CURRENT STATUS: HERITAGE SITE Kaulas (Kowlas) Fort Located in Kaulas Village , Jukkal mandal, Kamareddy District, this "jewel in the crown" sits at the strategic tri-junction of Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Spread across 6 sq km , it is one of the largest royal forts in the state. Current Status: Although the fort has been empty for decades, it remains a majestic destination for visitors. It features multi-tier rock-cut layers, a surrounding stream (Kaulas nala), and a picturesque lake nearby. Notable landmarks like the Rani Mahal and Enugula Bavi (Elephant Well) stand in a deteriorating yet beautiful condition. Strategic & Defense Mechanism The fort was considered unassailable due to its 8-km fortification radius and over 50 bastions , including prominent ones like Hussaini, Mallika, Mula, and Kadika Burj. A defense of multi-layered walls and moats protected the inhabitants. I...
Strategic Significance & Historical Events Pratapgiri (Pedda Gutta) was not merely a frontier outpost; it was the "Northern Gate" of the Telugu land. Its history is defined by its role as a high-stakes military command center during the transition from the Kakatiya sovereignty to the Musunuri resistance. The Royal Refuge (c. 1310 – 1323 CE): During the Delhi Sultanate invasions, Prataparudra II frequently utilized this fort as a strategic retreat. Because the capital, Orugallu , was often under siege, Pratapgiri served as a hidden supply hub and granary. The "Eye" of the Godavari: Actual sources describe the fort's Thana (watch-post) successfully signaling the approach of northern armies crossing the Godavari river, providing the capital with days of advance warning via fire-signals. The Musunuri Guerrilla Base: Following the fall of the Kakatiyas, Musunuri Kapaneedu used the "impenetrable" fore...