Peddapalli District History

Peddapalli District is carved out of erstwhile Karimnagar district on October 11, 2016. The headquarters of the district is Peddapalli town and Commissionerate is at Ramagundam.

Peddapalli town is an educational hub and Ramagundam for Industrial hub. Peddapalli is also famous for agricultural occupation.

The district has a closed airport at Kesoram Cement Factory in Basanth Nagar, Ramagundam. The largest city in the district and the 5th largest city in Telangana State, Ramagundam is an educational and industrial hub. It is known for its multicultural and linguistic diversity.The district is bordered by Mancherial to the north, Jayashankar to the east, Karimnagar to the south, and Jagitial to the west.

The district comprises 14 mandals and two revenue divisions – Peddapalli and Manthani. Peddapalli town is its headquarters.

The district is known for its historical and archaeological significance, and is home to holy shrines such as Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy at Odela and Sri Varahaswami at Kamanpur Mandal.


The district is of historical and archaeological significance. The Buddhist Stupa dating back to 2nd century BC and one of the 30 walled cities mentioned by Megasthenes, the Greek historian, is located in Dhulikatta village of Eligaid mandal.

Some of the popular tourist attractions in the district include Ramuni Gundalu, Sabbitham waterfalls. Ramagiri Qilah, a place of historical importance located in the village Begumpet is also often visited by tourists.


Historian Samudrala Sunil discovered 5,000-year-old rock art paintings from the Chalcolithic period at Ramagiri fort in the district.

The district is known for its high-quality cotton.




Buddhist locations at Dhulikatta and Peddabankur in Peddapalli district.The Nagamuchilinda Buddhist Stupa at Dhulikatta in Peddapalli district, which takes the Buddhist heritage of Telangana to 2nd century BC, got special recognition with the Department of Posts releasing its special cover to mark ‘nine years of Telangana Statehood’.


The Buddhist monastic complex at Vadkapur and Dhulikatta villages located on the right and left banks of Hussaini vagu lies at a distance of 30 krn from Karimnagar. The excavations brought to light a Buddhist Stupa, fortification walls etc. One of labels inscribed in Brahmi over a slab in this Stupa is Palaeographically datable to 2nd century B.C. The Stupa belonged to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism in which the anthropomorphic representation of Buddha was taboo. Here Buddha is showed in symbols such as his Chatra, Padukas, throne with Swastika, Pillar of fire etc.

The Stupa consists of lower pradakshana patha, circular drum with ayaka platforms on four cardinal directions i.e. on east, west, north and south and a dome. These ayaka platforms project from the main drum. This Stupa was beautified with carved lime stone slabs during the early Satavahna period and this embellishment is contemporary to the Barhut Stupa dated to the early Sunga period. Among the lime stone slabs Naga Muchilinda (a snake guarding the Buddha) is prominent.

Asmaka (One of the 16 Mahajanapadas)
Founder : Unknown (Believed to be Asmaka)
Capitals : Potana or Potali or Paudanya of Mahabharata or today's Bodhan.
Languages : Prakrit
Religion : Budhism, Jainism, Hinduism

c.300 BC - 232 BC : Mauryan Empire (322 BC –185 BC)
Founder : Chandragupta Maurya (320 BC - 298 BC)
Capital : Pataliputra
Languages : Prakrit
Religion : Budhism, Jainism, Brahmanism

c. 232 BC - c. 208 AD : Pre-Satavahana and Satavahana Dynasty
Excavations in kotilingala found punch marked coins of Pre Satavahana rulers
Rano Gobhadasa, Siri Kama, Sirivaya, Siri Naransa, Rano Sama Govasa
Siri Satavhanasa, Rano Siri Sataka Rinisa, Rano Siri Simukha Satavahanasa, Rano Siri Satakanasa, Rano Siri Pulomavisa, Mahatalavarasa, Maha Senapthi Sagamanasa, Salakasa, Mahatalavara Sivakhada, Maharathi Sivakanasa


c.208 AD - c. 280 AD : Abhiras / Abheeras (c. 208 - c. 375 AD)
Founder : Isvarasena
Language : Sanskrit
Religion : Hinduism (Saivism)

Abhiras were subordinate rulers of Western Satraps and declared independence after fall of Satavahanas.

c. 208 AD - 320 AD : Mahisha Saka Chutu Dynasty
Capital : Banavasi or Vanavasi in present-day Karnataka state.
Founder : Rano Chutukulanda
Langauges : Prakrit
Religion : BudhismEmblem : Chutu inscriptions contain the emblem of the cobra hood implying Chutu meant the "cobra crest"


c. 320 AD - 340 AD : Pallava Dynasty (275 AD - 897 AD)
Pallavas were initially feudatories of Satavahanas and later ruled independently from Kanchipuram.


c. 340 - 480 A.D : Vakataka Dynasty (250 AD - 500 AD)
Founder : Vindhyashakti (250 AD - 270 AD)
Capitals : Vatsagulma, the present day Washim in Maharashtra.
Languages : Maharashtri Prakrit, Sanskrit
Religion : Budhism, Hinduism

c.380 AD - c.611 AD : Vishnukundins
Founder : Indravarma/Maharajendrvarma (380 AD - 394 AD)
Capitals : Amrabad in Mahaboonagar and extended it to Bhuvanagiri, Ramannapeta in Nalgonda and Keesaragutta in Rangareddy. Built Indrapala in Nalgonda. Eluru, Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh
Languages : Telugu, Sanskrit
Religion : Hinduism (Vaisnavism)


c.450 AD - c.611 AD : Durjaya Dynasty
Founder : Rana Durjaya
Durjaya dynasty, was a descendant of Karikala, the great Chola monarch who started as vassals to Vishnukundins.

611 AD - 753 AD : Badami Chalukyas (543 AD - 753 AD)
Founder : Pulakeshin I
Capitals : Badami
Languages : Kannada, Sanskrit
Religion : Jainism, Hinduism

Pulakeshin I took over some regions of Telanagana from Vishnukundins in c.550 AD and remaining by Pulikesin II in 611 A.D.


c.753 AD to 973 AD : Vemulavada Chalukyas (vassals to Rashtrakuta Dynasty) ruled Karimnagar and Nizamabad. One of the famous chalukya dynasties, who ruled the North-Western part of Telangana region as feudatory kings of the Rashtrakutas, were the vemulawada chalukyas. Pulakesin-II, the Badami Chalukya king was the originator of this dynasty. Ten generations of this dynasty ruled the region with vemulawada of Karimnagar district as their capital. Their kingdom began with the Rashtra kutas and ended also with Rashtrakutas.


973 AD - 1158 AD : Western Chalukyas / Kalyani Chalukyas (973 AD - 1189 AD)
Founder : Tailapa II Capitals : Manyakheta, Kalyani (Basavakalyan in Bidar , Karnataka)
Languages : Kannada, Sanskrit
Religion : Jainism, Hinduism


1080 AD - 1160 A.D : Polavasa Chiefs Polavasa Dynasty / Polasa chiefs / Lengonda Dynasty
Capital : Polavasa (Current Polas, Jagitial District, Telangana State, India)
Founder : Madhava Varma
Language: TeluguReligion: Hinduism (Saivism and Vaishnavism), Jainism

Their reign in Telangana is described in the Banajipet, Palampet and Govindapuram inscriptions and were subordinates of the Western Chalukyas ruling parts of Karimnagar and Warangal, but revolted against their overlords. However, they were eventually subdued by Chalukya King Jagadekamalla II, with the support of Kakatiya King Beta II (1076 - 1108) for which he was awarded Sabbi-1000 region (modern-day Karimnagar district).

1116 AD -1138A.D : Gundaraja of Mantrakuta (Current Manthena)
Ruled Mulugu and Narasannapeta regions independently.
1138 AD: Kama son of Katana sent by Prola II of Kakatiya defeated Gundaraja, ruler of Mantrakuta (modern Manthani), pursued him to his capital where he had his head shaved and caused him to be branded on the breast.

Ramgir fort was under the control of Gundaraja of Manthani and Edaraja of Ramagundam. They were defeated by the Kakati Prola II and the entire area of Polavasa, Manthani and Ramagundam were under the control of Kakatiyas.

1138 AD - 1323 AD : Kakatiya Dynasty (1000 AD - 1323 AD)
Founder : Venna
Capitals : Anumakonda(Hanumakonda), Orugallu / Ekasilanagara (Warangal)
Languages : Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada
Religion : Jainism, Hinduism (Saivism)

Kaktiya rule started in c.750 AD as subordinates. But, they ruled independently from 1163 AD.

1323 AD - 1336 AD : Tughlaq Dynasty
Ulugh Khan (also known as Muhammad bin Tughluq), the general that conquered Warangal, renamed it "Sultanpur" and remained as the governor of the region for a short period, thus ending the Kakatiya dynasty.

1336 AD - 1368 AD : Musunuri Nayaks (1325 AD – 1368 AD)
After the fall of Kakatiyas, Musunuri Kapayanayaka occupied Orugallu and appointed Muppabhupala as the ruler of Sabbinadu with his capital at Ramagiri during 14th Century A.D.

In 1336 Kapaya Nayaka took control of Warangal from Malik Maqbul. At this juncture, there was a sort of power quadrilateral in and around the present-day Telangana lands. To the west were the newly established Bahmanis; to the east were Kondavidu Reddis; In the Telangana land itself there were two power centres. The northern part centred at Orugallu was with Musunuri Kapaya Nayak while the southern part centred at Rachakonda was with Recherla Singama Nayak-II.

1368 AD - 1433 AD : Recherla Nayaks
Capitals: Rachakonda and Devarakonda
Founder : Singama nayaka-I


The Bahamani Sultan Ahmed Shah I (1422-1436 A.D.) invaded Telangana region in 1433 A.D. and occupied the Ramagiri fort.

1433 AD – 1518 AD : Bahmani Sultanate (1347 AD - 1527 AD)
Founder : Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah
Capital : Daulatabad, Gulbarga

1518 AD – 1687 AD : Qutbshahis / Golconda Sultanate
1636 AD : In 1636 AD Shah Jahan appointed Aurangzeb as the Viceroy of the Deccan and forced the Qutb Shahis to recognize Mughal suzerainty, which lasted until 1687 when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Golcondan sultanate.

1687 AD - 1724 AD : Mughal Empire
1713 : Mir Qamaruddin Siddiqi was appointed governor by the Mughals.
1724 : Mir Qamaruddin Siddiqi was granted the control of Hyderabad by the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah with the title Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah after defeating the rival from Maratha Empire.


1724 AD - 1948 AD : Asaf Jahis
1724 A.D - I748 A.D : Nizam ul-mulk
After death of Nizam ul-mulk's death that his son and grandson sought help from the British and French to win the throne. The Carnatic wars were a series of military conflicts in the middle of the 18th century in India's coastal Carnatic region, a dependency of Hyderabad State, India where British and French trying to gain influence in this region.

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) was established in 1886 by the Nizam of Hyderabad, under the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The Nizam wanted to harness the coal resources of the region to fuel the economic development of Hyderabad State, which was an important princely state during British India.

Aug 15, 1947 : Indian Independence from British. Osman Ali Khan ASAF Jahi VII chose to remain independent.

Sep 17, 1948 - Oct 31, 1956 : Hyderabad State, India
Sep 17, 1948 : Operation Polo, was a military operation ordered by then Indian Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Sep 13 1948 in which the Indian Armed Forces invaded the State of Hyderabad and overthrew its Nizam on Sep 17 1948, integrating Hyderabad in to India.

Sep 17 1948 - Dec 31 1949 : Major General J. N. Chaudhuri who led Operation Polo stayed on as Military Governor.

26 January 1950 - 31 October 1956 : Last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan ASAF Jahi VII as Rajpramukh. Rajpramukh was an administrative title in India which existed from India's independence in 1947 until 1956. Rajpramukhs were the appointed governors of certain of India's provinces and states.
26 Jan, 1950 - 6 March, 1952 : M. K. Vellodi was Chief Minister of the state appointed by Government of India.

6 March, 1952 - 31 October 1956 : In the 1952 Legislative Assembly election, Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was elected Chief minister of Hyderabad State.

Nov 1, 1956 - June 1, 2014 : Andhra Pradesh State, India
In December 1953, the States Reorganisation Commission was appointed to recommend the reorganisation of state boundaries. The panel was not in favour of an immediate merger of Telangana with Andhra state, despite their common language. With the intervention of the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Telangana and Andhra states were merged on November 1, 1956. Nehru termed the merger a "matrimonial alliance having provisions for divorce".

On 9 December 2009, the government of India announced the process of formation of the Telangana state.

After decades of protests and agitations, the central government, under the United Progressive Alliance, decided to bifurcate the existing Andhra Pradesh state and on 2 June 2014, the Union Cabinet unilaterally cleared the bill for the creation of Telangana. Lasting for almost 5 decades, it was one of the longest lasting movements for statehood in South India.

On 18 February 2014, the Lok Sabha passed the bill with a voice vote. Subsequently, the bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha two days later, on 20 February. As per the bill, Hyderabad would be the capital of Telangana, while the city would also remain the capital of the residual state of Andhra Pradesh for no more than ten years.

June 2, 2014 - Current : Telangana State, India
June 2, 2014 : Telangana became 29 state of India. On June 2, 2104, K Chandrasekhar Rao (born 17 February 1954) from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) takes oath as the first chief minister of Telangana, India's 29th state representing the Gajwel Assembly constituency.

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Manthani Gauthameswara Temple

Manthani Gauthameswara temple is located in the heritage place of Manthani, this temple is known for its great historical archeological and religious evidence. This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, and you will also get to know more about some parts of Jain and Buddhist cultures, as located within this segment. The main deity over here is Gautameswar. There is no such history about its origin, but the lingam is stated to be more or less similar to Thousands pillar temple.

The Kakatiya kings renovated this old temple during their reign and its sculpture is a must see.

The Manthani Gautameshwara temple has Godavari river in its surroundings and to its north, there is Bokkala Vaagu however in the southern direction there is a lush green forest. To its east lies Ravula Cheruvu which is a small lake.

This place is considered to be the oldest example of Vedic learning and with a growing knowledge platform for the vacationers. The temple is quite fragile at this point of time, but the idol of Lord Shiva and his bull is quite prominent even now.
Whenever the main area relates to archeological, historical and religious belief, you are always asked to take a trip to this temple. Even though, there are various other temples available too, but nothing can beat the importance of this temple, as dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple located in Sundilla Village , Kamanpur Mandal, Pedddapalli District, Telangana State, India is a famous historic temple.

Lord Narasimha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu to save his devotee Prahalada from the clutches of his demon father Hiranyakashipa. The Lord Narasimha (Man-Lion) is fourth incarnation among the major ten incarnation of Lord Narayana. The birth of Lord Narasimha is celebrated with faith and joy on the fourteenth day of bright half month of Vaishakha.

There are innumerable temples throughout the world where Lord Narasimha is worshipped in various forms such as Ugra-Narasimha, and Lakshmi-Narasimha. But, in Sundial Village he is worshipped as Yoga-Narasimha.

This temple was renovated by Kakatiyas in 13th Century

This temple is located at a distance of 5 kms from Godavarikhani Bus Station.

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Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, Odela

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple of Lord Shiva is located about 2 km from the Odela village and

Mandal, Peddapalli District in Telangana State, India.

Sri Bramarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy vari Tiru Kalyana Mahotsavam celebrated grandly every year. Devotees from various cities participate the kalyana mahotsavam.

Acitvities
Nakabali, Ammavariki Kunkumarchana, Grama paryatana vuregimpu, Maha Shivaratri parvadinam saamuhika rudrabhishekam, Archanalu Radotsavamu,
Ugadi, Bandlu tiruguta, Vahana Poojalu. Sree Rama Navami, Sree Seetha Ramula Kalyanam, Toli Ekadasi, Pedda Patnamulu - Agni gunda Mahotsavamulu, Swamy variki mahanyasa poorvaka ekkadasha redrabhishekamulu, dakshma yaam kadha sravanamu, gelupu utsavamulu, Saamuhika laksha Jwalarchana, Vinayaka Chavithi, Navarathri Utsavalu, Dussera, Vijaya Dasami (Shami Pooja), Karthika pournami Deepotsavamu.

The village is connected by rail and road. The village falls on the train route between Delhi and Chennai between the Kazipet and Balarshah divisions of Indian Railway. Daily there are three trips of government Bus which connects it to nearby small town Sultanabad, which falls on the state highway No 1 connecting the state capital Hyderabad and Ramagundam, known as Rajiv Rahadhari.

People of this village are mostly farmers, mainly cultivating paddy, corn and cotton.

History

Once upon a time in a dense forest a sage called Sri Pankaj Maha Muni lived and he used to offer prayers to the Shiva Lingam every night. There are inscriptions on the temple pillar which substantiates the story. As the time rolled by, the sage died and the Shiva Lingam that he worshipped was covered under the nests of ants. Some years later, a farmer by name Chinthakunta Odelu was tilling his land. His plough suddenly struck the Shivalingam. He took it out and constructed a temple around it.

There are sub-shrines in the temple for Lord Sri Rama and village deities Bangaru Pochamma and Madana Pochamma temples. On the southern side of the temple is Sri Bramarambha Mata; on the northern side is Sri Veerabhadra Swamy; on the western side of the temple is Veera Shaiva Mattam; on the westernside there is big banyan tree known as Matta Marri. Lord Shri Bhairava Swamy is seen here as Kshetra Palaka. On the northeastern side of the temple there are idols of Lord Shiva in the form of Shri Khandiswara Swamy and that of two local ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, Medala Devi and Ketamma.

Karimnagar (50 Km) is the nearest city to reach the temple. Karimnagar is connected to all the major cities of telangana. Odela railway station is 2.9 km and Kazipet Railway Junction is 60 km from the temple.

Bhagyanagar express, Sirpur Kagaznagar Intercity and Kagaznagar express are the major trains available from Hyderabad City.

Contact Number: 087282 00320

http://www.odelatemple.com

http://www.mandirinfo.com/TempleDetails.aspx?HID=185

http://www.yatrastotemples.com/sri-odela-mallikarjuna-swamy-devasthanam-karimnagar/

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Adhivaraha Swamy temple

Adhivaraha Swamy temple is very historical temple located in Kamanpur Village, Manthani Mandal,

Peddapalli District in Telangana State India.

Aadi Varaha Swamy Devasthanam, the presiding deity which is as incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of a wild boar, worshipped by devotees in large numbers in this tiny village of Kamanpur.

Located adjoining Singareni open cast project amid thick greenery around, this is the only temple of Varaha Swamy in the country which is not installed in a sanctum sanctorum. The deity is found on a rock on a small hillock. Come rain or shine, the deity is worshipped in open by the devotees. This is the second Varaha Swamy temple in the country after Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

Local priests say that the temple emerged some 600 years ago when the incarnation was very small in the size of rat. However, over the years, the incarnation of the god had grown to a height of two feet. It is believed that the incarnation of the god grows every year slightly and it has hairs also.

Though, there is no demand for the construction of temple for the incarnation as it is believed that the God does not allow any construction around him and several efforts also proved futile. The locals say that the authorities should provide basic amenities such as rest rooms and dormitories for the benefit of pilgrims and proper road facilities. The existing road laid by the NTPC Ramagundam some years ago was damaged and causing inconvenience to the road users.

Devotees from far flung places visit the temple shrine to offer special prayers such as abhishekhams and other rituals.

During the Sravana masam, the pilgrims visit in large numbers to offer prayers. It is believed that the presiding deity offers ‘varalu’ (fulfill the wishes) of the devotees and hence called as Aadhi Varaha swamy.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/Varaha-Swamy-temple-cries-for-attention/article14572670.ece

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Sri Rama Gundalu

Sri Rama Gundalu on Genco Hills, Ramagundam, Peddapalli District, Telangana State, India is one

of the oldest temples.

This hill has 108 springs and it is believed that Sri Rama came here during 13 year exile.

Ramagundam is a city is in the Peddapalli district of the Indian state of Telangana. It is the biggest and most populous city in the Peddapalli district. It is located on the banks of the Godavari river. The City of Ramagundam gets its name from a combination of two words: (Rama + Gundam). Ramagundam is known as city of Energy.

As of 2015 census, the city had a population of 287,644, making it the 5th most populous in the state.

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Peddapalli District

Head Quarters        : Peddapalli
Revenue divisions    : 2 (Peddapalli and Manthani)
Mandals              : 14
Population           : 795,332
Area (km2)           : 4,614.74 (1,781.76 sq mi)
Literacy             : 65.54%
Highways              : SH 1
Rivers               : Godavari
Vehicle Registration : TS 22
Collector            : Alugu Varshini

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Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1987, exclusively for the protection of marsh crocodiles.

Located along the holy River Godavari which is the lifeline to the Sivaram wildlife Sanctuary in Mancherial and Peddapalli districts of Telangana, the total area of this beautiful wildlife Sanctuary is approx. 36.29 sq kms.

Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve located nearly 10 km from Manthani and 50 km from Mancherial town in Telangana and is well accessible by road. Mancherial is the nearest railway station.

The deciduous vegetation of this sanctuary consisting of Timan, Terminalias, Teak, Gumpena, Kodsha. It also has some Thorny Shrubs. The wildlife sanctuary attracts a lot of tourists with its wide collection of fauna which includes Sloth bear, Nilgai, Panther, Langaur, Rhesus Monkey, Cheetal, etc.

Situated on the banks of River Godavari, this place is their natural habitat. This wild life sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and nature photographers. The eco system in this Sanctuary is able to sustain various biotic communities and as a result visitors from the world over come to visit the place.

The marsh crocodiles are the fresh water crocodile which are also known as Mugger Crocodiles. These mugger crocodiles outnumber the salt water crocodiles, and can crawl for a considerable distances on land. These crocodiles that are equally mobile on land as well as in water, and this quality stands as the hot tourist attraction at Sivaram wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana.

Apart from crocodiles, this wild life sanctuary has a rich collection of flora and fauna. Teak, Bamboo, Timan, Gumpena, Kodsha, thorny shrubs and other deciduous vegetation are found here. Animals like the sloth bear, tiger, panther, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, black bucks, monkeys like the langur and the rhesus monkey and reptiles such as pythons make this their habitat.

Flora
The forest basically has five types of trees viz southern tropical teak forests, southern dry mixed deciduous forests; satin forests; bamboo brakes and baswellia forests. The flora includes teak, terminalias, tirman, kodsha, gumpena, abnus and thorny scrub.

Fauna
Sivaram sanctuary was initially declared as crocodile sanctuary to protect the endangered marsh crocodiles of river Godavari. Among the other fauna that can be found here are panther, slothbear, nilgai, cheeta, blackbuck, chousingha, langur, rhesus monkey, wild boar, sambar and python.

Accessibility
The sanctuary can be approached by road from Hyderabad to Manthani, the distance being 240 km. It can also be approached from Ramagundam and Mancherial.

Climate
Climate is generally hot and dry except during the South-West monsoons in the months of June-September.

The best time to visit the Sanctuary is in winter and the season starts from December to April.

Accommodation can be booked in advance at the Forest Rest House at Mancherial or Eklaspur. Food is also provided at the place for the inmates but for the other visitors, it is advised that they carry their food with them. There are no restaurants near the Sanctuary. Care should also be taken not to throw garbage or litter the areas. The animals are not to be provoked at any cost since the crocodiles are carnivorous.

The entire splendor of the forest can be seen during winter. The climate of the Sanctuary is very eco friendly and the richness of lush vegetation can be seen during the season.

Care has to be taken on the visit to the Sanctuary and the visitors are advised to travel on jeeps provided or they may take their vehicles.



http://beautyspotsofindia.com/sivaram-wild-life-sanctuary-in-adilabad-dist-andrapradesh/

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/wildlife/karimnagar/shivaram-wildlife-sanctuary.html

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Sabitham Waterfalls

Sabitham Waterfalls is located near Sabitham village, Peddapalli Mandal, Peddapalli District, Telangana, India.

Located in a thick forest and surrounded by hillocks, the waterfall in the Sabhitam village in Peddapalli mandal is drawing huge crowds this monsoon season, but crying for attention from the district authorities.

This small waterfall in this tiny village located about 45 km from the district headquarters on the Peddapalli-Manthani road attracts lot of visitors from July to November when the rains lash the region. The overflowing water from the Gattusingaram hillocks turns into waterfall at the Gauri Gundala, as the locals call it.

The water plummets from a height of nearly 100 feet on the rocks, attracting visitors in the rainy season. 

With people from far and wide visiting the spot in large numbers, local traders selling food items are doing roaring business. The visitors are of the opinion that the waterfall should be linked with the adjoining historic Ramagiri hillocks so that its tourism potential is increased.

Village sarpanch Chandashankar said that during holidays more than 4,000 tourists are visiting the spot. On regular days, around 400 to 500 visitors are visiting the spot. He said the road from the village to waterfall was very slushy due to rains and urged the authorities to blacktop it for the benefit of tourists.

Directions from Peddapalli

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/back-to-life-and-charming-visitors/article8904436.ece

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Ramagiri Fort and Hills

Ramagiri Fort or Ramagir Fort is located on the RAMAGIRI HILLS, is near the BEGUMPET Village in KAMANPUR MANDAL in Peddapalli district, Telangana State, India. The Fort was built within a thickly forested area.

The hills and surroundings here are astounding to watch and contain many herbs of medicinal importance..

The Fort is nestled on the top of picturesque Ramagiri hillock, surrounded by eye-feasting greenay, and provides a magnificent view of the confluence of the Manair and Godavari Rivers.

The Fort is 20 kms from Peddapalli and 65km away from Karimnagar. This fort is on the way from Karimnagar to Manthani. One needs to follow the Karimnagar-Manthani road till Begumpet X roads and take right diversion to reach the Begumpet village.

The fort is around 2Kms from there and can be reached only on foot. The nearest railway station is 'Peddapalli' which is located on the NewDelhi-Kazipet line. Ramagiri Khilla is around 20Km from there.

Ramagiri Fort, often referred as Ratnagarbha has as ancient fort believed to be used by Satavahanas and Kakatiyas as their Military establishment. This fort is remarked as the unconquerable fort in Telangana region.

The Ramagiri Fort is built in stone with a good number of bastions and is spread across a huge area across the hill. Because of the thick greenery and the beautiful view, which is pleasing to the human mind and the eye this place is also called as Aaram-Giri, Hill of rest or leisure.

In the medieval period, RAMAGIRI KILLA was built by the KAKATIYAS of Warangal during the 12th century. Later, it was controlled by the QUTUB SAHI SULTANATE (1518 — 1687). In 1656, the Ruler of Golconda, Abdulla Qutb Shah, gifted the fort to his son-in-law who was Aurangzeb’s son. The fort came under the control of the British Raj in 1791. It is also said that for Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets, motivation to compose his magnum opus MEGHADUTA a lyrical poem, was Ramagiri Fort.

Built in stone, the fort has many bastions and occupies a large area of a few square kilometres, and the bastions are in octagonal shape. The fort had been fitted with four forge-welded cannons on the masonry battlements which were built to a height of 39ft. as part of the fort walls. It has been noted that the mud plaster which covered some of the structures in which layers was a combination of mud, lime, reeds, hair of animals and even blood of animals.

The fort was under the control of Gundaraja of Manthani and Edaraja of Ramagundam. They were defeated by the Kakati Prola II and the entire area of Polavasa, Manthani and Ramagundam were under the control of Kakatiyas. After the fall of Kakatiyas, Anapothanayaka of Racherla Padmanayaka family occupied Orugallu and appointed Muppabhupala as the ruler of Sabbinadu with his capital at Ramagiri during 14th century A.D. The Bahamani Sultan Ahmed shah I (1422-1436 A.D.) invaded Telangana region in 1433 A.D. and occupied the Ramagiri fort. After Qutb Shahis of Golkonda the fort was under the control of Mughals and finally Asafjahis.

There are many important structures on the hill fort viz. Sitaramalayam, Ramasthapita Lingam, The footprints of Rama and Janiki Mata, Sitaram Kolanu (Well), mosques, tombs and a good number of wells on the hill. Asvasala (Horse stable) Gajasala (Elephant stable), Cherasala (prison), Durbar hall (Royal court), cannons and cannon balls etc are also located on the hillock. The ruins are named Pratapa Rudruni kota, Chitrakota, Tratikota and Nimmakota. Interestingly, there are many wells in the fort, which have been constructed by successive rulers. Some of them have unique names such as Topubavi, Nallakayyabavi, Pasarubavi, Haribavi, Achchammabavi, Ammagaribavi

Ramagiri also has a temple of Sita and Rama with a Linga(incarnation of Lord Shiva) believed to be installed by Lord Rama. You can see the foot prints of Lord Rama & Sita here, supporting the claim that both stayed here for some time during there visit. Other attractions here are Sita’s vermilion box, Ganga Gouri wells, Gouri gundam, Brahma gundam, twin horses of Matsya kachpa, Mallvanam and Brindavanam.

The Ramagiri Forest in the area of the Fort is an important is an important source for medicinal plants. Large numbers of the locals collect the plants and offer them for sale in nearby towns. Students also visit the area to identify these plants and make herbarium specimens. In view of the importance for medicinal plants, it has been suggested that the forest of the fort area be declared a Conservation Centre for Medicinal Plants.

This place is also called AARAM – GIRI (Hill of rest or leisure). There are many important sites on the hill fort right from the mythological places to the recently constructed places by the Kings who ruled the place.

(1) RAMA STHAPITA LINGAM : The Shiva Lingam which was installed by Lord Rama for his prayers.

(2) Foot Prints of Lord Rama & Janaki Mata : On the small hillock, you can see the impressions of the steps, which the local people consider to be those of Lord Rama & Sita.

(3) SITAMMA KOLANU : This is a small pond on the hillock which is considered to be the pond which was built for Sita’s use.

(4) Pits for PASUPU KUMKUMA of Sitamma : These are the small depressions or shallow pits for storing Sitamma’s saffron and turmeric.

(5) SITA RAMALAYAM : A Temple dedicated to Lord Rama & Sita.

The recent historical structures which are still present and whose authenticity can be verified are : Ruined walls, buildings, bastions, mosques, tombs. PRATAPARUDRUNI KOTA, Horse stable and Elephant shed, the prison, a huge dining hall, secret passages, narrow paths, guns, cannons, cannon balls. The ruins of CHITRAKOTA, TRATIKOTA, NIMMAKOTA, ammunition rooms.

There are many wells in this place, which have been built by successive Rulers at different times.

Traces of Early Stone Age at Ramagiri Fort
Traces of the Early Stone Age, including a stone structure resembling a stadium, have been found in the historic Ramagiri Fort in Karimnagar district, noted historian Divyanapalli Satyanarayana has claimed.

The stadium of 40 metres high and 50 metres in diameter had only one entrance. He says rain water used to enter the stadium from only one side which was identified as 'Pandava Lanka'. The stadium was built in such a way that a person entering it could not see those on the top but those sitting on the top portion could view the person.

Satyanarayana claimed that the Fort existed during the reign of the Pandavas, quoting local residents. Drawings, paintings and giant caves in the Fort showed that people had built houses and lived there. People also resided in natural caves which existed around the stadium. These people while relaxing drew images giving shape to their imagination. However, 90 per cent of these drawings were damaged. The remaining 10 per cent threw light on the people's style of living. He said the Pandava Lanka area reflected the red and white drawings drawn by the residents.

A Siva temple and an idol of Lord Hanuman adjacent to the temple have also been shown in the drawings. He claimed that local residents had wiped out the early stone drawings and replaced them with those of the Pandavas, Droupadi, Lord Krishna, Garuthmanthudu, Narada and Lord Ganesh. These residents, according to Satyanarayana, while drawing these portraits threw below a high hillock, which still carried the red colour. The hillock was proof that the caves and drawings belonged to the Early Stone Age. He asserts that well-known archaeologist V V Krishna Sastri had confirmed that the red and white drawings belonged to the Early Stone Age. The historian has appealed to the State Tourism and Archaeology departments to preserve these Early Stone Age items for the benefit of future generations.

Attractions:
• 12th century fort built on the top of picturesque Ramagiri hillock
• Surrounded by lush green forest which has many medicinal herbs
• Built by Kakatiyas and later went under control of Golconda rulers
• Shiva Lingam and Sita Rama temple
• Foot print of lord Rama and Sita
• Sita Rama kolanu (pool)
• pits where Sita stored vermillion and turmeric
• Sita Rama kolanu (pool)
• Waterfalls in rainy season
• Ruined mosques, tombs and wells
• Horse stable and Elephant shed
• Prison and royal court





http://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/thehansindia-epaper-hans/traces+of+early+stone+age+at+ramagiri+fort-newsid-36751512


http://www.greaterkarimnagar.com/en/ramagiri-fort-ramagiri-hills-karimnagar-telephone-email-address-reviews


http://www.ghatroads.in/south-india-travel/historical-tourism-info/ramagiri


https://speakzeasy.wordpress.com/2015/08/28/ramagiri-killa/

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Peddabankor

Peddabankor is an early Buddhist site discovered in the 1960’s in Peddapalli District at the confluence of two small streams in Telangana, India. 

Located 18 miles from Karimnagar.It is a place of archeological interest and the excavations here revealed apsidal rubble walled structures, brick structures, brick built and terracotta wolf. The site also shows covered underground drains to channel waste water into soakage pits.

Peddabankur is a small village now but was an important settlement during the Satavahana period extending over a 30 hectare area. About 10 kilometers, from Peddabankur was the fortified site which is one of the 30 walled cities mentioned by Megasthenes.

The stupa must date from the third century BCE because an inscription of the first quarter of the second century BCE records the veneering of the existing stupa. Roman coins and a terra cotta figure of a Roman trader have been recovered. There is no direct evidence of a monastery but a site of this size needed monks for the regular rituals. From the absence of the Buddha in reliefs it seems to be a Theravada site.

The findings also include punch marked coins, Roman and Satavahana coins; iron objects including agricultural, carpentry and domestic implements, and weapons such as spear heads, spikes and arrow heads. Artifacts such as seals, beads and bangles, terracotta and kaolin human figures, antimony rods, dice and coin moulds have been found here. Brahmi labels belonging to 1st century were also discovered.

Evidence for the forging of iron was found in the Peddabankur excavations.

http://monastic-asia.wikidot.com/peddabankur

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Dhulikatta Budhist Site

The Buddhist Stupa dating back to 2nd century BC and one of the 30 walled cities mentioned by Megasthenes located in Dhulikatta village of Eligaid mandal in Karimnagar district, Telangana lies neglected for several decades due to lethargy on the part of the government. Dhulikatta got its name from ‘Dhulikota’ that means a fort made of mud. 


It is about twenty-five kilometres away from Karimnagar city.

The nearest Airport is Hyderabad which is about 175 kms from Dhulikatta. From there one can hire private vehicles. Situated about 20kms away from Dhulikatta the nearest Railway Station is Peddapalli. One can hire private vehicles from those places to reach Dhulikatta.

The Archaeology Department had discovered the heritage structure in 1975 along the shores of a picturesque rivulet on the outskirts of Dhulikatta village. Barring the discovery of this early Buddhist stupa, the authorities have failed to take up any measures for the development and protection of the heritage site for the promotion of tourism.

In spite of several pleas by the historians and others, the authorities failed to provide road facilities to the ancient protected monumental structure. It is barely 33 km distance from the district headquarters, but still reaching the Stupa is a herculean task due to non-availability of road.

Due to non-availability of security at this structure, the miscreants had damaged the ancient monument and stolen away the antique veneer slabs and other panels and bricks. There were also incidents of miscreants digging the structure in search of treasure hunt. Literally, there is not even a sign board educating the people about the importance of ancient structure to attract tourists.

This Buddhist Stupa was constructed on a mound with light weight bricks. It is embellished with sculpted veneer slabs and beautifully carved limestone slabs. It is stated that site had attained importance as it was constructed with 47 slabs to enhance the dome with the Stupa.

Historians say that the Archaeology authorities had discovered other relics such as gateways built with light weight bricks, mahastupa, chatra, residential houses, wells, bangle pieces, ivory combs, gold objects, punch-marked coins, beads, coins of Romans and Satavahanas and seals. Majority of relics were shifted to the present Andhra Pradesh State Museum and only a few antiques lie in the Karimnagar museum.

Telangana State government was planning to develop Buddhist circuit covering Dhulikatta and other ancient Buddhist structures located in Nalgonda district which will also promote tourism.

The coins and the seals used by the Satavahanas and Romans were revealed by the excavations. This depicts that financial dealings between the two countries were prevalent at that time.

The sphere-shaped dome of the main Stupa was built by using forty-seven blocks of limestone and the blocks were adorned with symbols of ‘Muchalidanaga’, that according to Buddhist folklores means a serpent. Other than the Mahastupa there are other artefacts unearthed from the nearby spots, which are spiritually and historically significant. The Charmachakra Stupa is also very significant. The clay pottery used for household purposes which are of different colours such as red and black, depicts the vivacious life led the by the people of that era. A statue of a mother holding her child in the left hand, made of bronze is another significant work of art. The Buddhist symbol which is one the eight symbols and the footprints of the Buddha can also be found preserved here. Coins of different denominations and jewellery can also be found.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: It is advisable to visit this place from the month of October to March to explore the place.

http://beautyspotsofindia.com/dhulikatta-karimnagar/

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/buddhist-stupa-lies-in-neglect/article7679926.ece

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Polavasa Chiefs

1080 - 1160 A.D : Polavasa Dynasty / Polasa chiefs / Lengonda Dynasty

Capital : Polavasa (Current Polas, Jagitial District, Telangana State, India)

Founder : Madhava Varma

Language: Telugu

Religion: Hinduism (Saivism and Vaishnavism), Jainism

The Polavasa chiefs seem to have patronized Jainism besides Saivism

The Polavasa chiefs were subordinates of the Western Chalukyas, but revolted against their overlords during the early 12th century. Descendants of Rashtrakutas and were based immediately north of the Kakatiya territories. The Polavasa Kingdom bordered river godavari and extended from Polavasa to Narsampet.

Madhava varman
upto 1080AD : Durgaraja

1080 - 1110 A.D : Medaraja - I

Feudatory of  Vikramaditya VI (1076 - 1126 AD ) of Western Chalukyas of Kalyani

Medaraja is referred to as Maninagapuradhiraja
The 1082 CE Banajipet inscription states that Beta II gifted land and a house site to a Jaina temple established by Medarasa.

Polavasa was a capital under the rule of Medaraja (1080–1110).They ruled from their capital at Polavasa (modern day Jagtial) of Karimnagar district to Narsampet of Warangal district from their capital at Polavasa. 

First Inscription Found in Banajipet of Narsampet, Warangal district that he built Veerakamala Jain Temple and belongs to venugontukula dynasty.

Another Inscription of 1108 A.D  on the pillar of Pulateswara temple at Polavasa that he had golden eagle flag and relations with Rashtrakuta Dynasty.

1110 AD -1116 AD : Jaggabhupala
12th December, 1112 AD : Medapalli, Narsampet Taluk.
This inscription is on a pillar on the tank bund. Fragmentary. The inscription is in three languages Kannada, Sanskrit and Telugu. It is through but in verse with the exception of the word 'svasti' at the beginning of the Sanskrit version, and a short Telugu passage registering the gift of two martars of land to the mason Parvatoju. It is dated Mantri-vara ba. 7, Margasirsha, Nandana, and in chronogram corresponding to S.1034. (=Thursday 12th December, A.D. 1112), and registers the gift of land to the temples of Achesvara and Vishnudeva built by Achana Peggada (Achi-raja, Aditya-mantri), son of Vamadeva of Vaji- kula and Srivatsa-gotra in the village of Aditya Palli (Achasamudra) by the command of his master Jagga-bhupala, son of Medaraja, a descendant of Madhavavarman who is said to have possessed a crore of horses and numberless foot soldiers. In the Sanskrit part of the inscription, Medaraja is referred to as Maninagapuradhiraja. In the Kannada part, it is stated that 7 nivartanas were gifted to the temples of Acheśvara and Vishnudeva and 15 martars to brahmins but in the Sanskrit part a gift of 25 nivartanas by the royal standard was recorded for the offerings and conducting repairs in the said temples and some nivartanas (number lost) to brahmanas.

The town of Jagityal was built after his name, according to the experts. He had 2 sons Medaraja and Gundaraja.

Polavasa kings would have maintained the confederation, as three brothers Medararaju,Gundaraja and Edaraju(1116- 1138) was ruling from different places and bearing the same title. This may be because of their Rastrakuta descent. 

Medarjaja II and his younger brother Gundaraja declared independence from Kalyani Chalukyas and issued inscriptions at Polavasa, Medapally and Govindapuram without the names of sovereigns.

1116-1138A.D : Gundaraja of Mantrakuta (Current Manthena)

Ruled Mulugu and Narasannapeta regions independently.

1138 AD: Kama son of Katana sent by Prola II of Kakatiya defeated Gundaraja, ruler of Mantrakuta (modern Manthani), pursued him to his capital where he had his head shaved and caused him to be branded on the breast.

1116 - 1138 A.D : Edaraja of Vemnoor/Ramagundam

Worked as Mahamandaleshvara under chalukyas. Edraja of Ramagundam was a contemporary ruler to Medaraja II of Polavasa and Gundaraja of Mantrakuta.

Ramagiri fort was under the control of Gundaraja of Manthani and Edaraja of Ramagundam.

Mahamandalesvara Edaraja is said to have ruled from Ramagundam during the first half the twelfth century A.D. 

All of them were defeated by Kakti Prola II between A.D. 1138 and 1140. Consequently the eastern portions of the district including the areas of Manthani, Ramagundam and present Godavarikani were included in the Kakatiya kingdom. 

1116-1159 A.D : Medaraja II of Polavasa 

Contemporary of Kakatiya Prola II.

The inscription of Padmakshi temple at Hanumakonda in 1117 A.D issued by Mylama wife of Pregada Betana, a minster under Prolaraju II, that she built jain drama called Kadalaya Basadi and Mahamandeleshwara Medaraja of Madhava Dynasty also donated to this arama.

Inscription of 1122 A.D minister Nagaraja built temple for Parsavanatha Jana deva.

Dommaraja of Nagunur, Myligideva, Medaraju-II and his son Jaggadeva II went to battle with Kakatitya Rudradeva in which Jaggadeva II died and  Medaraju II defeated.

The ruler of Polavasa Medaraju II, who gives his only daughter in marriage to the tribal king Pagididdaraju of Medaram flees to Medaram after losing his kingdom to Kakatiyas.

The temples built during 11th and 12th centuries by the Polavasa chiefs, Chalukyas of Kalyani and Kakatiyas are noticed in this region. Among them the Trikuta temple of Jangoan, which now forms a part of Godavarikhani, is a wonderful monument which is partly in ruins.

Polavasa rulers built a number of Jain temples and Siva temples. Poulastheswara temple and Venugopala temples in Polasa are still standing in good condition.

In 1160, both the dynasty of Polavasa and their kingdom declined.

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