kakatiya Dynasty
- Period: The Kakatiya dynasty was an early medieval kingdom that ruled most of the eastern Deccan region between the 12th and 14th centuries.
- Territory: Their territory comprised much of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha.
- Capital: Their capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal.
- As Feudatories: Early Kakatiyas’ served as feudatories to Rashtrakutas and Western Chalukyas.
- Invasions: In 1303, Alauddin Khalji, the emperor of the Delhi Sultanate invaded the Kakatiya kingdom but failed to capture it. However after the successful siege of Warangal in 1310, Prataparudra II agreed to pay annual tribute to Delhi.
- Architecture: Kakatiyas has developed a distinct style of architecture known as Vesara. The most notable examples are the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, Ramappa Temple in Palampet, Warangal Fort, Golconda Fort, and Kota Gullu in Ghanpur. Kakatiya period also saw the construction of reservoirs for irrigation in the uplands called “tanks” many of which are still used today.
- Marco Polo, visited India around 1289–1293.
Early Kakatiyas as Feudatory Chiefs
- Feudatory Chiefs under the Western Chalukyas:
- The Kakatiyas initially were feudatory chiefs under the Western Chalukyas. The earliest known Kakatiya chief is Venna (800 to 815 AD).
- The Kakatiya dynasty originated from a clan of a chieftain called Durjaya, a descendant of Karikala Chola. Karikala Chola ruled from a town known as Kakati, which is why his family is referred to as Kakatiyas, meaning “lords of Kakati.”
- Prola I (1052-1076 AD): Prola I served as a feudatory chief under the Western Chalukyas.
- Feudatory Chiefs under the Rashtrakutas:
- Gunda IV (955-995 AD), a vassal under the Rashtrakutas, helped Vengi Chalukya prince Danarnava in ascending the throne amidst a succession dispute.
- The 1149 Sanigaram inscription of Prola II is the last known record where the Kakatiyas are described as vassals.
Notable Rulers
Prataparudra I
- Ascended to the throne in 1195 CE after the death of his father, Prola II.
- Faced external threats from the Yadavas of Devagiri, the Hoysalas, and the Seunas of Devagiri, as well as internal rebellions.
- Successfully repelled invasions from the Yadavas and Hoysalas.
Ganapati Deva
- Ascended to the throne in 1199 CE.
- Undertook military campaigns to expand the kingdom’s borders, particularly in the coastal Andhra region.
Rudrama Devi (1262-1289 CE)
Rudrama Devi ascended to the throne in 1261 CE after the death of her father, Ganapati Deva.
She ruled parts of modern-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Birth and Family:
- Rudrama Devi was the daughter of King Ganapati-deva and Queen Somamba.
- Unlike some later accounts, contemporary sources confirm she was Ganapati’s daughter, not his wife.
- Appointment as Co-Regent:
- Due to the absence of a male heir, Ganapati appointed Rudrama as co-regent around 1260.
- She adopted the regnal name “Rudra-deva Maharaja“. Faced opposition to her rule due to societal norms that preferred male rulers, leading her to adopt the title and persona of a male ruler.
- By 1263, she became the de facto ruler, though not officially anointed as sovereign until 1269.
- Revolt and Resistance: Early in her reign, Rudrama faced opposition from nobles and relatives who were against her rule. Notably, a revolt led by her supposed half-brothers was suppressed. Several loyal commanders and nobles supported her, helping to suppress uprisings.
- Conflicts with Neighboring Kingdoms:
- Pandyas (South):
- Rudrama regained territories lost to the Pandyas during her father’s reign. The Pandyas refrained from further invasions due to her strong defense.
- Towards the end of Ganapati-deva’s reign, the Pandyas of southern India managed to conquer the southernmost parts of the Kakatiya territory, including the crucial region of Nellore.
- Pandya vassals and allies, such as the Kalukada chiefs Keshava-deva and his brother Raya-murari Soma-deva, were installed to govern these areas.
- Rudrama’s subordinates managed to regain some control in regions like Kadapa and Nellore as indicated by several inscriptions.
- The Kakatiya forces ousted the Pandya vassal Vira Rajendra Chola from Nellore.
- From 1271 to 1275 CE, Mahamandaleshvara Naga-deva Maharaja, a Kakatiya vassal, ruled Nellore.
- Gajapatis (North-East):
- Rudrama’s forces, led by commanders Poti Nayaka and Proli Nayaka, repelled Gajapati invasions and maintained control over coastal Andhra, pushing the Gajapati influence north of the Godavari River.
- The brothers earned the titles “Gajapati-matta-matanga-simha” (lion to the rutting elephant) and “Oddiyaraya-manamardana” (destroyer of the pride of the Odia king).
- Epigraphic records confirm Kakatiya’s authority in coastal Andhra through the rest of Rudrama Devi’s reign.
- A 1278-1279 CE inscription by Karaparti Suraya Reddi, who identifies himself as a servant of “Kakatiya Rudradeva Maharaja” (Rudrama), records a gift to the Bhimeshvara temple at Draksharamam.
- Seunas (North-West): The Seuna (Yadava) king Mahadeva‘s invasion was repulsed by Rudrama.
- Pandyas (South):
- Fortification: Rudrama Devi enhanced the fortifications of the Warangal Fort, raising the height of its inner wall and adding an outer wall with a surrounding moat.
- Diplomacy and Alliances: Rudrama’s marriage to Vira-bhadra, from a branch of the Chalukya dynasty, likely served to strengthen political alliances and stabilize her rule.
- Internal Revolt by Amba-deva:
- Amba-deva, a subordinate Kayastha chief, initially loyal, later rebelled and established an independent principality in the southern part of the Kakatiya domain.
- His revolt resulted in the loss of significant territory south of the Krishna River.
- Death and Succession:
- Rudrama Devi likely died in 1289 during conflicts against Amba-deva.
- She was succeeded by her grandson, Prataparudra, who continued to rule the Kakatiya kingdom.
- Raya-sthapan-acharya: This title was adopted by several of Rudrama’s commanders, recognizing their support in maintaining the kingdom’s stability and loyalty during her rule.
Prataparudra II
- Birth: Prataparudra was born in the Shaka year 1166 (1244 CE), according to Telugu-rajula-charitramu.
- Ascension to the Throne:
- Prataparudra, also known as Rudradeva II succeeded his grandmother, Queen Rudramadevi, around 1289 CE.
- Early records referred to him as Kumara-Rudra, suggesting he was known by this title even after officially becoming the king.
- Campaigns and Alliances:
- Mallideva of Gandikota: Mallideva, a vassal chief, tried to rebel against Kakatiya rule. Prataparudra sent his general, Gomkya Reddi, to handle the situation. Gomkya Reddi defeated Mallideva and became the new governor of Gandikota.
- Ranganatha of Nellore: Ranganatha, ruling over Nellore, also rebelled. In 1311, while en route to support Malik Kafur’s campaign in the Pandya kingdom, Prataparudra visited Nellore. He suppressed Ranganatha’s rebellion, ensuring control over Nellore.
- Intervening in Pandya Kingdom’s Affairs:
- The Pandya kingdom was weakened by a conflict between brothers Sundara Pandya and Vira Pandya and attacks by Sultanate forces. After the death of Alauddin Khalji in 1316, the Hoysala king Ballala tried to take advantage and invaded the Pandya territory.
- Prataparudra’s commander, Peda Rudra, led a successful campaign against Ballala and his allies, captured Kanchi. When the Pandyas tried to reclaim Kanchi, Prataparudra personally led his army and defeated them near the city.
- Campaign against Pandyas: Kakatiyas defeated Vira Pandya and his ally, Malayala Tiruvadi Ravivarman Kulashekhara. Following this victory, the Kakatiyas reinstated Sundara Pandya to power, consolidating their influence in the region.
- Conflict with Delhi Sultanate:
- In 1310, faced invasion from Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji and became a tributary.
- After Alauddin’s death, he stopped tribute, leading to another invasion in 1318 by Alauddin’s son, Mubarak Shah.
- Final Years and Defeat:
- Despite initial resistance, Prataparudra surrendered to Delhi Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq in 1323 after a siege of Warangal.
- He was taken captive and later died en route to Delhi, with accounts suggesting he may have committed suicide.
Related Article: Pandyan Dynasty
Architecture: Kakatiya Dynasty
Read More: Kakatiya Architecture
Kakatiya Dynasty FAQs
Who is the founder of the Kakatiya dynasty?
The founder of the Kakatiya dynasty is Prola II. He was a vassal under the Western Chalukyas before establishing the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th century. The 1149 Sanigaram inscription of Prola II is the last known record where the Kakatiyas are described as vassals.
Who was the famous queen of Kakatiya dynasty?
The famous queen of the Kakatiya dynasty was Rudramadevi. She ruled from 1263 to 1289 CE and is one of the few queens in Indian history who reigned as a monarch.
What is the symbol of the Kakatiya?
The symbol of the Kakatiya dynasty is the Kakatīya Kala Thoranam or the Warangal Gate. This iconic stone archway is a significant emblem of the Kakatiya architectural style and cultural heritage. The thoranam was originally part of the Swayambhu Shiva Temple complex in Warangal Fort. It has become synonymous with the Kakatiya dynasty and is also adopted as the official emblem of the state of Telangana.
What was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty?
The capital of the Kakatiya dynasty was Warangal. Originally known as Orugallu or Ekashila Nagaram, Warangal became the prominent center of power for the Kakatiyas, especially under the reign of Ganapati Deva and Rudramadevi. The city served as the political, cultural, and economic center of the Kakatiya kingdom.
Who built Kakatiya fort?
The Kakatiya Fort, also known as the Warangal Fort, was primarily built by Ganapati Deva, one of the most prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty. His daughter, Rudramadevi, further strengthened and expanded the fort during her reign. The fort is known for its massive stone walls, gateways, and the iconic Kakatiya Kala Thoranam.
Which was the famous port of Kakatiya dynasty?
The famous port of the Kakatiya dynasty was Motupalli. Located on the eastern coast of India in present-day Andhra Pradesh, Motupalli was a significant trading port during the Kakatiya period.
Who visited Kakatiya?
The most notable visitor to the Kakatiya kingdom was the Italian traveler Marco Polo. During the late 13th century, Marco Polo visited during the reign of Queen Rudramadevi and provided a detailed account of the Kakatiya kingdom in his travel writings.
Who was Kakatiya last ruler?
The last ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty was Prataparudra II, also known as Prataparudra Deva. He ruled from 1289 to 1323 CE. He was defeated by the forces of the Sultanate under the command of Malik Kafur and later by Ulugh Khan (later Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq).
Kakatiya Dynasty Map
- The Kakatiya dynasty ruled most of the eastern Deccan region in present-day India during the 12th to 14th centuries.
- Their territory primarily included present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They also governed parts of eastern Karnataka, northern Tamil Nadu (Kanchipuram), and southern Odisha.
- The capital of the Kakatiya dynasty was Orugallu, which is now known as Warangal.
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