Hatampura (Alampur) - Sacred Core of Kanne-300
Hatampura (modern Alampur) served as the spiritual and administrative anchor for the Kanne-300 division under the Kollipake-7000 realm. Its unique location at the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers made it a sacred sangama – a rare meeting point of Εaiva and ΕΔkta traditions, home to the renowned Jogulamba Shakti Peetha and the exquisite Navabrahma temples.
The Tungabhadra acted as a natural boundary: modern Kurnool Town lies on the southern bank, while Hatampura (Alampur) stands on the northern bank. This river often separated Ayaje-300 (north) from Kanne-300 or Naruvadi-500 (south and east). Despite the divide, Alampur remained the primary urban and religious destination for the people of Kannesima (Kanne-300).
Recognized as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas, Alampur’s presiding deity is Balabrahmesvara with Goddess Jogulamba (Yogeswari). The Navabrahma temples display peculiar Rekha-Nagara prasadas (curvilinear towers) — a distinct Chalukyan architectural idiom. Throughout centuries, this doab witnessed battles between Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and Kakatiyas.
π Chronology of Power · Alampur & Kanne-300
Based on inscriptions, copper plates, and hero stones — from Satavahanas to Kakatiyas.
πΏ c. 232 BCE – 208 CE : Satavahana Dynasty
The area around Alampur was designated as Satavahani-hara in records. The Myakadoni Inscription (Bellary/Adoni region) mentions Mahasenapati Skandanaga, a military governor under Pulumavi IV, covering the Alampur-Adoni frontier. Local Pugiya and Hiranyaka families served as Mahatalavaras (Great Lords) in the Tungabhadra-Krishna doab.
π️ c. 208 CE – 320 CE : Ikshvakus of Vijayapuri
This region was governed by the Pugiya & Hiranyaka families as Ikshvaku feudatories. The Gurazala Inscription mentions Halampura (Alampur) during king Rudra Purushadatta, proving Alampur was a recognized administrative unit under Ikshvaku crown. The tract was often called Andhra-patha (“Andhra road”).
πΊ c. 320 – 340 CE : Pallava Dynasty (early)
After Ikshvaku decline, early Pallavas like Shivaskandavarman held sway over Andhra-patha including Alampur. Inscriptions such as Mayidavolu and Hirahadagalli plates show Pallava governance up to Krishna river. Alampur became the northern frontier of Pallava kingdom.
π c. 340 CE – 483 CE : Vakataka (Vatsagulma) & Imperial Nalas
The powerful Nala kings dominated the Alampur gateway. Bhavadatta-varman (c. 430–450) defeated the Vakatakas. His son Arthapati-varman faced counter-attacks. Later, Skandavarman (c.470–483) consolidated the administrative unit later known as Nalavadi-vishaya under Chalukyas. The Nalas left a deep imprint on the region’s identity.
Vrishadhvaja (early progenitor)
Varaharaja – pushed Nala influence into southern river valleys.
Bhavadatta-varman (c. 430 – c. 450 CE) – most powerful, defeated Vakatakas.
Arthapati-varman (c. 450 – 460 CE) – faced Vakataka counter-attack.
Skandavarman (c. 470 – 483 CE) – great restorer, consolidated Nalavadi-vishaya.
πΏ c. 483 CE – 611 CE : Vishnukundina Dynasty
The Vishnukundins integrated the Srisailam-Alampur axis into their heartland. Madhavavarman II (Janashraya) performed AΕvamedha sacrifices after conquering the doab. They held Alampur as their western frontier until the Badami Chalukyas under Pulakesin II swept through in 611 CE.
π― 611 CE – 753 CE : Badami Chalukyas & Nalavadi-vishaya
The Mahakuta Pillar (602 CE) lists Nalas as a conquered tribe. The Aihole inscription (634 CE) of Pulakeshin II credits Kirtivarman with destroying Nala power in Nalavadi-vishaya. After Pulakeshin’s death, Pallavas briefly occupied the region (642–655 CE), but Vemulawada Chalukyas restored Badami control.
π️ Navabrahma temples: built during Vikramaditya I & Vinayaditya (655–696 CE) – Alampur became a gateway to eastern Vengi.
Mangalesha (c. 592–610 CE) – Mahakuta Pillar lists Nalas as conquered.
Kirtivarman (under Pulakeshin II) – “night of doom” for Nalas (Aihole inscription 634 CE).
Pulakeshin II (c. 609–642 CE) – established Chalukya control over Nalavadi-vishaya.
Narasimhavarman I (Pallava) – occupied region 642–655 CE (13-year Pallava occupation).
Vikramaditya I (655–681 CE) – restored Badami rule; began transforming Alampur.
Vinayaditya (681–696 CE) – Swarga Brahma inscription; Navabrahma temples built.
Vijayaditya / local rulers: Anantaguna-Guna-Vilaasa (architect-official, c.681–696).
Prithvipati Raja (672 CE – Kollapur plates) – feudatory of Vikramaditya I.
Baladitya-maharaja – managed Ramapuram (Waddepalle).
Bala-varmarasa (713 CE) – administered Alampur, oversaw mathas & main gateways.
Prithivi Vyaghra (Nala chief, c. 740 CE) – attempted sovereignty, subdued by Vikramaditya II.
Vikramaditya II (733–744 CE) – final Badami ruler before Rashtrakuta ascendancy.
⚔️ 753 CE – 973 CE : Rashtrakuta Dynasty
Dantidurga (c. 754 CE) performed Hiranyagarbha ceremony and consolidated the Alampur region. Under Amoghavarsha I (814–878 CE), Alampur flourished.
π 859 CE (Pragatore, Alampur): Grant by ratti bhataralu (local lords) to god Lakulisvara. First epigraphic mention of Komati (merchant).
π§ Lakulisvara & Kalamukha ascetics: Alampur became a major Εaiva monastic centre.
Dantidurga (c. 754 CE) – performed Hiranyagarbha, consolidated Alampur region.
Balavarmarasa (780–781 CE) – arrangements for Mahanavami festival, feeding 1000 persons.
Prince Viragriha (795 CE) – son of Vinayaditya (Vemulawada Chalukya), friend of Govinda III.
Govinda III (Kali Vallabha) (793–814 CE) – imperial Rashtrakuta.
Srimara (800 CE) – son of Botiya Begala/Sabetiyabe, constructed Sun temple at Uttaresvara.
Amoghavarsha I (Nrupatunga) (814–878 CE) – 859 CE Pragatore inscription (ratti bhataralu, first mention of Komati merchant).
Maha Samantha Kommana (946 CE) – lord of Panuravadi-27000 (Mallikarjun Palli inscription).
Other feudatories: Devala Gundaya (priest), Vidyadhara Rasibhattaraka (Saiva ascetic).
⛩️ 973 CE – c. 1163 CE : Kalyani Chalukyas & Telugu Chodas
π₯ The Chola Occupation (c. 1003 – 1051 CE)
Rajaraja Chola I captured Kanne-300 and Ayaje-300 to use as military supply depots. Rajendra Chola continued campaigns. But Chalukyan counter-offensive under Jayasimha II led to the famous Battle of Pebberi (1028 AD) – hero stone of warrior Bikkenna who pierced an elephant. The region was fiercely contested.
⚔️ Pebberi Hero Stone (Alampur Museum, S.950 – 1028 CE): “Jasinga Vallabha (Jayasimha II) arrived to reconquer Kanna-nadu (Kanne-300)”. Warrior Bikkenna fell in combat. Rare evidence of large-scale warfare at Alampur.
Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE) – captured Kanne-300 and Ayaje-300 (1003–1005).
Rajendra Chola I (1017–1044 CE) – continued campaigns; 1038 CE gift to Brahmesvara Deva by merchant group.
Jayasimha II (Jagadekamalla I) – Chalukyan counter-offensive; 1028 CE Battle of Pebberi (hero stone of Bikkenna).
Somesvara I (Ahavamalla / Trailokyamalla) (1042–1068 CE) – restored Alampur; 1051 CE inscription of Pancharasi Bhattaraka.
Mahasthanadhipati Pancharasi Bhattaraka (1051 CE) – pontiff of Brahmesvara.
Somesvara II (Bhuvanaikamalla) (1068–1076 CE).
Vikramaditya VI (Tribhuvanamalla) (1076–1126 CE).
By 1051 CE, stability returned under Somesvara I. Mahasthanadhipati Pancharasi Bhattaraka appears as the pontiff of Brahmesvara temple. Inscriptions record the restoration of ghatikasthana (religious centre).
π Telugu Cholas of Pedakallu (1051 CE – 1153 CE)
Irugana Chola-maharaja (1057–1060 CE) – 1057 inscription (tolls officer Sunka-vergade, priest Brahmarasi Bhattaraka).
Chiddana Chola Maharaja (1060–1097 CE) – 1067–68 gift of 300 gadyanas; 1074 Bichapalli inscription (victory over Seuna king); 1097 CE gift of village Yeragere.
Dandanayaka Naranayya (Vatsa-kula) (1076 CE) – detailed toll list; “washed feet” of priest Brahmarishi Bhattaraka.
Mahamandalesvara Mallamaharaja (Vaidumba) (1077–1090 CE) – ruled Ayaje-300 from Kalukade; 1080 CE gift of two villages.
Bijjana Chola Maharaja (1079 CE) – ruled Kanne-300, Pedakallu-800, Naravadi-500 from Etagiri.
Pergade Mallapayya / Perggada Mallimayya (1082–1088 CE) – disputes and land grants.
Hallavarasa (1091–1153 CE) – ruled Aize-300 from Pundur; 1094 CE grant of Pulinuru; 1151 CE gift by Chakama (wife of Nagadeva-nayaka).
π 1076 CE (Dandanayaka Naranayya): “Vadda-ravula (Great Tolls) of the four nadus”. Describes Alampur as Western Entrance (Dwara) of Sri Parvata (Srisailam) – one of the four gateways.
Queen Abhinava Sarasvati (1101–1108 CE) – donated Ballera village (Kanne-300).
Devaracharya muni pandita – priest under Mallarasa.
Dharanindrarasi Pandita (1109 CE) – received taxes from Kandanavola (Kurnool).
Vitaranendra rasi pandita (1115 CE) – Sthanadhipati, received five rituals.
π° Kalachuris of Kalyani (1178–1183)
1182 AD (Ahavamalla): inscription in Suryanarayana temple records gift from Ayyavole-500, nanadesis, and mahanadu assembled at Dakshina-Varanasi (Alampur). Sthanapati Kesavarasi recipient of the grant – testament to merchant guilds and Shaiva networks.
πΎ Cheraku Chiefs & Kakatiya Era (1199–1323)
The Cheraku family ruled as feudatories under Kakatiyas. Immadi Bollayya Reddy (1199–1253) served three Kakatiya monarchs, titled Kakatiya-Kanaka-prakara (golden fort-wall). Immadi Visvanatha (1253–1265) founded Amrabad branch and made grants to Srisailam temple.
π 1262 CE (Alampur): renovation of temple pillar by Bammisetti for Cheraku-Murari Ketaya and Immadi-Devaya.
π
1271 CE (Irvin, Kalwakurthy): gift to god Indresvara by Vavilala Rudraya reddi, showing matrimonial alliances between Cheraku and Vavilala families.
1295 CE – 1323: Direct Kakatiya Control. On September 11, 1299 CE, an inscription records Pedamam Maldevaraju and other mahasthanadhipatis granting 5 martars of land to Brahmesvaradeva temple during the rule of Prataparudra from Orugallu (Warangal).
π️ Religious & architectural legacy
The Navabrahma temples (c. 7th–8th century) are masterpieces of Early Chalukyan architecture, with Rekha-Nagara towers. Alampur is also a Εakti PΔ«αΉha (Jogulamba temple), attracting pilgrims for centuries. The Brahmesvara temple was the nucleus of land grants, managed by mahasthanadhipatis (pontiffs) such as Pancharasi Bhattaraka, Vidyadhara Rasibhattaraka, and Kesavarasi. The river confluence made it an unbroken sacred geography from Satavahana times to the Kakatiyas.
✨ Summary: Hatampura (Alampur) remained the spiritual and strategic pivot of Kanne-300 for over 1500 years. As a Shaiva-Shakta crossroads, a hub of merchant guilds, and a battlefield for Deccan empires, its inscriptions reveal the layered past of the Tungabhadra-Krishna doab. The heritage of Alampur continues to echo through the Navabrahma temples, Jogulamba shrine, and the memory of warriors, pontiffs, and chieftains who shaped the region.
π Core Inscriptions & Events
c. 232 BCE–208 CE Myakadoni Inscription – Satavahana: Mahasenapati Skandanaga.
c. 208–320 CE Gurazala Inscription – Ikshvaku: mentions Halampura.
634 CE Aihole Inscription – Pulakeshin II, Kirtivarman destroys Nalas.
672 CE Kollapur plates – Prithvipati Raja feudatory.
713 CE Bala-varmarasa – main gateways & mathas.
752 CE Udayendiram Plates – Pallava Nandivarman II, defeat of Prithivi-vyaghra.
780–781 CE Balavarmarasa – Mahanavami festival.
795 CE Prince Viragriha inscription (Chowdeshwara temple).
800 CE Srimara – Sun temple at Uttaresvara.
859 CE Pragatore, Alampur – first epigraphic mention of “Komati” (merchant); grant by ratti bhataralu to Lakulisvara.
946 CE Mallikarjun Palli – Maha Samantha Kommana, lord of Panuravadi-27000.
1003–1005 CE Rajaraja Chola captures Kanne-300 & Ayaje-300.
1028 CE Pebberi Hero Stone – warrior Bikkenna, Chalukya-Chola battle.
1038 CE (9 Dec) Gift to Brahmesvara Deva by merchants; Vidyadhara Rasibhattaraka.
1051 CE (22 Oct) Pancharasi Bhattaraka, Mahasthanadhipati of Hatampura.
1057 CE (19 Jan) Irugana Chola – tolls officer, priest Brahmarasi.
1060 CE (2 June) Pergada Davapayya – Papavinasa Asrama grant.
1067–68 CE Chiddanachola – 300 gadyanas to Brahmesvara.
1074 CE (28 Dec) Bichapalli – Chidda-cholamabaraja holds four divisions, gift to Lakshmanesvara.
1076 CE (9 April) Dandanayaka Naranayya – detailed trade tolls, western gateway to Srisailam.
1080 CE (20 June) Malla-maharaja (Vaidumba) administers Ayaje-300.
1094 CE (20 March) Grant of Pulinuru village, Kanne-300.
1097 CE (16 Jan) Chidiyana-chola gift of Yeragere.
1101–1108 CE Abhinava Sarasvati donation of Ballera village.
1109 CE Mallarasa Koduru – gift from Kandanavola (Kurnool).
1115 CE Vitaranendra rasi – five rituals for Sthanadhipati.
1151 CE (25 June) Yoga-Narasimha pillar – Chakama gift to Madhavadeva.
1182 CE (11 Jan) Kalachuri Ahavamalla – Ayyavole-500 mahanadu at Dakshina-Varanasi.
1262 CE Bammisetti renovates Brahmesvara temple pillar.
1271 CE (26 Dec) Irvin – Vavilala Rudraya reddi gift to Indresvara.
1284 CE (25 Nov) Bhinnauru – grant by Immadi Ganapati, Nalireddy.
1299 CE (11 Sep) Pedamam Maldevaraju – 5 martars land to Brahmesvaradeva under Prataparudra.
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