Warangal Fort, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India

Warangal fort

Warangal Fort which is situated 12Kms from Hanamkonda in the city of warangal, and it is 150 Kms North East from Hyderabad. Warangal Fort is in Southern Warangal. Warangal fort now in ruins and close to Ekasila hill rocks. The architectural splendor of Warangal Fort speaks of its splendid past. Besides the history it has magnificent architectural reputation which includes impressive gateways, tall elegant towers each with a height of 50Feet. Which has been cut from single rock? The massive gateways are called “Keerthi Thoranam. The three layers ensure the protection and center power. Part of the ruins consists of delicate sculpture and stone work, shapes and designs which portrays animals like lions and birds like swans.

History of Warangal Fort

Warangal Fort is one of the architectural wonders of the bygone era. History of the fort dates back all the way to 13th century The fort Warangal is built with Geometric intricacies during the reign of Ganapathi Deva, in 1199 AD and was completed by his daughter Rani Rudramadevi in 1261 AD. The Warangal Fort displays a rare and exquisite Thorean Architectural style. Although most of the Warangal fort is in ruins today, but still Warangal fort is among the best attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The place is full of riches and resources from the past. Warangal fort is filled with the treasures from the past; one only has to keep an open eye to hit the jackpot.

Warangal fort has stood witness too many wars and revolts almost throughout its life as well the history associated with it. The remarkable feature about the main gateway comprises of the four gigantic pillars, which have been crafted out of a single rock. Warangal Fort, having three protective layers, suggests the standards of security that used to be employed to guard the inner precincts and center of power. The famous Eka shila is a beautifully carved gateway located within the fort, symbolises the Kakathiya Empire. Warangal Fort was destroyed by one of the invaders who successfully penetrated the three layer protection of the fort. The outermost wall which has a circumference of few Kms is a mud wall which is around 20 feet in height. The second wall is completely built of granite. Warangal Fort is also famous for some exquisite gateways that have become a symbol of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. These huge Sanchi type gateways at the entrance are fine specimens of South India style architecture. These huge gateways, carved intricately from top to bottom are called Keerthi Thoranas, which literally means as the Gateways of Glory. This huge gateway is 56 feet in height and 72 feet wide.

Watching the entrance from a distance gives us an amazing feeling that we are about to move to the past. The entrance to the fort is huge with massive walls and bastions.

The fort walls are constructed of massive granite stones and are still very intact. Earlier, the fort walls were decorated with beautiful designs on brick and plaster but they all were destroyed during the invasions. A few plaques are remaining here and there. Thick bushes grew on the top of the wall and unreachable; otherwise there is ample space for soldiers to mount them and keep an eye. The entrances to the fort used to be protected by stone doors then and we only see the opening without the doors now. Three protective layers ensure the protection of what was once the inner precincts and centre of power. We passed through the walls to the Swayambhu Temple.

The wreckage comprises of intricate sculptures, stone works, motifs and designs – depicting animals like lions and swans. The four large elaborately carved gateways, which can be still seen, were the creation of the then architects, which they called as Keerthi Thoranas. The impregnable fort was popularly known as the seat of power. The largest of the temple that is in the centre of the court was presumably under the construction and has been excavated .The fort premises are the ruins of temples that were demolished by the early Quthub Shaahi rulers.

A legendary masterpiece is also known as Khush Mahal. Architectural splendour Shittabh Khan constructed the Khush Mahal which was constructed in the year 1504-1514. Khush Mahal is situated near by Warangal fort. It has many possessions that are worth-seeing. There are many temples, sculptures, Thoranan Arches and the pillars are spread across an area of about 19 Kms between Hanumakonda and Warangal. The fort has 45 towers and pillars spread over a radius of 19 Kms, and a temple of Mother Earth called Swayambhu Alayam in the middle. One must visit the fort and explore this standing testimony of its glorious past.

Rani Rudrama Devi

1259−1289 was one of the most prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty on theDeccan Plateau, being one of the few ruling queens in Indian history. She was born, as Rudramba, to King Ganapathideva (or Ganapatideva, or Ganapathi Devudu). As Ganapathideva had no sons, Rudramma was formally designated as a son through the ancient Putrika ceremony and given the male name of Rudradeva. When she was only fourteen years old, Rani Rudramma Devi succeeded her father. Rudramadevi was married to Veerabhadra, Eastern Chalukyan prince of Nidadavolu

Despite initial misgivings by some of her generals who resented a female ruler, she suppressed both uprisings within Kakatiya territory and incursions by neighboring kingdoms with the help of others, most notably Gona Gonna Reddy. An able fighter and dynamic ruler, Rudramba defended the kingdom from the Cholas and the Yadavas, earning their respect. She was one of very few female rulers in south India during her time. Rani Rudramma Devi ruled from CE 1261 or 1262 until CE 1295 or 1296.

Among Rani Rudramma Devi's accomplishments during her reign was the completion of Warangal Fort, begun by her father, in the Kakatiya capital of Warangal (one stone hill). Parts of the fort are still standing, including examples of distinctive Kakatiya sculpture.She is the greatest queen of India,considering the number of years of the reign,area of the kingdom,administrative and military capabilities and the general prosperity of the populace during the reign.

Khush Mahal (Shitab khan mahal)

This structure, said to be built over the site of a Kakatiya palace, may have been used as an audience hall by shitab khan, the 16th century qutb shahi governor of Warangal. A wide entrance arch on the north wall leads to a single spacious schamber inside with small storage rooms on each side. Transverse arches span the high ceiling. Broken fragments from the svayambhu enclosure and Jain temples are placed inside the hall and near the north entrance.

Sri Swayambhu Temple

It is a historic temple in which Lord Swayambhu was worshipped by the famous Kakatiya Ruler 'Prataparudra' every day during his life time. The presiding Diety is Lord Siva called as swayambhu (Lieterally means self incarnated God). The temple is very adjacent to the ruins of Kakatiya Capital at Fort Warangal. There will be flow of pilgrims, tourists during all seasons from all over India and abroad to witness the ruins of Kakatiya Dynasty.

The Swayambhu temple is a very small temple which may seem like very insignificant but it was a very important place of worship then. There is a Siva Linga inside which is said to have emerged itself from the ground. There is a Nandi bull of 4 feet in height which sits elegantly in front of the temple. The bull is carved with nice designs on it depicting the craftsmanship of the era. There are various idols that are placed all around the temple. Some art works are also strewn here and there as you see in the picture. They are collected from other temples in the area which were razed down during the invasion

Ekashila gutta

This is the Ekashila gutta,on which the famous Ekashila Temple is located,biult by the Kakatiyas.It is from this temple Warangal got its name as "Eka(One) shila(stone) Nagaram" or "Oru (one) Gallu(stone)"........and then transformed as "Warangal" in the modern times.
On the brink of Ekashila (a hill rock), the Citadel appears diffused in the several layers. In the mid-13th century, the construction of this colossal structure was initiated by the Kakatiyan king, Ganapatideva.

Accommodation

In Warangal Excellent accommodation facilities are available.

How to Distance WarangalFort

Hyderabad	Warangal	145 km
Chennai	Warangal	730 km
Nagpur	Warangal	450 km
Vijayawada	Warangal	237 km
Visakhapatnam	Warangal	520 Km
Nizamabad	Warangal	232 Km
Tirupathi	Warangal	652 Km

How to Reach Warangal Fort

Warangal is about 145 km from Hyderabad, and All Over India is well connected by Rail and Road.

APSRTC runs frequent buses from Hyderabad, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Nizamabad and Karinagar

The nearest airport is Hyderabad (145Km),
the nearest railway station is Warangal.

Warangal to Fort temple 2.5km.