The Jat Chronicles- Churaman

We had seen in the previous part of how Rajaram intensified the Jat revolt against Aurangzeb, and captured large parts of the territory around Mathura, Agra. After Rajaram’s death in the battle at Bijal on July 4th, 1688, his ageing father Bhajja Singh became the leader of the Jats. Aurangzeb made the Kachwaha ruler of Amber, Raja Bishan Singh as faujdar of Mathura, and who in turn gave a written promise to subjugate the Jats. He laid siege to Sinsini fort for 5 long months along with the Mughals and finally on January 1690, it fell, leading to the massacre of 1500 Jats that included Bhajja Singh.

It was then Churaman, the younger brother of Raja Ram who ascended the throne, and assumed leadership of the Jats. He began to expand his army, recruiting soldiers, horses, raising an army of 500 cavalry and 1000 infantry, in alliance with another Jat Zamindar Nand Ram of Hathras.He constructed a fort at Thoon in a marshy jungle with impregnable mud walls and deep moats, which would lay the foundation for the princely state of Bharatpur. Soon around 80 villages came under Thoon, and the Jat army expanded further.

In need of money for maintaining his huge army, Churaman raided the princely states of Kota and Bundi, looting the treasures there and in 1704, he recaptured Sinsini from the Mughals. When Aurangzeb passed away in 1707, a conflict broke out at Jajau, between his two sons Muazzam and Azam Shah. While the Sikhs supported Muazzam, Churaman tactfully choose not to ally with the either side, and instead attacked, plundered both of them.

When Muazzam won the conflict and became Emperor in June 1707 under the name of Bahadur Shah 1,Churaman appeared before the emperor gifting him. Bahadur Shah in order to win over Churaman, offered him to be a Sardar of 500 cavalry and 1000 infantry to win him over.However Churaman rejected the offer, preferring to remain independent, as he began to expand his kingdom all the way to the Chambal.

In January 1709, he entered into an alliance with Sawai Jai Singh assisting him in the battles of Sambhar and Kaman against Bahadur Shah1. It was however a tactical move, where under the pretext of agreement, he planned to win back the Jat zamindaris occupied by the Kachwahas, as he recaptured Sogar, Bhusawar, Kaman, Khohari, Kot, Khunthare, Ithera, Jadila and Chaugdara. He also assisted Bahadur Shah in his campaign against the Sikhs, taking part in the Sadhaura and Lohagarh battles, going all the way up to Lahore. When Bahadur Shah passed away in 1713, a war broke out for the throne between his sons Jahandar and Farrukhsiyar. Once again Churaman tactically avoided taking sides, and plundered both the armies, as well as the Mughal army elephants.

Farrukhshiyar became the Emperor, and appointed Raja Chhabilaram Nagar and later Khan-a-dauran as Subadar of Agra, ordering them to subdue Churaman, who appeared in the Mughal court in September 1713 with a huge retinue of his Jat followers. Looking at the massive strength backing him, Farrukhshiyar felt it better to make peace, and gave him the pargabas of Ikram, Aghapur, Malah, Badhagaon, Bharatpur and Rupwas. However Churaman still continued to attack the Rajput states and Mughal faujdars, and this time the Emperor sent Raja Jai Singh of Amber to curb his activities in 1716. Heading a large army, the Rajputs laid siege to Thoon, but Churaman managed to repel them back. And he would emerge as the undisputed ruler of the entire territory around Delhi all the way up to the Chambal.

However a conflict soon broke out in his own family between his son Mokham Singh and nephew Badan Singh who had taken part in every campaign of Churaman, over Sinsini. Badan Singh felt that having contributed to every campaign of Churaman’s he deserved Sinsini, which Mokham Singh was not willing to part with. The conflict distressed Churaman emotionally, and on September 20, 1721, he commited suicide consuming poison. Churaman had excellent organizational capabilities, had a shrewd tactical sense and turned the Jat revolt started by Gokula into a powerful state. In a sense he was the real founder of the princely state of Bharatpur, and would be succeded by his nephew Badan Singh ultimately.

The Jat Chronicles- Raja Ram of Sinsini

While Gokula began the Jat revolt against the Mughals, it was Raja Ram of Sinsini who would actually build the Jats up into a well organized, deadly fighting force,that harassed the Mughal army regularly with their lightning style guerilla attacks. He was the Jat zamindar of Sinsini, in Deeg district of Rajasthan and the son of Bhajja Singh.

He realized that mere valour would not be sufficient to win against the mighty Mughal army, and learning from the experiences of Gokula, he began to build up an organized armed force along with another Jat leader Ramki Chahar of Sogaria. He began to unite the Jats belonging to different clans and gotras, along with Chahar, he bought the Jats of Bayana, Rupbasia, Ranthambore under one umbrella. He recruited young peasants as soldiers, gave them proper training in usage of firearms, weapons and horse riding. Different regiments were organized, each under a commander, and discipline was instilled in the soldiers.

Also having seen how Tilpat fell under Mughal assault, he recognized the need for a strong defensive network of forts. He began to build mud forts in deep jungles, that would serve as a base for both operations and also offer shelter to the soldiers. He preferred the traditional guerilla warfare of Jats called Dhar, and avoided an open plains conflict, that would otherwise work to the advantage of the Mughals.

Raja Ram began with regular raids on Mughal caravans in the countryside around Arga, the subedar Safi Khan was virtually besieged in the fort, while the Narukas, Panwars, Gujjars, Meos completely blocked the roads between Dholpur and Delhi, as well as Agra and Ajmer. He made an assault on Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara but was repelled by the faujdar, Mir Abul Fazl. He however was succesful in capturing Shikarpur, looting the treasures from there.

A worried Aurangzeb, appointed Bahadur Zafarjang Kokaltash on May 3, 1686 to subdue the rebels, who however failed badly. Though he ordered his son Muhammad Azam to proceed against the Jats, he had to call him back for the campaign against Bijapur and Golkonda. Finally Bidar Bakht in December, 1687 was given complete command to act against the rebels with Kokaltash  as his deputy.

Raja Ram in the meanwhile attacked the caravan of the Mughal commander Aghar Khan, near Dholpur, and carried off a lot of riches, horses, cattle. Aghar Khan tried to give chase to the rebels, but was drawn into a trap, cornered and killed, along with 80 other men of his. Aghar Khan was one of the more formidable commanders, known for his suppression of the Afghans, and this gave the Jats a morale booster. He tried to attack another commander Mahabat Khan near Sikandara, but was driven back, with heavy casualties to his army leaving around 400 dead.

Once again Raja Ram attacked Sikandara, and taking advantage of the delay in arrival of Shaista Khan, the governor designate of Agra, he attacked Akbar’s mausoleum, carrying away all the gold, silver and precious stones. He took revenge for the brutal execution of Gokula, by digging out Akbar’s bones and burning them. The Jats then fell upon the Mughal settlements at Khurja, Paliwal ransacking them, as they now began to take control of the countryside around Delhi, Agra and Mathura.

There was a long standing dispute between the Chauhans and Shekawati Rajputs over land in Bagtharia near Alwar, that soon led to a major battle at Bijal. While Raja Ram supported the Chauhans, the Shekawati Rajputs were in league with the Mughals. The faujdar of Mewat,Murtaza Khan, Bidar Bakht, Rao Anirudh Singh of Budi and Kishor Singh Hada clashed with Raja Ram and Chauhans at Bijal on July 4th, 1688. The Hada chieftain was defeated, while Anirudh Singh had to flee from the battle field.

Raja Ram now charged into the Mughal ranks, furiously, killing many in the ranks, before a stray bullet from a musketeer hit him in the chest.He fell immediately on the battlefield, as the Chauhans lost, his severed head was taken to Aurangzeb in the Deccan, while Ramki Chahar was captured and executed.

One of the great heroes of the Jat revolt was no more, but Raja Ram’s legacy in creating an organized army and harassing the Mughals would forever be remembered. His brother Churaman who succeded him and his son Fateh Singh would continue the struggle against the Mughals, and also go on to found the princely state of Bharatpur.

The Jat Chronicles- Gokula

Bharatpur princely state located in the South East of Rajasthan, has been one of the few Jat princely states along with Dholpur in a region that was mostly dominated by Rajput princely states. It mostly covered Bharatpur, Alwar, the Mewat region of Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and was founded as a result of the Jat revolt agains the Mughals. It is famous for the Lohagarh Fort considered one of the strongest ever, which even the British found it hard to capture, and the luxurious Deeg Palace both of them built by Maharaja Suraj Mal, considered their greatest ruler ever. Deeg was actually the capital of the Jat rulers before they shifted to Bharatpur.

During the later half of the 17th century, there were a series of revolts against the Mughals by the Jats living in Mathura, Agra and Delhi. And the man who began it all was Gokula Singh, a zamindar of Tilpat, now in Faridabad district, belonging to the Agre gotra. The second of 4 sons of Madhu, his birth name was Ola Haga, and his brothers were Sindhuraj, Jhaman and Saman.

The Hindus living around Delhi, Mathura and Agra then were facing untold hardships and atrocities under Mughal rule. The Subedars were imposing heavy taxes on the farmers to finance the Mughal military expeditions and the ruler’s lavish lifestyle. One of them Murshid Quli Khan used to carry off any women he fancied to satisfy his lust, while the governor of Mathura, Abdun Nabi Khan built the Jama Masjid there on the ruins of Hindu temples. And above all Aurangzeb imposing the Jaziya in 1665 and prohibiting celebration of Hindu festivals.

It was in response to this that Gokula led the Jats in revolt, in 1669,as Aurangzeb sent his commander Hassan Ali Khan to suppress it. For over four days they counterattacked the Mughal army and secured Tilpat. Abdun Nabi was killed at Sahora by the Jats, and they captured the Sadabad cantonment established by Nabi, as the Jats took over the countryside around Delhi. Aurangzeb tried to make peace, offering amnesty to Gokula, which he turned down, leading him to send a much larger army under Radandaz Khan, Hasan Ali Khan and other officers.

The Jats put up a strong resistance to the Mughal army, inspited of them being better armed. They fought till the end not surrendering, while the women killed themselves rather than be captured and sent to the harem. Though Hasan Ali managed to subdue the three villages, it came at a rather heavy cost as the Mughals faced large casualties.

Gokula along with his uncle Uday Singh, and around 20,000 Jats, Ahirs and Gujjars faced the Mughals near Tilpat, however under the relentless assault of their artillery, they had to take refuge in their fortress. Though they held out bravely fighting till the end, the fort finally fell to the relentless bombardment. Tilpat was captured but not before the Mughal army lost 4000 men, while the rebels lost around 7000. Gokula and his uncle were captured, and presented before Aurangzeb.

The Emperor asked Gokula to seek pardon, embrace Islam if he wanted to be alive. Gokula laughed loudly claiming he would rather die than live as a traitor and even demanded that the Emperor offer his daughter to him for marriage. A furious Aurangzeb, ordered his execution and on January 1, 1670, he was hacked to death in the most barbaric manner, limb by limb, at Agra as was his uncle.

However the brutal execution of Gokula, only spurred the Jats to resist more intensely, as Raja Ram of Sinsini led the second revolt in 1685. Compared to the first revolt, this actually was better organized, and Raja Ram used guerilla tactics well to harass the Mughals. In order to avenge Gokula’s brutal execution, he attacked Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara, dug out the bones and burned them. In the next part will be looking more in detail at Raja Ram’s revolt against the Mughals, and how he expanded his influence, that would eventually lead to the establishment of princely state of Bharatpur.

Sources

Girish Chandra Dwivedi, The Jats – Their role in the Mughal empire

A S Rao-Founder of ECIL

You would have heard of A.S.Rao Nagar in Hyderabad, one of the faster growing suburbs, where the ECIL HQ is located. But how many know about the man behind the name, Ayyagari Sambasiva Rao, the founder of ECIL, and one of the great Indian scientists of modern era, who had worked with the likes of Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai.

He was born in a small village Mogallu in West Godavari district on September 20, 1914, which also happens to be the ancestral village of the great revolutionary Alluri Sitarama Raju. Coming from a rather humble family, where his mother had to pawn her ornaments to pay for his education, he studied on scholarships, and joined BHU, where he did his masters in Physics, and worked as a faculty for sometime, doing research work. In 1946, he was selected by Tata Scholarship to pursue his MS in Electrical Engg from Stanford.

On his return to India, he was invited by Homi Bhabha, to join TIFR, for conducting certain experiments on cosmic rays that had not been very succesful. Rao managed to pull off the experiment succesfully, as a delighted Bhabha met him personally, and offered him the job of a Reader in the organization.

“Thus began my long and rewarding association with one of the greatest Indian scientists and one of the ablest admininstrators of scientific enterprise”

He went on to play an important role in India’s nuclear program, in 1953 he joined Atomic Energy Establishment at Trombay, now BARC. It was here he designed India’s first ever nuclear reactor Apsara that was comissioned in 1955, it took just 12 months, and would be one of the great scientific achievements of India, that made the West notice it.

He also was instrumental in setting up the second reactor Cirrus, with the installation of control and safety systems, and also did the design, fabrication, installation and commissioning of the entire electronics system for the 3rd reactor Zerlina, and radiation monitoring system for the plutonium plant at BARC. Rao’s leadership played a major role in setting up the reactors, as well as the safeguards and security measures he set up to protect the employees from radiation effects. The Health Physics Division, Electronics Division, Directorate of Radiation Protection at BARC were all due to the efforts of Rao.

He also played a role in laying the foundation for India’s indigenous electronic development, as director, Electronics Group, BARC. During his tenure, he initiated many development and design programs on electronic materials, professional grade electronic components, digital computers. He lead a team of nearly 1600 scientists, engineers, technicians for comming up with indigenous products, at a time, when India was fully dependent on West for even radio receivers.

After the 1962 War defeat, the Govt realized the need of electronics for defense and nuclear programs, leading to the formation of a national commitee for electronics in 1963, with Bhabha as the chairman, Sarabhai, Bhagavantham and AS Rao as members. The comittee came out with a report, that emphasized on self reliance in electronics to modernize Indian industry. And this in turn would lead to establishment of ECIL in 1967, with Sarabhai as chairman and Rao as the Managing Director.

Till his retirement in 1978, Rao would play a major role in the growth of ECIL, whose idea was his. Till then all electronic components were primarily designed in the West, and India was mainly doing assembly level work. It was a bold move to go for an entirely indigenous electronics design and manufacturing facility, and many in the Govt were quite sceptical.

It was against all such odds, that Rao started out with a team of around 300 scientists, engineers that had the likes of V Rama Rao, U.Venkateswarlu. He adopted a rather decentralized way of management, in sharp contrast to most other PSUs, forming small teams, that worked on the products, and gave them complete freedom. He would duly credit them for success and listen to them patiently when they failed. He formed a group called RAIDS( Review, Analysis, Interpolation and Development Systems), which bought together senior leaders.

One of ECIL’s major achievements was building the entire instrumentation, control systems that would succesfully power India’s nuclear program. In a sense ECIL would be one of the foundation for India’s IT revolution too, and the credit goes to Rao here. India’s first ever digital computer, earth station antenna, automatic message switching systems, were all produced during Rao’s tenure.

When he stepped down in 1978, he had given enough impetus and motivation to ECIL, as also inspiring a whole generation of electronics engineers. He represented India at many international conferences, including UN ones on peaceful usage of atomic energy. He was on the editorial board of many scientific journals, and conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 1972, as also the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award in 1965.

In real life he was known for his very simple and down to earth nature, often taking the bus to work, using public transport mostly. It could have been due to his growing up years of struggle, where he often found it hard to have two meals a day, and lived mostly on the generosity of some kind souls. He passed away on October 31, 2003, but not before leaving a rich legacy in the form of ECIL, and his work in India’s nuclear program. Today when you hear of AS Rao Nagar or pass by it, do take time to remember the man behind.

Kakatiya architecture

The Kakatiyas were known for their magnificient structures like the Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Warangal Fort, the 1000 Pillar temple at Hanamkonda, Shiva temples at Kotagullu. The style was heavily influenced by the Kalyani Chalukyas, and a fusion of the Dravidian as well as Nagara architectural styles. One important feature is the usage of sandbox technology to construct the Vimana. Basically this method is used to remove the centering of the arch, with each prop mounted on a sand box. After the prop is removed, the sand pours from one box to another, causing the center to move downwards, lessening pressure from the arch.

The Kakatiyas used both stone and bricks for construction depending on the location, their temple plans were mainly of 5 designs depending on the number of shrines and towers.

Ekakuta- Single shrine and tower.

Dwikuta- Two shrines and towers.

Trikuta- Three shrines and towers

Chatushkuta- Four shrines and towers

Panchakuta- Five shrines and towers.

Again this is more an influence of Hoysala architecture here, if one notices the Kakatiya and Hoysala temples have a lot of similarities, included the elongated base. All the main temples face east, in accordance with Vastu Shashtra, and most temples contain the Sabha Mandapam, Ranga Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam and Nandi Mandapam.

The 1000 Pillared temple or Veyyi Stambhala Gudi as it is popularly known is one of the finest examples of Kakatiya architectural style. Located in Hanamkonda, it is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya and constructed around 1175-1234 CE during the reign of Rudradeva.

The temple also called as Rudreshwara Temple, incorporates both Chalukyan and Hoysala styles. The star shaped base of the temple and the 1000 Pillared Hall, containing richly carved pillars with exquisite sculptures, perforated stone screens, rock cut elephants and the monolithic Nandi make it worth a visit. The usage of sandbox technique to strengthen the foundation, and the shiny polish and finishing of the sculptures, show the craftsmanship of the Kakatiya era architects.

The Warangal Fort mostly in ruins now, was the capital of the Kakatiyas and later the Musunuri Nayaks too. The fort was devastated during the Tughlaq invasion of Warangal, that effectively ended the Kakatiya dynasty. Ulugh Khan( Mohd Bin Tughlaq), after capturing the fort destroyed most of the buildings, temples, monuments, looting it of it’s riches. The great Swayambhu Shiva temple in the fort complex, that had a Chaturmukha Lingam was demolished, and only ruins remain of it now.

The fort is laid out in 3 concentric circular walls with defensive fortifications, the first structure was built during Rudrama Devi’s time in form of an earthern embankment 2.4 km in diameter, surrounded by a moat of about 150 feet. The actual fort was protected by massive granite walls, closely fitted stones without any mortar which made it hard for invading armies to scale the walls. Rudrama Devi also increased the height of the wall to 29 feet, and fortified with 45 rectangular bastions. There were 18 stone steps laid over a gradual slope as an access to the ramparts. The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam that adorns the Telangana state emblem, was one of the 4 gates to the massive Shiva temple that was destroyed by the invaders.

The magnificient Ramappa Temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in a forest, around 66 km from Warangal, and constructed in 1213 CE by Recherla Rudra, the general of Ganapati Deva. This must be the only temple that was named after it’s architect, and adjoins the massive Ramappa Lake, that was built as a reservoir for water supply by the Kakatiya rulers. Marco Polo during his visit to India, described it as the brightest star in a galaxy of temples.

The entire temple stands on a 6 foot high star shaped platform, the hall right in front of the sanctum, has numerous carved pillars to create a light and space effect. The temple is primarily built of red sandstone, while the columns have large brackets of black basalt.

The temple is especially famous for the Nagini sculptures representing the dancers, very exquisitely carved. Another feature of the temple are the bricks which are so light that they can float on water. These sculptures of dancers, made the famous dance guru Nataraja Ramakrishna, revive the Perini Sivatandavam, that was performed by soldiers before the war.

Kota Gullu at Ghanpur, located around 9 km from Ramappa temple is again one of the more famous structures. They were constructed by Ganapati Deva, a complex of 22 temples in honor of Shiva, within a double walled enclosure. The Sabha Mandapa porches are a very striking feature here, while the eastern and southern porticos are embelished with several sculptures of Gaja Keshari, half human, half lion riding on elephant. However with constant attacks by invading Muslim armies, most of the complex was destroyed and is now in ruins.

This is more an overview of the Kakatiya architecture, each of these structures would actually need detailed posts on themselves. As we can see the Kakatiya architecture style would be one of those adopted by Vijayanagara Empire later on.

Reddy Rajulu

One of the kingdoms that was formed after the fall of the Kakatiya empire, was the Reddy Rajulu, along with the Musunuri Nayakas, who played a vital role in driving out the Muslim invaders from Telugu land, and once again re establishing Sanathana Dharma. Reddy is a variant of Rattakudu, Rattodi, which in turn was derived from Rashtrakuta, to denote the village headman, who were responsible for organizing the cultivation of farm lands and collecting the taxes. Basically it was more a status title given to the most powerful man in the village.

During the Kakatiya rule, many from the Reddy clans, worked as administrators, officers, generals in the army, while some were samantas owning large tracts of land. One of the more prominent one was Gona Ganna Reddy, who played a vital role during the reign of Rani Rudrama Devi. Another were the Munagala Reddy chieftains, whose inscriptions throw a lot of information on the Kakatiya rule. With the fall of the Kakatiyas, Telugu land was plunged into chaos and anarchy, as the Muslim invaders inflicted untold atrocities on the Hindus.

This led to the rise of the Musunuri Nayakas in Coastal and Recharla Nayakas in Telangana region, who led an alliance of 75 Nayakas and drove the Muslim invaders out, recapturing Orugallu.It was around this time in 1325 that Prolaya Vema Reddy ould establish an independent kingdom with it’s capital at Addanki( Prakasam dt) that covered Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts. Vema Reddy was one of the 5 sons of Prola Reddy, who had fought earlier with Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka against the Muslim invaders. His brother Malla Reddy established a smaller kingdom at Kandukuru, and would defeat the invading forces of Bahmani Sultan Allauddin Shah, as well as capturing the port of Motupalli.

Recognizing the strategic importance of forts as a defense against the invaders, Vema Reddy, rebuilt and strengthened a series of forts all over Coastal Andhra, the famous Kondavidu fort, the capital of his kingdom, considered one of the most impregnable ones was built by Vema Reddy, and was the site of many a battle for it’s control. One of the most significant ones was the long siege by Vijayanagara army under Shri Krishnadeva Raya to capture this from the Gajapatis. Apart from this the forts of Kondapalli near Vijayawada, as well as Bellamkonda, Vinukonda in Palnadu region were built during this time. They also had another capital at Rajamahendravaram later, where they built forts, and rebuilt many of the temples.

The Reddy Rajulu ruled from 1324 to 1448 covering the entire Coastal Andhra, from Srikakulam, to Kanchi down South, and Srisailam in the West. With the Gajapatis capturing Kondavidu, and Rajamahendravaram, their kingdom ended, and they migrated to Hampi where most of them played a vital role in the Vijayanagara army as generals, commanders, warriors. Some of them settled down in Rayalaseema region, owning large tracts of lands, maintaining private armies, and were classified as Palegars. Most of the Reddies in Rayalaseema claim descent from the Palegars, one of the more famous one would be Uyyalavada Narasimha Reddy who would wage a revolt against the British.

The Reddy Rajulu played a prominent role in preserving Sanathana Dharma in Telugu land, Brahmins were given liberal grants, and many agraharas were built for them. Vedic studies were encouraged. Vema Reddy comissioned repairs to the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, and built a flight of 108 steps right from the Krishna river to the temple. The famous Narasimha Temple at Ahobilam was also built by Vema Reddy, and he got around 108 Saivite temples constructed all over Telugu land.

They were also patrons of literature and art, many of the Reddy rulers themselves were distinguished scholars and writer, that included Kumaragiri Reddy, Kataya Vema Reddy and Pedakomati Vema Reddy. The great writer Yerrapragada, who served in Vema Reddy’s court was one of the trio along with Nannayya and Thikkana who translated the Mahabharat from Sanskrit to Telugu, the Andhra Mahabharatam remains a seminal work to date.

Kavi Sarvabhouma Srinatha who popularized the Prabhandha style in Telugu, was a minister in the court of Pedakomati Vema Reddy and famous for his works Harivilasamu, Sivaratri Mahatyam, Srungara Naishadam. He is famous for winning a debate with the poet Dindima Bhattu in the court of Vijayanagara ruler Proudadevaraya, and was duly felicitated with riches. The other famous poet of this time was Bhakta Pothana, who translated the Srimad Bhagavatam from Sanskrit to Telugu. Considered to be a Sahaja Kavi, he was a farmer by profession and a self taught poet.

The Reddy Rajulu also had a fairly robust administrative system, around one sixth of agricultural surplus was levied as tax. Custom duties and taxes on trade were lifted, while an extensive sea trade was carried on from the port of Motupalli. Brahmins were given grants, scholars were encouraged. It was one of the golden era of Telugu history and culture.

The Musunuri Nayakas

After the fall of the Kakatiya kingdom, the Tughlaq army swept throughout Telugu land, as fort after fort fell, Kondavidu, Kolanaveedu, Kondapalli, Nidadavalou, Rajahmundry and Nellore. The invading army went all the way up to Madurai, as the once mighty kingdoms of the Hoysalas, Pandyas fell before the onslaught. The South that was so far spared the ravages of the Muslim invasions, that had devastated the North, was now under the Delhi Sultanate. Temples were destroyed, heavy taxes levied on the peasants, forcible conversions of Hindus, looting of riches had become commonplace.

It was during such dark times that one of the greatest revolts against the Muslim rule would emerge in Telugu land. The Kakatiyas had come up with a system of Nayakas, by which any one could rise to the position of a leader, solely on the dint of their ability, than their caste. These Nayakas were primarily from Shudra peasant communities, who rose to prominence on the basis of their hard wor. They controlled their own territories and fought wars during the military campaigns. During Prataparudra’s time there were 75 Nayakas serving him, who fought in various campaigns.

After the fall of Orugallu, the Nayakas dispersed, and some sought to form their own kingdoms. Some of them were captured by the invading army, forcibly converted to Islam and sent back as Governors. One among them, would the Warangal Governor, Malik Maqbul, who was actually a Hindu commander Gona Ganappa, converted to Islam, after the fall of Orugallu.

It was during such dark and despairing times, two men would come to bring together the Nayakas on a common platform against the Muslim rulers. Bendapudi Annayya Mantri and Kolanu Rudradeva, erstwhile ministers under Prataparudra, began to reach out to the various Nayakas, emphasizing on the importance of safeguarding Dharma and driving away the Muslim invaders. But such a movement needed a leader, who could unite them and lead them.

And it came in the form of Musunuri Prolayanaka of Vengi, one of the most formidable warriors on the battlefield, the son of Pochinayaka, who had 3 brothers Devanayaka, Kammanayaka and Rajanayaka. The son of Rajanayaka, Musunuri Kapanayaka, would become Prolayanayaka’s adopted son, and later lead the resistance, another great warrior. It was Prolayanayaka who began to unite the various Nayakas, with his wise leadership and organizational ability. Considering the Nayakas were divided among themselves with their ego clashes, it was no mean feat certainly. Some of the prominent ones included Addanki Vemareddy, Koppula Prolayanayaka, Recherla Singamanayaka, Manchikonda Ganapatinayaka, and Vundi Vengabhupathi. The Nayakas put aside their petty differences, focusing on the main objective of liberating Telugu land from the Muslim invaders.

As per the Vilasa grant , Prolayanayaka ruled from Rekapalle,located at the edge of the Papikondalu, from where he controlled the Sabari river valley between Papikondalu and Bhadrachalam. He was also assisted by the Konda Reddy tribals living in the forests around. The Vilasa grant details the devastation of the Muslim rule in Telugu land, as well as the atrocities inflicted by them.

Knowing that the Muslim invaders could not be defeated in a straight battle, Prolaya Nayaka along with Vema Reddy launched a series of guerilla attacks, using the thick forests as a base, harassing them, driving them out from the entire coastal belt between Krishna and Godavari. He also strengthened the existing forests, rebuilt temples, restored Agraharas to Brahmins, and encouraged scholars, arsists. With age catching up, Prolaya Nayaka stepped down, and moved to Khammam where he spent his final days. With age catching up, Prolaya Nayaka stepped down, and moved to Khammam where he spent his final days and handed over power to Kapaya Nayaka. One by the one the Muslim governors in Telugu land, were driven out, as the Nayakas recaptured every fort, throwing out the invaders. The succesful resistance of the Musunuri Nayakas now inspired the other kingdoms down South to revolt agains the Muslim rule and throw off their yoke.

The rulers of Dwarasamudra, Kampilli, Araveedu revolted and threw out the Muslim governors, recapturing their territories. Vema Reddy assisted Kampili in driving out the Muslim governor there, while Kapaya and Vema Reddy together helped Somadeva of Araveedu in liberating many forts in the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab region.In the meantime two youngsters Harihara and Bukka Raya, who were serving under the ruler of Anegondi, would establish their own kingdom at Hampi, that would go on to become the mighty empire of Vijayanagara.

Mohd Bin Tuqhlag himself was facing various revolts in the North, after he became Sultan, and taking advantage, Jalaluddin Hassan, established an independent kingdom of his own in Madurai, leading the Sultan to come down South, with a large army. However an epidemic forced Tuqhlag to retreat back, as he placed Malik Maqbul in charge of Warangal. Kapaya Nayaka, formed an alliance with the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala III, and along with the Nayakas liberate Orugallu in 1336, a good 13 years after it fell to the invading Muslim armies, routing the Tuqhlag army, as Malik Maqbool fled to Devagiri.

Kapaya Nayaka was given the titles of Andhradesadiswara, Andhrasuratrana, and he in turn respected the autonomy of his fellow Nayakas, giving them complete freedom. From Srikakulam to Bidar, from Sirpur to Kanchi, the Muslim invaders were driven out, following a joint effort by the Nayakas, and other kingdoms, as the South once again came under Hindu rule.It was one of the glorious chapters in Telugu history.

However around this time Hassan Gangu led a group of Muslim nobles in revolt against Mohd Bin Tuqhlag in 1345, and assuming the name of Allauddin Bahman Shah, established the Bahmani kingdom in the Deccan at Devagiri and shifted his capital to Gulbarga in 1347. His aim was to conquer the entire Deccan and South, establish a Muslim empire once again there. And sadly the ego clashes, once again came to fore between the various Nayakas, as they began to plot against each other. Kapaya Nayaka also aided Bahman Shah when Tuqhlag attacked his kingdom, unaware of his intentions.

In the meantime Recherla Singama Nayaka, turned traitor and joined hands with the Bahmanis. Kapaya Nayaka had earlier prevented him from attacking Addanki, and he had held a long time grudge against him. He aided Bahman Shah, in attacking Orugallu twice in 1350 and later 1351, and though Kapaya Nayaka, put up a strong resistance, he was defeated and forced to cede the forts of Bhuvanagiri, Kailasakota, as the Bahmanis devastated the countryside.

When Allauddin passed away in Gulbarga and was succeded by his son Muhammed Shah, Kapanayaka took advantage sent his son Vinayaka Deva to recapture the forts ceded, along with the Vijayanagara ruler Bukka Raya II. Though Vinayaka had some success initially, he was captured by the Bahmanis and executed in the most gruesome manner. His son’s death was a major blow to Kapaya Nayaka, who once again attacked the Bahmanis with a huge army, in alliance with Bukka Raya. However Bukka Raya’s untimely death was another blow to him, as Mohd Shah defeated Kapaya Nayaka, capturing Golkonda and Warangal. With no assistance from Vijayanagar, and the Recherla Nayakas joining hands with the Bahmanis, Kapaya Nayaka fought a lone battle, but was defeated and forced to surrender a lot of riches in tribute that included the famous turquoise throne.

The Recharla Nayakas taking advantage of Kapaya Nayaka’s weakened position, declared independence, and revolted against him. By now war weary, his treasury exhausted, broken in spirit by his son’s death and the betrayal of his fellow Nayakas, Kapaya Nayaka rode out one last time for his final battle at Bhimavaram in 1370, and fell like a true warrior fighting on the battlefield. The man who united the various Nayakas, threw out the Muslim invaders from Telugu land, was backstabbed by his own, a truly tragic end to a great hero. Most of the Nayakas now migrated to Vijayanagara , where they would play a vital role in it’s army and governance. The sacrifice of Kapaya Nayaka did not go in vain.

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Telugu Kingdoms

While many have an idea about Satavahanas, Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar Empire, there were many other smaller kingdoms of which not much is known.

Assaka– One of the more ancient Telugu dynasties, existing around 700–300 BCE. Considered to be one of the 16 Mahajanapadas, it was located in the region between Godavari and Manjeera rivers. In fact this is the only Mahajanapada, south of the Vindhyas, and it’s capital is believed to be present day Bodhan in Telangana’s Nizamabad district.

Andhra Ikshavakus- Primarily located in the Krishna-Guntur-Nalgonda region, they were situated along the Godavari-Krishna rivers. Their capital was Vijayapuri, which is current day Nagarajunakonda. And it’s believed they were related to the fabled Ikshavakus dynasty. They ruled primarily around 2nd Century BCE.

Ananda Gotrika– Ruled over Coastal Andhra, between 335–425 AD, from Kapotapuram, now currently in Guntur district.

Shalankayanas– Ruled between 300 to 440 CE, from Vengi( currently Pedavegi near Eluru in West Godavari dt). They were Brahmins basically, and their gotra name refers to Nandi. It was during their time, that Telugu came up with a distinctive script.

Vishnukundinas– I would not call this an unknown dynasty exactly, but outside of Telugu states not many really know of it. This was one of the larger kingdoms, which existed between 420–624 AD, and it’s capital was at Eluru and later Amaravati. It came to an end with the conquest by Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin II. Their greatest ruler was Madhava Varma II, under whom it expanded along entire Coastal Andhra, and he also conducted Asvamedha, Rajasuya yagnas. They had a very good administrative system, and were great patrons of art and architecture. The famous Undavalli caves near Vijayawada, were built during their time.

Eastern Chalukyas– This was actually derived from the Badami Chalukyas, founded by Pulakesin’s brother Vishnuvardhana, who was the Governor of the Vengi reigon. They claimed to be a Lunar dynasty, descending directly from the Moon and ruled between 624–1189 AD. They ruled from Vengi and later Rajamahendravaram( aka Rajahmundry). Again known for their administration and a Republican form of Government. Telugu literature came into it’s own during this period, with Nannaya writing the first part of Andhra Mahabharatamu. The famous Shaivite shrines at Draksharama and Bhimarama( Samalkot) were built during this time. As also the Biccavolu temples.

Kota Vamsa- Ruled between 9th and 12th century AD, over the Guntur and Velanadu regions between the Krishna and Pennar rivers. Not much is really known of them.

Chagis– Claiming to be Suryavanshi Kshatriyas, ruled primarily in South Coastal Andhra between Nellore and Krishna districts. They had capitals at Gudimetta (Prakasam), Vinukonda (Guntur) and ruled for nearly 350 years. They had their own currency. They struck alliances with the Kakatiyas, Haiheyas of Palnadu.

Velanati Chodas- Ruled between 11th-13th century, vassals of the Cholas and Western Chalukyas. Primarily ruled over the Godavari-Krishna region. In a way they also influenced that region’s culture, and were great patrons of art and architecture.

Musunuri Nayaks– They were basically the warrior chieftains in Kakatiya empire, and formed their own independent kingdom after the fall of the Kakatiyas. Their greatest ruler was Musunuri Kapayya Nayak who recaptured Warangal from the Tughlaqs and ruled over there.

The Musunuri Nayaks were succeeded by Recharla Nayaks, who were dominant in Telangana during the 14th century. They ruled primarily from Devarakonda and Rachakonda in Nalgonda district. Initially they were allied with the Bahmani Sultans against the Reddy Rajulu of Coastal Andhra who were with the Vijayanagara Empire. However following a split, the Kondavidu Reddy Rulers allied with the Bahmanis, and the Recherlas switched to Vijayanagara Empire.

Ravella Nayakas– Vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire, it was made up primarily of the Nayakas who served under Musunuri Kapeeneedu, and they were considered one of the finest warriors in the Vijayanagara Army.

Sayapaneni Nayakas- One of the 37 Kamma Nayaka clans, they too served the Vijayanagara Kingdom, in 16th century. Ruling primarily from Dupatiseema, they went into decline after the fall of Vijayanagara.

Pemmasani Nayakas- Ruling from the historic fort of Gandikota, they were one of the greatest warrior clans ever. Reigning between 14th and 17th centuries, they also controlled the forts of Gutthi and Yadaki. Known for their prowess on the battle field, they served consecutively as commanders to the Vijayanagara Empire. Their greatest leader was Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayaka who led the Vijayanagara Army to one of it’s greatest victories ever at Raichur under Sri Krishna Deva Raya.

Suryadevara Nayakas- Ruling from Repalle in Guntur district, they were also noted for their prowess on the battle field. They served the Vijayanagar Kingdom and fought in various campaigns for it. They especially played a crucial role in Sri Krishna Deva Raya’s campaigns against the Gajapatis of Kalinga.

Reddy Dynasty- One of the larger dynasties in Andhra, again not known much outside the Telugu states. Ruled between 1325–1448, it was founded by Prolaya Vema Reddy at Addanki in Prakasam district. They ruled primarily over Coastal Andhra and parts of Rayalaseema. At their zenith, it stretched from Cuttack in North to Kanchi down South and up to Srisailam. The capital was later moved to Kondavidu and Rajamahendravaram. They built two really impregnable forts at Kondavidu(Guntur dt) and Kondapalli( Krishna dt). They later came under the control of Vijayanagara, and were known for their generous grants to Brahmins and Vedic scholars. Prolaya Vema Reddy built a number of Agraharas for Brahmins all across Coastal Andhra. The famous Narasimha Temple at Ahobilam was built by them. It was one of the best periods for Telugu and Sanskrit literature. Most of the Reddy rulers themselves were distinguished authors and scholars. The great writers, Yerrapragada, Srinatha and Pothana existed during this period.

The Kakatiyas- Fall of Orugallu

One of the most tragic chapters in Indian history on par with the destruction of Hampi is that of Orugallu, the capital of the Kakatiyas, which was raided thrice in 1310, 1318 and 1323, it’s immense riches looted, including the fabled Kohinoor diamond. It’s proximity to the diamond mines of Golkonda, nearby made it one of the richest cities of it’s time, as also it’s grand monuments, the massive fort, and the temples here. The Kakatiyas control of the entire Telugu speaking region, and the Eastern Coast, enabled the flourishing of trade resulting in it’s prosperity. It was but natural such riches would attract the attention of the Delhi Sultanate.

The North was already devastated by the Islamic invasions, with most of the major kingdoms there collapsing under the onslaught, and now the Sultans turned their attention down South. So far the Deccan was acting like a barrier protecting the Southern Hindu kingdoms from the Muslim invasions, but with the fall of the Yadavas at Devagiri, the South was now wide open for conquest. The first attack on Orugallu was made in 1303 by Malik Chaju, the nephew of Allaudin Khilji’s general Nusrat Khan Jalesari, which was however repelled by the Kakatiya army at Uparapalli.

Allaudin Khilji sent another large army under Malik Kafur in October 1309, to invade Warangal.He also advised Kafur not to settle down at Orugallu, but just extract tribute from Prataparudra and return back. Learning from previous experiences, Khilji set up a fast communication network using horses, by which messages could be relayed in quick time, along the route of the troops movement, and also put rest to unnecessary rumors that would upset the morale. Kafur set out with a massive army, crossing the Chambal, and smaller rivers, and finally crossing the Narmada in November, 1309. And finally entered the Kakatiya territory in December 1309.

He first laid siege to a fort called Sabar, which is believed to be modern day Sirpur, which fell after a brief resistance, and most of it’s residents commited suicide than surrender. The Kakatiya feudatories instead of intercepting the invading army, left for Warangal, a suicidal strategy, that made it much easier for Kafur to move ahead. Finally on January 18, 1310 the army reached Hanamkonda, from where they had a good view of Orugallu Fort, that was basically two layers, an inner stone fort surrounded by a ditch, the outer one a mud fort surrounded by a moat.

The invading Khilji army commanded by Nasir-ul-mulk Khwaja Haji completely surrounded the fort from all sides, with every turman( unit of 10,000 soldiers), assigned an area. The Kakatiyas too assigned a commander to guard each tower of the fort, while the outer fort had 70 bastions each defended by a Nayaka. It was an intense battle fought, as both sides had stone throwing machines, that hurled rocks at each other, resulting in heavy casualties. Finally the invaders broke one side of the wall, after filling up the outer moat with mud and using siege engines breached the doors. It was harder to break into the inner fort though, but by now with the residents facing starvation due to the long siege, Prataparudra surrendered. As per historian Barani, around 100 elephants, 7000 horses and large amount of gold, silver and diamonds was given as tribute, that included the fabled Kohi Noor diamond.

With the passing away of Allauddin Khilji, Prataparudra, stopped paying tribute to the Delhi Sultanate. Once again Allaudin’s son Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah sent a large army in 1318 under Khusrau Khan. The siege this time was shorter, as the invaders used trebuchet like machines to break down the walls, and Prataparudra once again surrendered, this time apart from horses, elephants and precious stones, he also ceded five districts of Badarkot, Kailas, Basudan, Elor, and Kobar in the Kakatiya territory.

However the Sultanate was now in turmoil with Khusrau Khan deposing Mubarak Shah in a coup, and taking over the throne of Delhi. He was in turn overthrown by Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tuqhlag in 1320, that would begin the Tuqhlaq dynasty of Delhi. This in turn led Prataparudra to assert his independence, and Ghiyas Ud Din sent his son Ulugh Khan, later more famous as Mohd Bin Tuqhlag to attack Orugallu.

Ulugh Khan plundered the Kakatiya territory en route to Orugallu, destroying temples, massacring Hindus, and finally laid siege to the fort. However the Kakatiyas put up a strong resistance, as the siege went on for six months, with no result. In the meantime, one of the officers Ubaid, floated a rumor that Ghiyas Ud Din was dead, creating panic in the invading army, as a section rebelled and retreated from Orugallu. Also the communication system set up by Khilji had broken down, leading to all kind of false information.

Taking advantage the Kakatiyas stormed the enemy camp, killed most of the invaders, as Ulugh Khan had to retreat to Devagiri, with the Kakatiya army in full pursuit of him. This is where Prataparudra got complacent, as he believed Orugallu would not be attacked again, and let his guard down. He organized a huge feast to celebrate the victory, that exhausted the granary, and allowed his soldiers to take leave and return to their villages.

A furious Ghiyas-Ud-Din severely punished the rebels, and sending reinforcements to Devagiri, ordered Ulugh Khan to launch another attack on Orugallu. This time Ulugh Khan captured the forts of Bidar, Bodhan en route, forcibly converted their residents to Islam. Though the Kakatiyas again put up a strong resistance for five months, the lack of food supplies in the granary, and shortage of men to defend, forced Prataparudra to surrender.

As the gates of Orugallu were thrown open, the invaders entered the city, and completely looted it of all it’s treasures and riches. Many of the buildings, homes were burnt down, razed to the ground, citizens massacred in thousands, while others would be taken as slaves to serve the Sultan and nobles of Delhi. The Swayambhudeva Temple one of the grandest structures in the city, housing the Chaturmukha lingam was razed to the ground, it’s treasures looted. Orugallu one of the richest and most powerful cities of it’s time was devastated, while Prataparudra taken as prisoner commited suicide somewhere on the banks of the Narmada enroute to Delhi. It was the end of one of the great empires of the South.

The fall of the Kakatiyas, would see their feudatories assert themeselves as independent kingdoms, notably the Reddy Rajulu of Kondavidu and the Musunuri Nayakas. The decline of these kingdoms, later on would finally lay the foundation for the rise of one of the greatest Hindu empires down South, Vijayanagara, that lasted for four centuries.

The Kakatiyas- Prataparudra

Prataparudra was the last great ruler of the Kakatiyas, his reign however would end in ignominy, with the capture and sacking of Orugallu, and annexation to the Delhi Sultanate, effectively ending the great empire. The grandson of Rudramadevi, he spent the initial years of his reign subjugating the insubordinate chieftains and a series of battles with the Yadavas, Pandyas and Kampili.However his reign ended in ignominy, when he was twice defeated by the Delhi Sultanate, first by Malik Kafur in 1310 and later by Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tughlaq in 1323 that effectively ended the Kakatiya dynasty and resulted in the annexation of the kingdom to the Sultanate.

His mother Mummadamma was Rudramadevi’s eldest daughter, and his father Mahadeva a Kakatiya prince. His active participation in his grandmother’s military campaigns and administration, saw most nobles backing him to be the next ruler.His first campaign was against Ambadeva, who had broken away from the Kakatiyas, and set up his own kingdom with the help of the Yadavas and Pandyas. He first sent an army to Vikramasimhapuri, current day Nellore, ruled by Ambadeva’s appointee  Manuma Gandagopala, which was headed by Adidamu Mallu, an officer under the sakala senadhipati,Pottapi Choda Ranganatha. He sent another army to Tripuranthakam, now in Prakasam dt, under Manuma Gannaya and Annayadeva, his cousin. The assault made Ambadeva retreat further down South, and the entire region was annexed to the Kakatiya kingdom.

He sent another expedition against the Yadava rulers who backed Ambadeva, in which Manuma Gandagopala, the Telugu Chola chieftain participated. His feudatory Gona Vithala, captured the Adoni and Tumbala forts, Manuva and Haluva in the Raichur Doab, and finally capturing Raichur city, he erected a strong fort there. When Raja Gandagopala betrayed him and joined hands with the Pandyas, he sent a large army under Manuma, and routed the alliance.

However trouble was brewing, as the Deccan which so far had shielded the South from the Muslim invasions that devastated the North, began to fall under the assault. Devagiri, the Yadava capital was raided by Allauddin Khilji in 1296, as he forced it’s last ruler Ramachandra to pay tribute and looted the city. The huge plunder motivated Khilji to attack Orugallu in 1301, fabled for it’s wealth then, but untimely death of his general Ulugh Khan put an end to his plans.

The first invasion of Orugallu under Malik Juna in 1302, ended in disaster, as the Khilji army had to retreat with considerable loss of men and material. When Ramachandra stopped paying tribute to Khilji, he sent his general Malik Kafur, in 1308, who defeated the Yadava ruler. Prataparudra built up a huge army of 900,000 archers, 20,000 horses and 100 elephants to defend against Kafur who had now set his sights on Orugallu.

Kafur laid siege to Orugallu in 1310, and after 3 days, the fort fell, in the face of some determined resistance by the Kakatiyas. It’s believed that cutting off the food stocks and supplies to the fort, resulted in Prataparudra’s decision to surrender. Kafur looted Orugallu of it’s immense wealth, that included the precious Kohinoor diamond too, while Prataparudra promised to pay tribute to the Delhi Sultanate.

Taking advantage of the chaos following the Khilji invasion, most of the Kakatiya vassals began to assert their independence. Malideva, the Vaidumba chief of Gandikota, was one of them, who was ultimately subdued by Gomkya Reddi. Another insubordinate chieftain Ranganatha, the Telugu Chola ruler of Nellore revolted in 1311, but was defeated by Prataparudra himself. The Pandya kingdom in the meanwhile was hit by a civil war between the brothers Sundara and Vira Pandya, leading to the Hoyasala ruler Ballala attacking the Pandyas. However Prataparudra sent an army under Peda Rudra, who defeated Ballala and occupied Kanchi.

When the Pandyas tried to evict the Kakatiyas from Kanchi, Prataparudra himself led an army, supported by his generals Muppidinayaka, Recherla Era Dacha, Manavira, and Devarinayaka, forcing the Pandyas to retreat. Devarinayaka advanced further South, defeated Vira Pandya, and placed his brother Sundara Pandya on the throne. The Hoysala ruler Ballala, had invaded Kampili kingdom near Bellary, whose prince Kumara Rama, requested Pratapa Rudra’s assistance that was rejected. This led to a rivalry between the two kingdoms, with the Kampili kingdom occupying Western part of the Kakatiyas, who were defeated by Prolaya Annaya, the Kakatiya commander.

There was another siege of Warangal in 1318, after the passing away of Allauddin Khilji, when his son Mubarak Shah, got Malik Kafur killed and became the Sultan. Ramachandra’s son in law Harapaladeva rebelled at Devagiri, while Prataparudra too stopped paying tribute. Mubarak Shah suppressed the Devagiri revolt, and sent his general Khusrau Khan to Orugallu in 1318, who after another siege, defeated Prataparudra.

Khusrau Khan in the meanwhile murdered Mubarak Shah and usurped the throne of Delhi in 1320, and in turn was dethroned by a group of nobles, with Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tuqhlag becoming the Sultan and starting the Tuqhlaq dynasty. He sent his son Ulugh Khan, later more famous as Mohd Bin Tuqhlag to attack Orugallu after Prataparudra had stopped paying tribute. His first siege in 1323, failed as a false rumor of Ghiyas-Ud-Din’s death was circulated, leading to a revolt in his army, and forcing him to retreat.

Believing that he had won a decisive victory, Prataparudra let his guard down, and became complacent, to the extent that he let his soldiers take a break. However Ulugh Khan once again launched a massive attack on Orugallu, and after a five month long siege, the fort fell in November 1323. Orugallu was ransacked and looted, the fort burnt down and destroyed. The Swayambhudeva Temple, that housed the Chaturmukha Lingam of Shiva was razed to the ground, after plundering it’s wealth. Many were enslaved and taken to Delhi.

Prataparudra and his family were captured, and sent to Delhi, and it’s believed he commited suicide on the banks of the Narmada river out of shame and ignominy. It was the end of one of the great empires of the South, and one of the richest cities Orugallu was devastated and razed to the ground, it’s immense riches looted. The fall and destruction of Orugallu is as tragic a chapter of Indian history, as the fall of Hampi, as it would lead to a collapse of most other Hindu kingdoms down South. It was from this debris, chaos and anarchy, one of the greatest empires of Indian history, Vijayanagara, that would stand proud for four centuries, would emerge.