Introduction
- Period: 12th–14th century CE
- Region: Deccan Plateau, primarily Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Capital: Orugallu (Warangal)
- Language: Telugu
- Religion: Hinduism (Shaivism, Vaishnavism)
- Key Rulers: Rudradeva I, Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi, Prataparudra II
- Significance: Efficient administration, promotion of Telugu culture, extensive irrigation projects, resistance against the Delhi Sultanate.
Origin and Rise
- Initially feudatories of the Western Chalukyas.
- Early base at Hanamkonda, later shifted to Warangal.
- Prola I (c. 1075–1108 CE) – Early ruler who expanded territory.
- Independence declared under Rudradeva I (Prataparudra I).
Important Rulers
- Rudradeva I (c. 1158–1195 CE): Declared independence from Chalukyas; authored “Nitisara” (treatise on polity); built the Thousand Pillar Temple (Hanamkonda).
- Ganapati Deva (c. 1199–1262 CE): Greatest Kakatiya ruler; expanded kingdom to coastal Andhra and parts of Odisha; promoted trade and agriculture (extensive irrigation projects); encouraged Telugu literature.
- Rudrama Devi (c. 1262–1289 CE): One of few female rulers in Indian history; adopted male titles; effectively managed the kingdom; faced and suppressed rebellions; strengthened Warangal Fort; died fighting the Yadavas of Devagiri.
- Prataparudra II (c. 1289–1323 CE): Last Kakatiya ruler; faced Delhi Sultanate invasions; initially defeated Malik Kafur (1303), but later defeated by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1323); Kakatiya dynasty ended with the fall of Warangal.
Administration
- Nayankara System: Unique administrative feature. Land granted to military chiefs (Nayakas) in lieu of salary. Nayakas responsible for maintaining troops and administering their territories. Frequent transfers prevented them from becoming too powerful. Contributed to a degree of centralized control while relying on local military strength. Similarities with the later Vijayanagara Poligar system.
- Centralized Authority: King held supreme power, assisted by a council of ministers.
- Irrigation: Extensive investment in irrigation projects, including numerous tanks (cheruvus) that significantly boosted agriculture. Many are still in use today.
- Economy: Flourishing trade, particularly with Southeast Asia, contributed to economic prosperity.
- Language: Patronage of Telugu. Inscriptions in both Telugu and Sanskrit.
Art, Architecture, and Culture
- Temple Architecture: Distinctive style blending Chalukyan and Dravidian influences.
- Thousand Pillar Temple (Hanamkonda): Trikuta style (three shrines).
- Ramappa Temple (Palampet): UNESCO World Heritage Site; known for its “floating bricks” and intricate carvings.
- Warangal Fort: Impressive fortifications with massive Kirti Toranas (victory arches).
- Sculpture & Art: Reflected a blend of Chalukyan and Dravidian styles.
- Literature: Flourishing of Telugu literature.
- Key figures: Tikkana, Palkuriki Somanatha.
- Themes: Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Decline
- Repeated invasions by the Delhi Sultanate (Malik Kafur, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq).
- Defeat of Prataparudra II and capture of Warangal (1323 CE).
- Subsequent rule by the Musunuri Nayaks and the Bahmani Sultanate.
Significance
- First major Telugu-speaking dynasty.
- Advanced irrigation techniques.
- Rudrama Devi’s rule – an important example of female leadership in medieval India.
- Architectural marvels – Warangal Fort and Ramappa Temple.
MCQs
- Most famous Kakatiya ruler? (a) Ganapati Deva (b) Rudradeva I (c) Prataparudra II (d) Rudrama Devi Answer: (a) Ganapati Deva
- Female Kakatiya ruler? (a) Razia Sultana (b) Durgavati (c) Rudrama Devi (d) Ahilyabai Holkar Answer: (c) Rudrama Devi
- Delhi Sultan who defeated the Kakatiyas? (a) Alauddin Khilji (b) Balban (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq Answer: (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Builder of the Thousand Pillar Temple? (a) Ganapati Deva (b) Rudradeva I (c) Prataparudra II (d) Rudrama Devi Answer: (b) Rudradeva I
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Kakatiya temple? (a) Warangal Fort (b) Thousand Pillar Temple (c) Ramappa Temple (d) Veerabhadra Temple Answer: (c) Ramappa Temple
Subjective Questions
- Describe the Kakatiya administrative system, with particular reference to the Nayankara system.
- Assess the significance of Rudrama Devi’s reign.
- Discuss the Kakatiyas’ contributions to irrigation development in South India.
- Analyze the reasons for the Kakatiya dynasty’s decline.
- Critically evaluate the Kakatiyas’ contributions to Telugu culture and architecture.