30th June 2022 I Medieval Telangana and the emergence of composite culture – Kakatiyas and Velama kingdoms and their contribution to Socio- Cultural Development, Literature, Music, Dance, Art and Architecture

Syllabus- Medieval Telangana and the emergence of composite culture – Kakatiyas and Velama kingdoms and their contribution to Socio- Cultural Development, Literature, Music, Dance, Art and Architecture

Number of questions- Mains: 02, Prelims – 10

Mains Questions of the day

1.Explain the inter-state relations of velamas of Rachakonda.

Introduction:

Write briefly about Velamas of Rachakonda

Body:

Mention their inter-state relations with other rulers.

Conclusion:

• Recherla Padmanayas are capable rulers.
• They ruled most parts of present Telangana for the period of more than one hundered and Fifty years.
• Their able administration, socio-economic development, religious harmony, growth of literature made them more popular in the medieval history of Telangana.

Content:

• After the decline of Kakatiyas, in the present Nalgonda, Mahboobnagar area, the Recherla Padmanayakas founded their independent Kingdom.
• They ruled for the period of more than in century and half.
• ‘Rachakonda’ and ‘Devarakonda’stood as the capital city of them.
• As they born from the feet of Lord Vishunu’, they got the name as padmanayakas.

Inter State Relations:

• The Velamas of Rachakonda and Devarakonda ruled the entire Telangana as “Regional Power” for one and half century playing an active role in the politics.
• The kingdom itself was situated amidst of:
• Bahamanis of Gulbarga in the west
• Rayas of Vijayanagara in the south
• Reddys of Kondavidu in the east and
• Gajapatis of Orissa in the north.
• The Velamas had to contend with the above kingdoms to stablise as well as to extend their power.
• Hence, the Velamas often shifted their alliances with their neighbouring states and tried to gain their power back.

Relations with Bahamanis of Gulbarga:

• During the early days of the rule of the Velamas, the relations with Bahamanis were cordial.
• Bahaman Shah I helped Anapota Nayaka I against Kapaya Nayaka.
• The same relations continued till Singama Nayaka II and Vedagiri I.
• However, during region of Anapota II and Mada II when they were engaged in war with Reddys Feroz Shah II attacked and besieged the fort of Panugal.
• This led to the cut-off the traditional relations between the Velamas and Bahamanis and joined hands with the vijayanagara.
• Again, during the reign of Sarvangna Rao Singama Nayaka III and Lingama Nayaka, the Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah II attacked the forts of Velamsas and took possession of wealth.
• It finally resulted in the subjugation of the Velamas to the Bahamins and the Vijayanagaras.

Relations with Reddys of Kondavidu:

• The relation between the Velamas and Reddys was not cordial ever since formation of their kingdoms.
• The kingdom of Reddys was a doab with rich rice yielding fertile soils in the coast where as that of the Velamas was an arid zone.
• Hence Velamas were interested on the coastal area of the Reddys.
• Conflict became inevitable for the Velamas to gain rich soils of the Reddys.
• Velugotivari Vamshavali refers to the Velama-Reddy conflicts which ended with no material benefits to any party except giving the scope for the intervention of the Bahamanis and the Vijayanagaras in their political affairs.

Relations with Rayas of Vijayanagara:

• The political alliances between the Velamas and the Vijayanagara kings were temporary.
• When Singama nayaka I and Vedagiri were engaged in war with the Reddys in Coastal Andhra, Bukkaraya II attacked Panugal fort by talking advantage their absence in Telangana.
• It resulted in the outbreak of the rivalries between the two parties.
• The intervention of the Vijayanagara kings into the affairs of Reddys of Kondavidu prevented the Velamas against their coastal campaigns.
• However, the last powerful ruler Lingama Nayaka who made attempts to win the territories of the Vijayanagara ended his career in failure.

Relations with Gajapatis of Orissa:

• The relation between the Velamas and the Gajapatis of Orissa were cordial.
• It seems the early reign of Anpota I and his brother’s son Vedagiri went as far as Srikurmam and Simhachalam, in the process of the extension of the kingdom.
• During the last phase of Velamas that is during the reign of Lingama nayaka, Kapileshwara  Gajapati of Orissa came to assist Velama chief of Devarakonda at the request to overcome the invasion of Humayun Shah of Bahamani dynasty.
• In this scenario, the Orissa rulers came forward as Orugallu.
• Thereafter the Velamas of Rachakonda and Devarakonda acted as subordinates to Gajapati rulers owing to their assistant during wars with the Bahamanis.

2. Briefly write a note on the composite culture existed during Kakatiyas age.

Introduction:

Write briefly about religious condition during the Kakatiyas age

Body:

Describe the religious conditions during the Kakatiyas Age

Conclusion:

• The Kakatiya rulers earned a unique place in history of Telangana.
• They were capable, dynamic and hardworking rulers.
• They united first time Telugu people in the name of language their Religious Tolerance, Irrigational works, literature, Art, Architecture, culture became heritage to present generation.

Content:

• Kakatiyas are known for their religious tolerance.
• Jainism and Buddhism enjoyed the support of state.
• Saivism and Vaishnavisam also received the support of rulers and their officials.

Jainism:

• Jainism entered into Telangana region during the western Chalukyas.
• The early kakatiyas Patronised the Jainism.
• ‘Siddheshwara charitram’ of Kase siddhappa is supporting it.
• Jainism which was discouraged by Eastern Chalukyas received great support of Kakatiyas.
• Hanmakonda became the centre of Jainism and activities in Andhradesa.
• The jain scholar Rishabhanatha who was tortured by Eastern Chalukyan king Raja Raja Naredra escaped and reached Hanumakonda.
• Here he was honourd by Kakatiya ruler.
• Anumakonda inscription, of Prolaraja begins with the prayer of Jain.
• In the court of Vemulawada Chalukyas Jainism received Royal support.
• Beta Raja gave donations to Yuddhamalla’s Jain temple. 
• Beta II another early Kakatiya ruler gave donations to ‘Jaina Basadi’ located at Jalna. 
• Jainism and Buddhism lost the public confidence slowly.
• In their place Saivism and Vaisnavism gained popularity.

Saivism:

• Saivism received the patronisation of Royal family members.
• There are sub-sects like ‘Kaalamukha’, Kaapalika Pashupatha, Aaradhyasaiva, Veerasaivism etc.
• The early Kakatiya kings followed ‘Kaalamukha’sect of Saivism.
• Beta II, was the disciple of ‘Rameshwara pandita'(who was devotee and head of Mallikarjuna silamatha’s)
• Beta II grainted him “Vaijanapalli’ (Sivapuram) Villag as gift.
• Beta II’s successors Durgaraju, prola II also became the disciples of Rameshwara pandita.
• They took ‘Sivadeeksha’ from above guru.
• The saivite devotees of Karnataka considered Srisailam as the chief center of Kaalamukh sect of Saivism, Rameshwara panditha as their Guru.
• Lakuleshwara was profounder of ‘Kaalamukha jaina siddhantha’.
• Alampur located on the bank of river ‘Thungabhadra’ was a very famous saivite piligrim centre in those days.
• Navabrahma temples are built here.
• Aagastheshware saiva temple closely located to Alampur is another main centre for Kaalamukh saivites.
• ‘Vemulawada’ (Karimnagar) is also very famous saivite centre during Kakatiya age.
• It received patronisation from the period of Kalyani Chalukyas
• The chief deity of this temple is Raja Rajeshwara Swamy(Shiva).
• It received land gifts from Rajaditya Mahamandaleswara.
• At ‘Kaleshwaram’ (Warangal) he installed linga of Shiva.
• ‘Paasupatha Saivism’ was another important sect during the reign of Kakatiyas.
• Aagamas are primary source to know about this sect.
• At the beginning of the 13th century CE, in the Kaalachuri kingdom political and religious un-rest was out broken.
• This forced many Saiva gurus from Kaalachuri kingdom to migrate to Andhradesa
• ‘Dharmashivá a famous saiva guru came to migrate to Andhra and settled at ‘Draksharaamam’.
• He became the chief guru to Ganapatideva and his daughter Rudramadevi.
• He developed relations with the saivite temples located at Tripurantakam, Warangal, Draksharamam.
• During the reign of Ganapathideva, ‘Golakimata’ received liberal patronisation from king.
• After him it lost its popularity.
• After the decline of Kakatiya power, the gate ways of Srisailam became very popular piligrim centres.
•  The Religious tolerance exhibited by Kakatiyas became a model to their successors in Andhradesa.
• As the result the conflict between Veerasaivites and saivites in contemporary Karnataka are not seen in Andhradesa.
• The gurus of Kakatiya kings preached the principle of live and let live. This became a mantra for their glory.

Vaishnavism:

• People of Kakatiya times enjoyed the Religious freedom.
• All their temples Consists of the deities such as shiva, Vishnu, surya.
• Thousand pillar temple built at Hanumakonda by Rudradeva was a Trikuta Alayam.
• His minister Vellamki Gangadhara built Prasannakeshava Swamy temple at Hanmakonda.
• Ganapatideva’s sister Mailamba built a big Gopala Krishna temple at Inugarthi.
• Prataparudra II, has donated some villages to Chennakeshava temple.
• His wife Lakshmideva donated gifts to ‘Ramanatha temple located at Yegedu'(Karimnagar).

Prelims Questions of the day:

1. Which of the following literary work is by the author “Vidyantha”?

1. Nrithya Ratnavalli
2. Prathaparudra yashobhushanam
3. Kavijanashraya
4. Brihatkatha

Answer: B

Explanation:
Vidyanadha (Agastya Pandita or Agastya Kavi): wrote Prataparudriyam or Prataparudra Yasobhushanam :

• Sanskrit poet and rhetorician of the court of Kakatiya Prataparudra II of Warangal (1289-1323).
• A commentary on this book was written by Kolachala Kumaraswami son of the renowed commentrator Kolachala Malliratha Suri. 
• This book gives some historical perspective of Kakatiya Period.

2. Which of the following is/are the capital of Recharla Padmanayakas?

1. Rachakonda
2. Devrakonda
3. Amanagulla
4. All the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Recharla Padmanayakas had come into political prominence during kakitya era
• Declared independence after the fall of kakatiya kingdom.
• Recharla Padmanayakas are also called as Velama nayakas. They ruled the Telangana region in two branches with Rachakonda and Devarakonda as their capitals
• Their native place wa Amangallu
• Before them Amanagallu was the capital of Recharla Reddy and Kandur Cholas
• Founder of this dynasty, Bethala reddy was appointed as the ruler of Amanagallu by Kakatiya Ganapatideva.

3.“Pratapacharitra” the literary work of Ekamranatha describes which of the following?

1. General information of society
2. Story of Bhogini a prostitute
3. End of Prataparudra-II and his queen visalakshi
4. Marriage practices.

Answer: C

Explanation:

“Pratapacharitra” the literary work of Ekamranatha describes the end of Prataparudra-II and his queen visalakshi

4.“Nrithya Ratnavalli” literary work was written by which of the following author?

1. Jayapa senani
2. Baddenna
3. Vallabharaya
4. Madhav Varma

Answer: A

Explanation:

Jaya Senapathi (1199 – 1262 AD) wrote Nrittaratnavali:

• This is a work in Sanskrit written by Jaya Senapathi the general and minister of Ganapatideva (1199 – 1262 AD).
• It is a lakshana grantha on dance and dramaturgy.
• The principles of various styles of nritta and natya are described in it. 
• It is helpful in understanding the art of dance in Telangana during 1199 – 1262 AD period. 

5.“Anumakonda Thousand pillar” inscription represents which of the following?

1. Declaration of sovereign power of rudradeva
2. It gives details about Prataparudra’s victory over Ambadeva
3. Reference of Andhra Satavahana
4. It gives details about external trade during Ganapatideva period.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreswara Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the town of Anumakonda.
• It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Thousand Pillar Temple, along with Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and Ramappa Temple are added to the tentative list of World Heritage sites recognised by UNESCO
• Many Hindu temples were developed under the patronage of Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra who were of Kakatiya dynasty.
• The Thousand Pillar Temple was believed to be constructed during the period between 1175–1324 CE by order of the king, Rudra Deva.
• “Anumakonda Thousand pillar” inscription represents the declaration of sovereign power of Rudradeva.

6.Bammera Pothana was contemporary of which of the following the ruler?

1. Singama Nayaka
2. Anavota Nayaka
3. Sarvajna Singama Nayaka
4. Mayavati

Answer: C

Explanation:

• The original kings of Rachakonda were chieftains of the Recherla clan and Padmanayaka (Velama) caste who rose to rule over the entire Telangana during the post-Kakatiya and pre-Bahamani period in the Deccan.
• Rachakonda was unique inspite of its small size and frequent tensions, Telugu literature received major patronage and flourished.
• Most famous was Sarvajna Singha Bhoopala III of the Recherla clan, the last king of Rachakonda, who patronized both Bammera Pothana and Srinatha – legendary Telugu poets.
• Bammera Pothana’s Bhogini Dandakam contains excellent descriptions of Rachakonda fort and city life in its last glory days under Singha Bhoopala III before the Bahmani conquest.

7.The literary work “Bhogini Dandakam” was written by which of the following author?

1. Hala
2. Bammera Potana
3. Somanantha
4. Ganapathideva

Answer:B
Explanation:

• In Bhogini Dandakam, poet Bammera Pothana had written how Bhogini, the daughter of a prostitute, had captivated the interest of Singa Bhupala through her beauty and singing and dancing capabilities.
• Pothana had written that the king had built the Bhogini Mandapam in honour of Bhogini in Rachakonda.

8.During which of the following regime, Recharla Padma Nayakas patronized Vaishnavism?

1. Singa Bhupala
2. Vedagiri
3. Naina charyulu
4. Madanayaka

Answer: A

Explanation:

During Singa Bhupala period, Vaishnavism was patronized by the Padma Nayakas and the Vaishnavite god Hanuman was promoted in every corner of the kingdom.

9.The Bayayarm Tank in Khammam District, was constructed by which of the following ruler?

1. Dhanarnava
2. Induluri Annaya
3. Mailamba
4. Saadha

Answer: C

Explanation:

• A potential tourists’ paradise – Bayyaram Tank – built by Kakatiyas in 13th Century A.D., needs a push from Government.
• Eight-foot pillar found near the tank is engraved on four sides of the stone in Telugu, Kannada script in Sanskrit language, the inscription contains 71 Sanskrit verses etched in several metres in length.
• There are no restrooms, or other accommodation facilities in and around Bayyaram for an overnight stay.
• Tourists can come from Khammam (about 55 km) or Mahabubabad in Warangal District (about 10 km).

10.Who wrote the drama “Ratna Panchalika” with the name “Kuvalayavali”?

1. Madanayaka
2. Anavota nayaka
3. Singama nayaka-II
4. Mada nayaka

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Singama nayaka-II was a poet himself and he patronised a number of poets in his court.
• Two of them were Visweswara and Bommakanti Appayamatya.
• Visweswara wrote the ‘Chamat kara Chandrika’ and Appayamatya wrote commentary on ‘Amarakosam‘, a grammar book.
• Singama nayaka himself wrote 2 books ‘Rasvama Sudhakaram’ and ‘Sangitha Sudha karam’ and a drama called ‘Ratna panchalika’ with the pen name of Kuvalayavali.
• Famous poet Srinatha once visited his court.