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The Kakatiya Dynasty was established in the 12th century, this dynasty ruled over the Southern region of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Southern Odisha and Telangana. With a remarkable legacy spanning several centuries, the Kakatiyas contributed extensively to the cultural, architectural, and economic development of the region. In this article, we will delve into the origins, list of rulers and decline of the Kakatiya Dynasty elaborately.
Table of Contents
Kakatiya Dynasty Capital
The capital of the Kakatiya Dynasty wa Warangal. Warangal was earlier known as Orugallu. The city became the main economic and political centre. Therefore, it was fortified with strong walls and gates and showcased advanced architecture. Throughout the Kakatiya Dynasty’s rule it was their cultural and administrative centre.
Kakatiya Dynasty Period
The Kakatiya Dynasty period is from 1163 AD to 1323 AD. Their reign went on from the 12th century to the early 14th century in South India. They rose to prominence after the Western Chalukyas’ power declined. The dynasty ended after the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate.
Who is the Founder of the Kakatiya Dynasty?
The founder of the Kakatiya Dynasty was Prola I. He established his family rule in the early 12th century. Earlier, he was a feudatory under the Western Chalukyas. Later on, he asserted his independence and laid the foundation for the expansion of the dynasty.
History and Origin of the Kakatiya Dynasty
The founder of the Kakatiya Dynasty was Betaraju, who was later named Prola Raja.
- In the 9th and 10th centuries, the dynasty was the subordinates of the Rashtrakutas Dynasty.
- But when the Chaukyas of Kalyani defeated the Rashtrakutas, the Kakatiya dynasty ultimately became the feudatories of the Chalukya dynasty.
- Later, when Ammaraja II, the king of the Chalukya dynasty died, Betaraja I took matters into his hands.
- Kakatiya Dynasty rose to prominence with their capital city, Orugallu (present-day Warangal), becoming a centre of art, culture, and governance.
To learn more about the history of the Kakatiya Dynasty, watch this video:
List of Kakatiya Rulers
Here is a list of Kakatiya Rulers along with their contribution. Let’s explore
| Kakatiya Rulers | ||
| Kings | Years(AD) | Contributions |
| Betaraja I | 1000-1052 | 1. He was the Kakatiya dynasty. 2. He was a feudatory chief of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani. 3. His capital was Koravi, a small Deccan region that consolidated the power of the dynasty and expanded its territories. |
| Prolaraja I | 1052-1076 | 1. Successor of Betaraja I.Again a feudatory of Kalyani Chalukyas and a staunch believer of Lord Shiva. 2. He was also known as ‘Air Gajakesari’. 3. He is credited for constructing the Kesari Tatakam. 4. During his rule, he acquired hereditary claims of Anumakonda Vishaya from the king Someshwara of Chalukya of Kalyani. |
| Betaraja II | 1076-1108 | 1. Betaraja II was also a feudatory of Chalukyas of Kalyani. 2. He is credited for constructing at Anumakonda a large tank. |
| Prolaraja II | 1110-1158 | Prolaraja II declared himself as the first sovereign ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty. |
| Rudradeva | 1158-1195 | 1. King Rudradeva was one of the prominent kings who expanded the territory through military conquests. 2. He established Warangal as his capital. 3. In his tenure, he commissioned various public works projects which also included the construction of various temples and irrigation systems. 4. He is credited for building the grand Rudreshwar temple located in Hanamkonda. 5. Rudradeva also wrote the book Nitisara in Sanskrit language. |
| Mahadeva | 1195-1198 | 1. Mahadeva was the successor of Rudradeva. 2. He further consolidated the kingdom. 3. He lost his life while besieging the capital of the Yadava Dynasty, Devagiri. |
| Ganapati Deva | 1198-1262 | 1. He is considered as the greatest king of the dynasty. Ganapati Deva also took the title of ‘Rayagajekesar.’ 2. He is responsible for issuing the ‘Abhaya Sasanam’ at the Motupalli port. 3. During his rule, he turned the capital city Warangal into a centre of culture and trade. 4. Credited for commissioning the construction of the magnificent Warangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple. |
| Rudrama Devi | 1262-1296 | 1. Recognized as one of the few women rulers of South India. 2. She continued her father’s legacy of military conquests and extension of the kingdom. 3. However, her reign was marked by conflicts with neighbouring kingdoms which also resulted in the expansion of the kingdom’s territory. 4. It was during her rule, that the Italian traveller Marco Polo paid a visit to the Motupalli port. |
| Prataparudra | 1296-1323 | 1. He was the last ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty. 2. Grandson of Queen Rudrama Devi. 3. His rule faced threats and conflicts with the Delhi Sultanate. |
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Kakatiya Dynasty: Administration, Economy, Society, & Art
Here we have provided a brief overview of the Kakatiya Dynasty. You will learn about their administration style, economy, society, religion and art.
Kakatiya Dynasty Administration
The Kakatiya Dynasty followed a centralised monarchical system. The monarchy was supported by the military feudatories called Nayakas. Nayakas used to govern the provinces, collect land revenue, and maintain law and order. However, the power was restricted through land grants and frequent rotation of their posts. The administration also consisted of specialised ministers and a village-based panchayat system. Administrative units were organised into villages, Sthalas, and Nadus. Temples used to play governance roles.
Kakatiya Dynasty Economy
The economy was mainly agricultural, and surplus agricultural produce was used to boost the internal and external trade. This made the capital a trade hub. Agricultural taxes were the main revenue source. The state used to tax natural resources like forests, mines and carriages, horses, and other goods. Merchant guilds and Chetti traders played a significant role in trade and taxation.
Kakatiya Dynasty Society
The social status was based on administrative roles, military and merit rather than caste. Women had property rights and were active philanthropists. Social mobility was present among non-Brahmins. Social fluidity and inter-dining across social groups was also prevalent. Occupational affiliations were more important thanthe rigid varna-jati system.
Kakatiya Dynasty Art and Architecture
Architecture blended Chalukyan and indigenous elements using sandstone and local granite. The dynasty is famous for intricate temple designs. For example, the Thousand-pillared and Ramappa temples. The Ramappa Temple is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designs followed dharmic principles and natural landscapes. Other popular temples include Erakesvara, Gomateswara, and Namesvara.
Decline of the Dynasty
The Kakatiya Dynasty reached its peak under the reign of Ganapati Deva and Rani Rudrama Devi. However, after their rule, the kingdom faced various challenges which eventually led to its decline. Some of the factors that contributed to the decline of the dynasty are:
Weakening Administration:
The decline of the Kakatiya Dynasty was also marked by the weakening of the administrative system. The lack of strong leadership and internal conflicts further hastened their downfall.
Delhi Sultanate Invasions:
The Delhi Sultanate, under Alauddin Khilji, invaded the Kakatiya Kingdom first in 1303, capturing the fortress of Kaulas and then again invaded the kingdom in 1310, finally capturing the capital city of Warangal.
However, with a treaty, the Kakatiya rulers were able to keep the administration, even though the kingdom was in a weak state. But again, in 1323, the Delhi Sultanate Muhammad Bin Tughlaq from the Tughlaq dynasty invaded the Kakatiya kingdom. The mighty Kakatiya army under the leadership of King Prataprudra did put up a valiant fight, but eventually succumbed to the superior forces of the Delhi Sultanate.
Political Instability
After the defeat of the Kakatiya Dynasty, the region witnessed a period of political instability with multiple local chieftains vying for power. This further weakened the once-mighty dynasty
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FAQs
Rani Rudrama Devi was the most popular queen of the Kakatiya dynasty. She ruled from 13th century and was one of the few female monarchs in the Indain history. She was known for her miliary leadership and administrative skills.
The caste of Kakatiya is believed to be Shudra. However, as per some inscriptions, they were Kshatriya or the warriors in the varna system.
The Ramappa temple was built in the 13th century. It was built by Recherla Rudra, a general of the Kakatiya dynasty. He built the temple during the time of the ruler Ganapati Deva.
Relevant Blogs
The Kakatiya Dynasty was a prominent force during the medieval period in India. Its rise to power, economic contributions, and eventual decline showcase the ebb and flow of dynastic power during the medieval period. That’s all about the Kakatiya Dynasty! If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our general knowledge page! Alternatively, you can also read our blog on general knowledge for competitive exams!
