After a disappointing visit to Hanumakonda temple complex, we landed at Warrangal fort on the independence day ( 15/8/2011 ).We were stunned by the unfolding open air museum of sorts with rain adding lush green background to the monuments. The grandeur was overwhelming, I was left wondering why should such a complex not be declared a world heritage monument ?We innocently asked the native gentlemen to explain regarding the historical background of the kakatiya capital. He was proudly sporting the Indian emblem on his shirt and with pride he went on to explain the background. His narration was primarily focussed on how such a grand complex was destroyed for its wealth, by the invaders, thus leaving behind the spoils to be excavated by ASI in 2000 AD.
Time and History has its own way of preserving such exquiste monuments by human and nature’s interference. Warrangal Fort is one such classic example. The invaders literally plundered warrangal fort, where a beautiful incomplete shiva temple existed with ornate pillared arches, emulating the sanchi torana’s. All the precious gems and jewelleries adorning the lord and his consorts were taken away and the edifices destroyed. The complex was filled with sand dunes to cover up their brutality. Warragal has a history of being invaded 5 times for its wealth. On the hindsight if one were to dwell into survival of non rock cut temples or monuments, the maximum life span is just 500 years, whereas rock cut monuments have longevity beyond imagination. It does not mean to justify the aggressors act.
Rudrama Devi ( 1262 – 1296 ) Since Ganapathi Deva did not have sons he chose appoint his daughter and trained her to be a warrior. She was annointed as son according to Putrika ceremony. A male name was designated to her as Rudradeva and declared the queen of Kakatiya kingdom. History has relegated women rulers to a large extent across the globe.
Rudrama Devi was almost baptised by fire into the kingdom with invasion from the Jatavarma Sunder Pandya. Kakatiyas lost their battle in Muttukur ( Nellore ) and the entire kingdom was shaken up. Nobles and army who resented the queen now started realising that they had no option but to toe the guidelines of their king. Ganpathi Deva vested the administrative powers in the hands of his daughter.
However in 1266-67 she was devastated with the dual loss of her husband Veerabhadra and her father. She wanted to commit suicide but was refrained by the noblity to continue her reign, she was promised all co-operation. She became a de-facto ruler of Kakatiya under difficult circumstances.
Warrangal fort is credited to have been completed during her reign. The fortress was reinforced with a circular moat which was filled with crocodile to deter the enemies. She ensured that her dance form got embeded into the pillars and façade of the temples. The Peacock symbol was given prominence in the arches. It obviously symbolised the beauty and pride of the empire The arches are also known as Toranas, which is laid out during festive season. There are 4 arches one facing each geographical direction. These toranas can be compared to the Sanchi arches, but overshadows them in grandeur and execution. She ensured construction of Bhadrakali temple in Hanamkonda. Another prominent fortress was consolidated at Bhuvangiri ( Bhongir ).
The architecture of the temple and arches utilised soapstone, pink granite and black granite. It obviously was sourced from different parts of her kingdom and neighouring zones. The wealth derieved from mining precious stones seems to have fuelled the growth of kakatiya empire. The famous Kohinoor diamonds seems to have been unearthed at Kollur on the banks of river Krishna during her reign, which was bartered away for peace by her grandson Prataprudradeva II, when he was under dire straits and verge of defeat in 1310 by Malik Kafur.
The sculptures on the panel and facades of the warrangal fort complex reveals that Rani Rudrama devi excelled in all types of traditional warfare including sword fight, shooting arrows, horse riding, hunting of wild animals, etc She is depicted on the elephant too in one of the reliefs in the temple complex.
Rani Rudrama can be considered as one of the most valiant and distinguished queen in the league of Rani Chennama of Kittur ( East India Company ) , Durgavathi of Godwana ( Akbar ) Rani Chennamabairavdevi ( Sulva Keladi ) Razia Sultan ( Delhi Sultanate ) and the legendary Rani Laxmi Bai ( Jhansi ). She will be remembered forever in the annals of history for conceiving a world class edifice for her capital city Warrangal. Her reign was one of the golden age of Telugu speaking kingdom.
