Nizamabad Fort

Nizamabad Fort, also known as Nizamabad Quilla, is a fort in

Nizamabad in the Indian state of Telangana. It was built in 10th century by Rashtrakuta Kings and is situated in the southwest of the city.which is 2 kilometers from Gandhi Chowk.

The Jagannath Temple, also known as Qilla Ramalayam or Raghunath Temple, is on top of the fort and is a tourist attraction and religious place for Hindu devotees. The Rama temple is believed to have been built by Chatrapati Shivaji on the orders of his mentor Ramdas Mantra The temple has spacious halls which are spread over an area of 3,900 sq. ft, the halls has a unique system of ventilation that keeps it cool always.The place has a 53-feet high pillar, which used to be lit every day. It is said that after seeing this lamp, the surrounding villagers used to light lamps at their homes.

The fort is said to have been built by Rashtrakuta Kings in around 10th century. In 1311, the fort was occupied by Alauddin Khilji who was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty reigning from 1296 to 1316 and later it was captured by Qutub Shahis and then the Asaf Jahis who were the Nizams of Hyderabad, who then rebuilt the fort.

Nizamabad Fort is one of the most famous forts in the city that is a blend of power, elegance and architectural brilliance. Rashtraputha rulers constructed the fort during the 10th century. Located on top of a hill at an altitude of about 300 meters, the fort has been ruled by various dynasties and it has undergone modifications periodically. 

The temple of Rama in the fort was built by Chatrapathi Shivaji, the famous Marathi ruler. The huge corridors, mundaps and the mahamundaps in the temple are awe-inspiring. Influences of Jain dynasty are seen in some ancient artifacts.

The fort has a large area surrounded by masonry walls which has huge bastions at the corners which resembles Muslim architecture. There is a huge compound inside the walls of the fort which houses a mosque, a school and on the way up to the fort there is a jail which was used by the Asaf Jahi's dynasty. As visitors go up, they can get a glimpse of the scenery around and a view of the entire city of Nizamabad. There is a temple situated on the top. The Department of Tourism has spent Rs 9.30 lakhs for various development activities which include strengthening of the guard rooms, fiber roof path, toilets and urinals etc. in the year 2001.

The fort compound houses an old mosque which was built by Nizam and a borstal school of Jail Dept. both located near the entrance gate. On the left side of the fort is a small lake, it is believed that there is a secret tunnel near the lake which was built by the orders of Nizam. The compound and the walls resembles the Asaf Jahi style of architecture as some of them were rebuilt or were renovated under the reign of Nizams from whom the city got its name from.

There is a small dargah on the rear side of the temple on the top of the fort. Sunni Muslim devotees used to visit the place on an yearly basis to celebrate the Urs festival, however since recent years there has been no visitors and the tombs are damaged due to harsh atmosphere.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizamabad_Fort

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Nirmal Forts

Nirmal is a city of forts surrounded by Satpura Hills, dense forests, rivers and waterfalls.

There are 4 forts in a radius of 15 kms range from Nirmal. Three small forts are nearby Nirmal town and the fourth bigger one is 10 km from Nirmal.

These forts are locally named as Quilla Gutta or Bhairava Gutta or Nirmal Fort, Batisghad, Syamghad and Sonaghad. These are basically military forts strategically located on ancient trade route.

Not much is known about the forts of Nirmal, but it is believed that most of them were built around 1650 under the rule of Srinivasa Rao and Asaf Jahis to check the entry of enemies from Maharashtra.

While the forts have been extensively ravaged over the years, the ramparts still stand strong, testifying to the engineers’ skill and talent. However, while the fortifications are extant, most of the structures inside are completely dilapidated. Worse, several haphazard constructions and unplanned development have swallowed the lower reaches of the fort and at the rate at which they are proliferating, not much will remain of the structure in the years to come.

Nirmal Fort or Quilla Gutta or Bhairava Gutta
Almost every hillock in Nirmal has a fort or the ruins of a fortification. So if you ask for directions to a particular fort, predictably there is a lot of confusion. Adding to the confusion, the Nirmal Fort as some people like to call it has multiple names, utterly confounding the first-time visitor. And this despite the fact that the fort is in the middle of the city and towers above it. However, there is a solution the most well known landmark for Quilla Gutta or Bhairava Gutta, as the Nirmal Fort is also known, is the Devarakonda temple on its western periphery.

There is a well located inside the fort, called the Atta-Kodalla bavi (Mother-in law, daughter-in-law well). You can get a beautiful view of the town from this fort, but it's tough finding your way through the shrubs and undergrowth that dot the fort. 

Nirmal fort has multiple entrances, with one of the main entrances being on the western side diagonally opposite the police station next to the Devarakonda temple. A paved road lined with houses leads up to large tanks. From there, the path becomes narrower and leads to an entrance of the fort, outside of which there is a temple. Within, there a few ruined structures including a series of arches at the edge. There are many trails lined with dense overgrowth of thorny brambles, which makes exploring the fort seem like an adventure sport. After making your way through the scrub – hopefully unbruised – you will reach one of the bastions. The view from atop here makes the expedition completely worth it, especially during sunset when the city and the surrounding hills are awash in golden hues.

On the northern part of the fort, there is another entrance beside a garbage dump, where a recently-constructed staircase leads to the top. There is a statue of Bhairava on one of the boulders, but not much can be accessed here as the paths have been blocked due to random construction of houses. 

Head to Soangarh or Soan Fort, 12km from Nirmal. Shyamgarh and Battisgarh are two other important forts in the vicinity. Mostly deserted, the forts offer solitude as you climb up the rickety steps and trace the path to hidden doors and windows.

Battis Garh Fort

At the eastern periphery of the town, there are a series of expansive lakes over which towers the Battis Garh fort. It is one of the largest fortifications of Nirmal, though remarkably desolate. The entrance of the fort is on the west and is accessible by a staircase constructed in recent years. While the ramparts and bastions are largely intact, most of the structures inside are in ruins. Ahead of the entrance, there is a bastion with an inclined path leading up to it. However, this is often covered in thick vegetation, making it difficult to spot. There is a cannon atop the bastion, which has spectacular views of the city and the surrounding forts.

Apart from the ruins, the fort mostly has scrubs and boulders. The overgrowth is often burned to clear the pathways. There is also a pillared hall to the left of the entrance.

On the hillock opposite Battis Garh is another smaller fort. Depending on the rainfall, you might see a shallow lake populated with water birds between the two. The forts are accessible by a dirt track off the Vellapally Road, which is to the east of the town.

Shamgarh or Nirmal Fort

Nirmal Fort, also called as the Shamgarh fort, was built by the French.

According to the history of Nirmal town, the fort was built as part of a defense mechanism by French engineers. Material used for constructing the structure was stone and mortar. It was erected during the regime of Srinivas Rao who was chieftain of Nirmal.

As you approach Nirmal from Hyderabad, it is hard to miss Shyam Garh on your left. The rugged fort once overlooked a picturesque lake, though now a highway divides the two. The entrance of the fort is to the north. Not much remains of this citadel apart from a few ruins and walkways on parts of the rampart.

The fort was erected by Nimma Naidu who ruled the region in the 17th Century. 

The Nirmal word was derived from his name. Nimma Naidu had encouraged the artisan community and promoted their art. He had asked the Nakashi community to come to Nirmal and encouraged their paintings which were popular worldwide. Nirmal paintings and toys were made of a rare lightweight Poninki wood which was available in the Adilabad forests.

Now, restoration works of the collapsed and damaged walls of the fort have been undertaken at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. The officials denied reports of construction of a restaurant or any other permanent structure inside and outside the fort. The restoration works are being supervised by engineers of the archaeology department. District tourism officer V. Ravi Kumar made it clear that the restoration works were going on as per prescribed norms. Private contractors were doing works under the supervision of archeological engineers. However, tourism officials are yet to arrange lighting and music system at the fort.

Multiple restoration projects have been undertaken and the government has tried to make the monument more tourist-friendly, though these attempts have not made much headway. At the time of research, the beautiful stone battlements were being painted a ghastly white. The remains of bright blue umbrellas and broken benches are strewn all over the fort.

There is a Haritha cafeteria next to the monument, though it is currently under renovation. Shyam Garh is about 2km south of the city centre on the NH 7. Tourism department is planning a rural tourism project at Kadthal on Nirmal bypass road.

Soan Garh 
This fort, close to the Godavari, must have once been an important outpost for many rulers, but now it stands forlorn amidst fields. However, the stone battlements of Soan Garh, rising sharply from the surrounding flatlands, still stand sturdy despite the ravages of time and neglect. A rocky, inclined path takes you to the entrance of the fort. Soan Garh is quite small, though no less impressive, compared to the other forts of Nirmal. Inside there are a few boulders and ruins overrun by dense overgrowth. A tunnel at the rear of the fort leads to a small outpost, which is a great spot for birdwatching.

Soan village is south of Nirmal on the NH 7. The fort is about 500 metres north of the village and can be easily seen from the NH7 on your left (opposite a petrol pump) when you’re driving from Nirmal. There is no approach road as such to the monument. You will have to park your vehicle on the highway or one of the dirt tracks branching from the road and trudge through fields and thorny scrub to reach the fort.

Wear hiking shoes and thick clothing as all the forts in and around Nirmal have a dense overgrowth of thorny brambles

SHOPPING
Most shops selling Nirmal art and toys are clustered around Shri Krishna Residency on the old NH7. The Nirmal Toys and Arts Industrial Cooperative has a wide range of toys, paintings as well as handicrafts at fixed prices.

Other shops where you can buy these crafts include Nirmal Gift Articles (09959298998), Nirmal Paintings (09959298998) and Nirmal Art Gallery (9505903242, 9966774839).

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
There are only a few accommodation options in Nirmal, so make sure you book in advance. Mayuri Hotel(Tel: 08734-241919, Cell: 073869- 72444/ 1222/ 1333; Tariff: ₹890– 2,100) on Bus Stand Road is the best the town has to offer. It is well-maintained, has 28 clean and comfortable rooms and offers internet facilities.

Another option is Sri Krishna Residency (Cell: 09705972103; Tariff: ₹500–840), which has AC and non- AC rooms as well as room service. If everything is booked out, you could try Hotel Tirumala (Tel: 242345-47, 243045; Tariff: ₹525–971), which has AC and non-AC rooms and a shady restaurant-cum-bar. Women should avoid this hotel as it caters to an exclusively male clientele.

Geeta Bhawan, near Sri Krishna Residency, serves excellent vegetarian meals. The restaurant at Mayuri Hotel has some scrumptious non-vegetarian options.

AROUND NIRMAL
As compared to other districts in the state, Adilabad is relatively remote and spans a large area. The tourist attractions here are rather spread out and commuting between destinations can be time-consuming. As one of the largest cities in the district, Nirmal is a good place to base oneself to explore the interiors, especially the waterfalls and the Kalwa Narasimha Swamy Temple. Alternatively, one can also stay at the Haritha Hotels in Kaddam and Jannaram, which are closer to the wildlife sanctuaries. Keslapur and Jainath Temple are relatively nearer to Adilabad town.

ATMs outside Nirmal and Adilabad are mostly non-functional, so keep enough cash in hand

Responsible Tourism & Human Accountability for Sustainable Business

edited by Dr Ramesh Kumar Miryala, Dr Jayaprakash Narayana Gade

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151005/nation-current-affairs/article/adilabad-no-building-can-come-around-fort
https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/nirmal_the_city_of_forts/

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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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Elagandal Fort

Elgandal Fort is situated amidst palm groves on the banks of the Manair River (a tributary of the Godavari River), approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Karimnagar on the Kamareddy Road in the Indian state of Telangana.

The Elagandal fort is situated in a hillock presents a picturesque view of Elagandal. “Elagandal khilla” is the name of the fort on the hill. The magnificent facade of the fort attracts tourists.

In olden days it was also called as Bahudanyapuram and it was called veliganadu during Kaktiya times.

The inscription dated 1202 AD found on a stone slab at chintamani tank belongs to Chaunda Preggada of Malyala family subordinate of Kakatiya Ganapatideva.

Elgandal Fort is one such structure that takes us to an Utopian world. The big archways, doors, minarets, water tanks inside the fort depicts the life inside the fort. At a time, Elgandal Fort was a priced possession for any ruler and today it is one of the must-visit heritage sites near Karimnagar.

Elgandal was a major centre that witnessed major political dynasties including the Kakatiyas, the Bahmanis, the Qutub Shahis, the Mughals and the Nizams.

This place is historically important because 5 important dynamic sites ruled over this place. The antiquities of the place worth mentioning are

A fort on a hill.
Brindavan tank on the outside of the eastern gateway of the fort by Zafar-ud-Doula in 1754 A.D. with minarets that oscillate when shaken and tombs of the Muslim saints like syed Shah Munawar Quadri saheb, Doola Shah saheb, syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb and Vali Hyder saheb.

On the 11th and 12th days of Moharram, and annual Urs of these saint's is celebrated by the Muslims and Hindus alike with great reverence and people from far off places participate in it.

Besides, there are temples of Nelakantha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy.

It was once under the control of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the Mughal Empire, and the Nizams of Hyderabad. During the Nizam era it was the headquarters of Karimnagar. It is believed that a secret tunnel connects Elgandal Fort and Manakondur some 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) from Karimnagar on the Karimnagar-Vemulawada highway.

Originally known as Veligundula, Elgandal is a hillfort built during the Kakatiya dynasty (1083–1323) and served as a stronghold for the warrior Musunuri Nayaks and Recharla padmanayaks.

1518 AD - 1687 AD : Qutb Shahi dynasty or Golconda or Golkonda Sultanate

The Qutb Shahi dynasty occupied the fort in the 16th century and posted Quinamul Mulk as commander. 

1518 AD - 1543 AD : Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk

Quinamul Mulk or Qawam-ul-Mulk

During the absence of Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah in his late campaign, his northern districts had been attacked and laid waste by Kowam-ool—Moolk Toork, an officer of the Bahmuny Government, who, during the late convulsions, had rendered himself master of the forts of Elgundel, Mulungoor, and some other districts, and collecting a force of six thousand horse and about ten thousand infantry, invaded the countries of his neighbours. On the return of Sooltan Koolly, he received accounts of Kowam-ool-Moolk's incursions. He accordingly addressed letters of advice to him, and demanded restitution of the property he had plundered in the Kootb Shahy territories. The ambassadors who waited on Kowam-ool-Moolk were directed to inform him, that their master was sorry to hear what had happened ; and that it Was his wish to be on terms of friendship with all his Mahomedan neighbours, since it is written in the Koran, that " all the faithful are brethren ". Kowam-ool-Moolk, elated with his success in declaring his independence, and despising the power of Sooltan Koolly, shortly afterwards sent his troops again into his territories to plunder. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah could no longer restrain his rage, and immediately ordered his army into the field, and marched towards Elgundel. He was met by Kowamool-Moolk at the distance of one day's march from that place at the head of his army. On the following day an action ensued, which lasted from dawn till noon, when the King charged in person, at the head of two thousand cavalry, and defeated Kowam-ool-Moolk, who fled in confusion, and threw himself into the fort of Elgundel. To this place the King proceeded, and invested it; but Kowam-ool-Moolk, finding himself unable to contend with his enemy, fled to Berar, and solicited assistance from Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah. Elgundel, shortly after, fell into the hands of the King, and many of the Mahomedan troops of Kowam-ool-Moolk entered his service. Having now occupied the forts of Elgundel and Mulungoor with his own soldiers, the King returned to his capital. Kowam-ool-Moolk, who had fled to Berar, persuaded Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah to espouse his cause, and to march to recover his country. When Kootb Shah heard of this movement, he sent an ambassador to that monarch, relating the obstinacy of Kowam-ool-Moolk, and reminding him, also, that the Imad Shahy troops had lately usurped the country of the seven tuppas, which the late Mahmood Shah Bahmuny had bestowed upon Sooltan Koolly; he, therefore, demanded the restitution of the seven tuppas, and required, also, that Imad Shah should not give protection to Kowam-ool-Moolk within his territories. Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, however, so far from yielding to any of the above demands, sent back an answer full of indignation, which induced Sooltan Koolly to march with his army towards his dominions ; and Imad Shah moved from Elichpoor, and opposed the Kootb Shahy troops near the fortress of Ramgeer. On the day following an action ensued which lasted till the afternoon. The Imad Shahy army outflanked Sooltan Koolly's which was in the act of giving way on all sides, when he, as usual charged through the centre of his own army with the reserve of two thousand cavalry in armour, broke the enemy's line, and completely defeated them. Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah fled to Berar, and Sooltan Koolly directed his army to occupy the district of the seven tuppas; after which he returned to Golconda. Here he heard that Seetaputty, the Raja of Cumamett, had presumed to Jay hands on some of the Kootb Shahy districts which lay contiguous to his country.

Subsequently, it fell under the administrative control of the Mughal Empire.Amin Khan was appointed as Khiledar of Elagandal during the reign of Nizam of Hyderabad Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I (r. 1724–1748) followed by Muqarrab Khan.
Mirza ibrahim dhamsa became Khiledar during the reign of Nawab Salabat Jung. Dhamsa rebuilt and strengthened the fort in 1754 during the reign of Sikindar Jha (r.1803-1823). Bahadur Khan and Karimuddin served as Khiledars. Karimnagar was named after Karimuddin. While reorganizing the districts, Mahbub Ali Khan, the Sixth Nizam, shifted the District Headquarters from Elagandal to Karimnagar in 1905.

Elgandal's rulers surrounded the fort with a crocodile filled moat of around 5 metres (16 ft) wide and 4 metres (13 ft) deep to prevent enemy incursions.

The site also houses a mosque and an eidgah, the designated place for special Eid prayers.


Timings

The fort remains open for visit by public on all week days, and the timing to visit the fort is 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.






Responsible Tourism & Human Accountability for Sustainable Businessedited by Dr Ramesh Kumar Miryala, Dr Jayaprakash Narayana Gade




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgandal_Fort


http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/elgandal-fort-set-to-get-a-facelift/article7366075.ece



http://bhuwana.wixsite.com/travel-blog/single-post/2016/03/01/An-impromptu-trekking-trip-to-Beautiful-Elgandal-Fort

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Yadadri Temple

Yadagirigutta is now renamed as Yadadri and 8 hills surrounding it to be called Navagiri

The remodelled Yadadri Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple temple should be ready for the devotees by next Dasara 2017, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao directed the officials.

At a review meeting on the development of Yadadri, the chief minister gave his nod for the final design of Yadadri temple construction plans. He watched the 3D photos of models of various constructions and directed the officials to proceed as per the design.

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Domakonda Samsthanam and Fort

The Domakonda Fort located in Kamareddy, about 116 km, has been conferred the UNESCO Asia – Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation – Award of Merit for 2022. Raja Rajeshwara Rao I built the Domakonda fort in 1786 AD at a site where a fort existed earlier. Initially Constructed by Rashtrakuta kings around 10th Century.

Domakonda Samsthan was part of Nizamabad. Initially it called as Bikkavolu Samsthan.

The rulers of the Samsthan were Pakanati Reddis, close relatives of Gadwal and Atmakur rulers. As they belonged to Kaminedu dynastry, they were called as Kamineni. Rachulla was their Gotra. Bikkavolu Siddarameshwara was their presiding deity.
 

The fort was constructed on a circular plan and has two ways to enter one on the east and other on the west and there are four bastions in four directions. Two places and one temple complex are situated in the fort. Domakonda fort is an instance of architecture for defence against external invaders. 

Located 4kms from NH 44 and 10 kms from Kamareddy.

The fort was controlled by Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Kakatiyas.

Lakshmipathi works: Sri Krishna Vilasam, Acharya Vijayam, Sri Madhupakyonam, Neela Vivaham.

Adipudi Prabhakara kavi: He worte Umapaabhyudayam on the directions of Domakonda ruler. It had 286 writing and verse. Kamineni tradition history was composed in.

Seshadri Ramana Kavulu and Domakonda court poet Pedda Mandadi Venkata Krishna Kavi composed Reddy Kula Nirnaya Chandrika.

753 AD - 973 AD : Rashtrakuta Dynasty
Initially Constructed by Rashtrakuta kings around 10th Century.

973 AD - 1158 AD : Western Chalukyas
Sri Mahadeva temple present inside the fort was constructed by Western Chalukyas as Vaishnav temple. It was later transformed to Shiva temple by Kakatiya rulers.

c.895 AD - 1323 AD : Kakatiya Dynasty

1636 AD : Raja Kama Reddy or Kamineni Chaudary
In AD 1636, Kama Reddy got Domakonda Samsthan as Sanad from Golconda Rulers.

Pattametta Somanatha Somayaji was court poet of Kamareddy. His compositions were Sootasamhita, Brahmottara Khandam, Vishista Andhrokti.

Kamineni Malla Reddy

Malla Reddy was a great devotee. Many villages were build on his name- Yella Reddy, Macha Reddy, Kamareddy, Jangampalli
Padma Puranam and Shiva Dharmotharam

Yella Reddy

China Kamireddy, Son of Yella Reddy 

had a title Deshmukh.

Potha Reddy

had the title Desai.

1748 AD - 1757 AD : Rajanna Choudary

Rajanna Chowdhary has shifted the capital from Bikkavolu to Kamareddypeta.

1786 - 1947 AD : the Kamineni rulers ruled from this fort.

Domakonda was a samsthan under the Qutub shahis and Asif Jahis.

1786 AD : Raja Rajeshwara Rao I
Built Domakonda fort in the 18th century at a sight where a fort existed earlier. Shifted capital from Kamareddy to Domakonda in 1786 AD. From then it came to be known as Domakonda Samsthan.

Employed Arab and African Guards for Security.

Raja Ramachandra Rao (Brother)

Raja Rajeshwara Rao III

Raja Umapati 

1927 AD : Raja Ramachandra Rao, son of Raja Umapati 

was the leader of Domakonda amid 1927 married the daughter of Gadwal Ruler

Raja Someshwar Rao
Raja Someswar Rao of Domakonda proposed the toast of H. M. the King Emperor and the Nizam

The last leader of the Samsthan was Raja Someshwara Rao.

Anna Reddy

Omapathi or Umapathi Rao IAS (15th June 1928 to 27th May 2020)

K. Umapathy Rao of The Erstwhile Samasthan of Domakonda

An Urdu Poet know for his Shayari & the first Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
Former IAS officer Kamineni Umapathi Rao's funeral was conducted on Sunday in Laxmi Bhag in Domakonda fort.

It may be noted here that there is a property dispute between Anil's father Umapathy Rao, retired IAS officer, K Rajeshwara Rao and K Satyarayanarao moving to court.

The entrance to the fort has an arched gateway reflect­ing Asaf Jahis influence. The fort has bastions both square as well as circular, built at irregular intervals. Inside the fort are two palaces and a temple complex. The temple dedicated to Shiva was built on stellate plan, imitating the Kakatiya style of architecture. This fort is an example of the defence architecture of the princely states of Telangana.

It has an elevated compound of granite rocks that forms the fort wall, followed by a wooden door on an entrance door to the beautiful two-storied fort structure, which consists of great stuccowork and is considered eye catchy even to this day.This fort is also called "Gadi Domakonda" or "Killa Domakonda" as it houses a palatial mahal inside and popularly called "Addhala Meda" (Glass house)


The Kaminenis built majestic palaces and temples for Lord Mahadeva. The castle with the fortification wall has withstood ravages – manmade as well as natural, and is considered symbolic of erstwhile rulers of the region. Locals throng here to observe on festive occasions with gaiety.

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Wanaparthy Samsthanam

Wanaparthy Samsthanam traces its history back to 14th century after  the Kakatiya kingdom declined. The successive Turkic Muslim dynasties, who invaded and settled in Deccan, found it ideal for Samsthanam to prevail. It was surrounded by three other Samsthanam.

Wanaparthy was one of the 14 major Zamindari segments in Telangana in Post-Independent India.

For administrative purposes the Samsthan was divided into two taluqs namely "sugar" and "Kesampet" under to Tahsildars.

1512 AD - 1540 AD : Raja VEERA KRISHNA REDDY

The Wanaparthy Samsthanam was founded under the stewardship of Veera Venkata Krishna Reddy. He had ably served the cause of literature and workers. Reddy set up infrastructure for printing the workings of local poets and writers. The Wanaparthy rulers had the rare distinction of honouring the eminent poet Tirupati Venkata Kavulu.

1540 AD - 1566 AD : Raja VENKAT REDDY

1566 - 1592 AD : Raja RAMA KRISHNA REDDY

1592 - 1625 AD : Raja PEDDA VENKAT REDDY

1625 - 1648 AD : Raja INUNIDI VENKAT REDDY

1648 - 1676 AD : Raja GOPAL RAO

1676 - 1691 AD : Raja BAHIRI GOPAL RAO

1691 - 1719 AD : Raja VENKAT REDDY

1719 - 1746 AD : Raja BAHIRI GOPAL RAO

1746 - 1763 AD : Raja SAWAI VENKAT REDDY

1763 - : Raja BAHIRI GOPAL RAO

1781 - 1807 AD : Rani B. Janamma

1807 - 1822 AD : Raja RAMKRISHNA RAO I

He established Suguru as the Capital of his province to rule 124 Villages. The first Rama Krishna Rao established the Wanaparthy as Capital of Province in the place of Suguru in 1817A.D.

1822 AD - 1866 AD : Raja Rameshwar Rao I

The First Maharaja Rameshwara Rao ruled this Province from old castle i.e., Patha Kota of Wanaparthy.

on 17th March 1843, the title of "Balwant" was conferred on the Raja as a mark of honour by Nizam Sikander Jah.

To build a armed force, Raja imported Siddis from Somalia and Abyssinia and organized them into 2 regiments African Bodyguard and Wanaparthy Lancers.

On account of skirmishes and conflicts between Rajas forces and Nizams the British residency intervened and arranged a treaty by which the Raja presented his regiments to Nizam and was appointed as inspector general of Nizams forces and Nizam accepted Rajas autonomy.

The Hyderabadi battalion of the Bison Division was formed on Nov. 5, 1853. The Nizam had appointed the Raja as inspector of his army and after the Raja's death in 1866, the battalion was absorbed into the Nizam's Army and became its nucleus.

1866 AD - 1892 AD : Rani Shankaramma   (1840 - 1912)

She was the founder of the seven Oceans in this Province namely 1) Shankara Samudram, Kanayapally, 2) Krishna Samudram, Ranipet, 3) Ganapa Samudram, Ghanapur, 4) Ranga Samudram, Sri Rangapur, 5)Mahabhoopala Samudram, Pebbair, 6) Venugopala Samudram, Sankireddypally and 7) Jatapala Samudram Veltoor.

Meanwhile, Ram Sagar Bangalow the present polytechnic palace was built in 1885 A.D. and then the administration was shifted to this Bangalow from the old castle i.e., Patha kota.

1866 - 1922 AD : Raja Rameshwar Rao II

After Rani Shankaramma’s demise the second Raja Rameshwar Rao came to the throne and ruled the Wanaparthy Province. He had two sons namely Krishna Deva Rao, Ram Deva Rao and a daughter.

1922 - 1944 AD : Raja Krishna Deva Rao
As his successor, Krishna Dev, was a minor, his estate was managed as a Ward of the Court. Krishna Dev himself died before attaining majority and the crown passed on to his son Rameshwar Rao III. 

Krishna Deva Rao was the successor of second Raja Rameshwar Rao and he ruled Wanaparthy Province for a short period and died in 1924 at the age of 21 years.

1944 - 1998 AD : Janumpally Rameshwar Rao III

After Krishna Deva Rao’s demise, Sri J. Raja Rameshwar Rao became Prince of the Province. He was a voracious reader, a poet, a good administrator and a man of prudence. During 1940’s Telangana armed struggle against the Nizam’s RulesSri Raja Rameshwar Rao struggled lot Rule for the deliverance of his province from Nizam’s control. It is said that Nizam tried to kill Raja Rameshwar Rao, but he went underground.

Thereafter India abolished all regal titles

He was born on 23 February 1923 in Madras to Raja Krishnadeva Rao and Rani Sarala Devi.

He studied at Nizam College, Hyderabad, Madras University and Bombay University.

1944 : He was granted full administrative powers in 1944.

1950 - 1957 : Joined the Foreign Service and served in various capacities till 1957, including a posting as First Secretary, India's Commission in Nairobi.

1957 –1977 : Member of Parliament from Mahabhubnagar Constituency Member of the United Nations Conciliation Commission on the Congo 1960/1961; Chairman of Orient Longman 1964/1968

He died at the age of 75 years in Hyderabad on 15 September 1998. He is survived by wife Shanta, one son and three daughters. 

The Saralasagar project was initiated and built by the Wanaparthy ruler Raja Rameshwara Rao III and named after his mother Sarala. It was completed in 1959 and inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Raja Rameshwara Rao III sent his engineer friend P.S. Ramakrishna Raju to California to study the automatic siphon technology. Raju learnt the technology, and returned home and helped build the Saralasagar dam and other projects like the ones at Kinneresani, Pochampad and Nagulapet.

The foundation stone was laid on September 15, 1949, by the then military Governor of Hyderabad, General J.N. Chowdary. The contractor for the project till 1956 was Sripathi Rao. Work on the earth dam had already been initiated, according to assistant engineer Mamilla Buganna, who travels everyday by train from Mahbubnagar to Madanapur to come to Kothapeta, where this beautiful dam exists.

Located in Kothakota of Wanaparthy district (part of erstwhile Mahbubnagar district), it is just 6 km from the small and bustling town, filled with small shops. The Saralasagar project is a rain-fed dam and would fill up with water during the monsoon. The water used to flow through siphons into a tiered system, which would eventually flow into the canals and the fields. The Saralasagar itself had a catchment area a 771 acres.

Simply put, water from Saralasagar used to be lifted across the dam without being pumped, irrigating 4,182 acres. The total storage capacity of Saralasagar is estimated to be 0.5 tmc, which makes it a minor irrigation project, despite its historical and scientific importance.

Among his grandchildren are the actress Aditi Rao Hydari (his daughter's daughter), and Kiran Rao (his son's daughter) who is the wife of actor Aamir Khan.






http://www.zamindar.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=16




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanaparthy_Samsthanam


The African Dispersal in the Deccan: From Medieval to Modern TimesBy Shanti Sadiq Ali

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Wanaparthy Palace

Wanaparthy Palace is also known as "Mustafa Mahal" as a name for the advice of a Muslim saint. This palace covers an area of 640 square miles.

This palace will now house the Collector's office and Collector Camp Office.

The surname of the Samsthana rulers is Janumpally.

Wanaparthy Samasthan traced its origin back to 14 century, when as the Warangal Kakatiya Dynasty crumbled, local chieftains established their ascendancy over surrounding territory and divided it among themselves.


After Vijayanagar Kingdom was succeeded by Bijapur, Qutub Shah and Mogul successive rulers had found it expedient to maintain 8 samsthanams as buffer states along Krishna river. Wanaparthy was bounded on 3 sides by other sammsthanams.


In the time Aurangzeb, Wanaparthy became a feudatory of Moghul empire and of the Nizam as viceroy of that empire in the south.


The Rajas of the Samasthans were closely associated with the QtubShahi kings.


The early Rajas of Wanaparthy kept on army of 2000 infantry and 2000 cavalry. On 17th March 1843, the title of "balwant" was conferred on Raja Rameshwar Rao as a mark of honour by Sikander Jah.


For administrative purposes the Samasthan was divided into two taluqas namely "sugar" and keshampet" under to Tahsildars. The "Maharaja" died on 22nd November 1922. He was survived by two represented in the indian government after independence.

Days Of The Beloved

By Harriet Ronken Lynton

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Jagtial Fort

A must visit for heritage lovers

It closely resembles a European castle since it was constructed in collaboration with French engineers during the reign of Nawab Ibrahim Khan in 17 century, a Governor of the Mughals.

The two French engineers, Jack and Tal began construction of what would become the only star shaped fort in Telangana and the only structure to be totally modeled on European design.

The name of the fort and the town over years slowly came to be known as Jacktal and then Jagital or Jagityala as is written in Telugu.
The fort was built with stones and lime and it had a moa al round that was filled with water. The entrance gate which has made with wood was disappeared. 

At the entrance of the fort is a big mosque dating back to the time of the Nizam Shahi dynasty of Golconda. It was built during the early years of the 19th century. It is called the Jamia Masjid.

There are several cannons in the fort and in one of them is inscribed in Urdu the name of Mohammad Khasim. The Burz on the fort had many cannons placed on it and Khasim is credited with building several of them.

It is the only star-shaped fort in Telangana that is fitted with canons.

A visit to the Jagityala Fort should also include a peep into the historical treasure vaults ensconced within the walls of these great structures.

The Mughal dynasty used it as a Defence Fort in the 17 century. 

It is surrounded by four water bodies – Mote pond, Dharma Samandar, Mupparaap and Kandla Palli.  

According to Archaeological Department officials, it was built during the reign of Nawab Ibrahim, a Governor in the Mughal dynasty. The fort has two wooden gates, which were lifted by using pulleys. This is the only star-shaped fort in the State with a moat (water body).

History says that there used to be a row of rooms for the storage of ammunition at this fort. Though a majority of structures of the fort have been destroyed over the years, the well is safe and provides water to locals in the region. The fort stands as a testimony to the bravery of soldiers who fought here. 

This ancient and historic monumental structure, a special attraction of Jagtial, is now in a state of neglect and the precious lands are on the verge of the encroachment. Though the Archaeology Department took measures to reconstruct the walls, their efforts proved to be inadequate.

Assistant Director (Archaeology) N. Mallikarjun Rao said that the then Nizam government had declared Jagtial Fort as a protected monument. He said that they had decided to construct a cannon gallery with the existing 43 cannons. We are planning to construct a pedestal for the cannons and educate people about the importance of the fort, he added.

HOW TO REACH JAGTIAL:

Distance from Hyderabad - 190 km

From Karimnagar - 50 km

Built during the reign of Nawab Ibrahim, a Governor in the Mughal dynasty

It is now in a state of neglect and precious lands are on the verge of encroachment

The then Nizam government had declared Jagtial Fort as a protected monument


Timings : 10 AM - 5 PM daily


http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/jagtial-fort-a-must-visit-for-heritage-lovers/article7014727.ece

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Mitte Waterfalls

Mitte or Sapthagundala or Saptha Gundalu or Sapthagunda or Seven Waterfalls is located around 2kms from Pittaguda village, Lingapur Mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad District, Telangana, India.

Saptha means Seven, Gunda or Gundam or Gundala meaning Pit, Jalapatham is Waterfalls. It comprises not just one but seven waterfalls, hence the name Saptagundala. The waterfall, which is 100 km away from Asifabad, is nestled between tall hills on one side and dense forests on the other, the Saptagundala waterfalls also known as Mitta waterfalls is tucked far away from civilization.

Some of the seven waterfalls have been named after Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Bheema. Idol of Bheema was located at the place. Annually, tribals celebrate two fairs in reverence to their deity Bheema. They believe that Bheema went around the place and hence believe that the stone slabs carry foot impressions of the deity.

Accessibility of the seven waterfalls in Sirpur (U), two can be classified as the most beautiful spots and are located in close proximity. These are situated about 20 km from Jainoor mandal headquarters and can be accessed from either Lingapur or Pittaguda villages. In the absence of a proper road, a distance of about 4 km in the forest has to be trekked. A road and accommodation for tourists at these spots could arouse the interest of nature enthusiasts.

Kankaigundam is located on the Kadem river in Bazarhatnoor mandal. A 3-km walk in the wilderness is inevitable to reach this spot after travelling to Balhanpur in Bazarhatnoor from Ichoda mandal headquarters on the NH 7.

The Gadadigundam is another interesting spot on the Kadem river in Neredigonda mandal and can be accessed from Tarnam village from where a walk for about 4 km is needed to reach the waterfall. These two waterfalls on Kadem river dry up in the summer months. While water cascades from a lesser height at most of the seasonal falls, one waterfall cascades from a height of about 100 ft.
September to February is the best time to visit this sport as the hillock resembles Kashmir. There are several hillocks there ideal for trekking and hiking.
They are located 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Asifabad and 350 kilometres (220 mi) from Hyderabad, the state capital.

From Sirpur (U), towards lingapur your need to drive for around 7km, before lingapur village you will get the village called Pittagauda. Here we need to park the vehicles and take a 2km walk to water fall.

This area is also famous for the dense Mangi forests where deforestation has taken place on a comparatively lesser scale.

Proper infrastructure at Sapthagundam can woo nature enthusiasts

Mitte Jalapatham is just 85 km from the Adilabad town and 35 km from Utnoor headquarters.

You need to hire local guides for this trekking.

Directions from Jainoor


https://asifabad.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/mitta-waterfalls/
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/seasonal-waterfalls-ideal-eco-tourist-spots/article198368.ece

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Mahabub Ghats

A ride on the picturesque 3 km long Mahabub ghat road near Nirmal and the 6 km long Kerameri ghat road near Kerameri mandal headquarter is a treat for travellers. These roads with their sharp bends can be likened to a necklace, a feature that sets them apart from the rest.

A forlorn ‘mahabub' (lover) is what the famous Mahabub ghat road in

Adilabad district looks since heavy vehicle traffic was diverted on the four lane NH 44 Nirmal bypass road some two years ago. Despite being in a state of utter neglect, the picturesque bends on this road are a feast to the eyes.

Mahabub Ghats watch tower helps one see the reservoir of the SRSP and the landscape right up to Nirmal town. It is a visual treat to watch vehicles making the arduous climb up or speeding down the famous ghats.
The two watch towers located at strategic point on the Kerameri and Mahabub Ghat road have been repaired by the Forest Department which comes as good news to travellers on these roads. Nature lovers will now be able to take a break from the tedious drive to watch nature in all its splendour from atop these watch towers. The thirty-foot plus tall towers loom over the landscape on the top most ghat curve at both the places. The height of the watch towers makes it possible for getting a panoramic view of the spread of greenery below or whatever is left of it.

“Proper upkeep of the ghat section can attract local tourists to this lovely spot in the lap of nature. Followers of Sufi philosopher Shaikh Mahabub, after whom the ghat is named, will especially be thankful for improved maintenance of the road,” opines Tummala Dev Rao, a teacher and amateur historian from Nirmal.

The ghat road, located on one of the hills in the Sahayadri range about 14 km from Nirmal town, was used by travellers to access other important places in North India. Locals believe this road to be in use since the times of Emperor Ashoka.

It was, however, during the period of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam, that a proper road seems to have been laid extending up to the Penganga river at the northern end of Hyderabad State. The year could be 1932 when the old bridge at Soan across the mighty Godavari was constructed. “The ghat section would have been first cut in the hills manually. Imagine, hundreds of workers toiling for long duration to slice the hill,” says Mr. Dev Rao, trying to envision the times.

For many years, travellers negotiated the ghat bends on a single lane though the road had acquired the status of a national highway. It was in early 1970s that the road was widened to incorporate another lane making it easy for the drivers to take the four hairpin curves. In tune with the growing importance of NH 7, the road was widened further in the 1980s to facilitate smooth passage of vehicles including the long trailer type lorries. Authorities kept on improving the condition of the road not to allow traffic jams due to accidents.

An idyllic haven for bikers

What is a perfect haven for avid bikers or a getaway destination for the overworked and stressed urbanite? Riding, perhaps, on a long stretch of a deserted road in a vast spread of different hues of greenery, taking in the sounds and sights en route and fresh unpolluted air to breathe.

There is abundant greenery and long stretches of less travelled curvy dirt and asphalt tracks, especially in its hilly tribal area, for those who love offroading and riding across country stretches.

Scenic stretch

One of the best stretches of roads here is the one that links the mandal headquarter of Jainoor and Tiryani almost in the geographical middle of the district. The drive on the 50-km road could often be bumpy, but that is part of the game.

Jainoor is about 320 km from Hyderabad by road via Nirmal and Jannaram and Tiryani is about 340 km from the State capital, coming from Mancherial town. The journey can be undertaken from either side but the first option offers a lot more to see on the way to Jainoor.

The journey from Hyderabad to Nirmal will turn out to be smooth affair as the entire 200-km drive will be on the four-lane NH 44. The drive to Jannaram, about 65 km from Nirmal, will be a pleasant one in itself as it involves passing through a section of the Kawal Tiger Reserve.

Good accommodation

The Tourism Department offers excellent accommodation at Jannaram in the shape of cottages which come at a reasonable tariff of Rs. 800 for an AC double room. The journey from Jannaram towards Jainoor can be resumed the next morning and it will take a rider through 30 km of the Indhanpalli-Utnoor road, again in the Kawal Tiger Reserve.

Food is no problem until Jannaram as there are some modest hotels and dhabas serving good food, but the biking or travel enthusiasts need to carry their own food and water for the journey from Jainoor. After Sirpur (U) they are unlikely to even come across a tea stall.

Drivers need to take a left at the fork in the road at Alliguda, about 11 km from Jainoor and 6 km from Sirpur (U) mandal headquarter. The next big village is Lingapur and from here the road becomes almost deserted with an auto or a motorcycle coming your way every 10 minutes or so.

The curvy road takes you to the steep ghat road near Pangdi Madaram but not before feasting on the greenery surrounding Chinna Dampur, Loddiguda, Modiguda or Raghapur. You can find some unpretentious tribal temples in the wilderness abutting the road. The road exits into Tiryani mandal headquarter from where the nature-loving bikers can reach Mancherial for their onward journey to Hyderabad.




http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/adilabad-an-idyllic-haven-for-bikers/article6339331.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/monsoon-picks-up-sowing-of-pulses-gets-boost/article8824991.ece

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Nirmal Ghats

Scenic beauty of the Nirmal ghats with the flying fog in the early morning which attracts many nature lovers.

Nature lovers loved the feeling of the fog and chilly breeze on their skin which they experienced in the early morning hours. The Sahayadri hill range attracts nature lovers to Nirmal ghats

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151119/nation-current-affairs/article/cold-weather-fog-enhance-adilabad’s-scenic-beauty

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Kerameri Ghats

The Utnoor-Asifabad route, 6 km long Kerameri ghat road near Kerameri mandal of which the Kerameri ghats are a part, is one of the oldest in the district passing through its tribal heartland.

The Kerameri hills, as seen from the popular Kerameri ghat road,

offer a breathtaking view as the landscape is changing colours layer by layer. The view starts with the dark green of the agriculture fields and turns into bright yellow of the drying leaves as the vision progress upwards.

The mountain range with a dominant blue at the top completes the picture casting a spell on the beholder. Descending the ghat road brings one closer to the clusters of trees which are changing colours.

Same is the case with the thick Sarkepalli forest in Wankidi mandal and the Malini forest in Sirpur (T) mandal where the jungles beckon with differently vibrant colours. A drive to Malini from Sirpur (T) mandal head quarter village will be an experience in itself in November.
The Kerameri watch tower offers a view as far as the hills near Asifabad.

If you want to know whether beauty encompasses danger, visit the picturesque Kerameri ghats in Adilabad district during the current season. The unfolding scenery during a drive on the curvy road is a visual treat, yet any lapse in concentration can result in a fatal accident.

Monsoon brings back greenery as vegetation thickens, especially on the margins of this single-lane road. The vegetation restricts the view considerably at almost all the bends on the 6-km-long road that starts at Busimetta camp and ends near Keslaguda in Kerameri mandal.

The top three bends can be dangerous on account of the scenic spread in the valley. No driver can afford diversion of concentration which can lead to a collision with an oncoming vehicle.

Drivers need to be more cautious while negotiating the one kilometre of the stretch at the lowest end of the ghats. This part is besotted with three ‘S' bends followed by two ‘U' turns, two ‘S' bends and two more ‘U' curves.

This section of the road has the wild lantana or pulikampa growing close to the margins on either side effectively restricting the view. These shrubs can be removed to do away with some of the danger.

By Road - They are number of buses from Hyderabad MGBS to Asifabad . From asifabad we can reach this place within 40min.

By Rail - Trains from Secunderabad to Nagpur stretch. Main stations to reach this place is Asifabad Road-ASAF, Sirpur Kaghaznagar-SKZR.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/adilabad-acquires-the-hues-of-autumn/article6538487.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-districtplus/dont-get-carried-away-lest/article2311652.ece

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Komaram Bheem Asifabad District

Komaram Bheem Asifabad District is carved out of erstwhile Adilabad District. It is surrounded by Adilabad, Mancherial, Nirmal districts and the Maharashtra state.

Head Quarters : Asifabad
Revenue Divisions : 2
Mandals : 15
Population : 592,831
Area : 4,300.16

Asifabad comprises 15 mandals and has two revenue divisions – Asifabad and Kaghaznagar. The district headquarter is located at Asifabad, a predominantly tribal town.

The railway line that connects the south and the north of India passes through Asifabad district. Sirpur-Kaghaznagar is a major railway station in the district. It has one RTC depot at Asifabad.

The district’s primary crops include rice, cotton and pulses. Singareni Collieries, Sirpur Paper Mills, many spinning and ginning mills form the industrial profile of the district.

Historically, the district had a glorious past. Asifabad was an important part in the scheme of things of its erstwhile rulers. Fossils of the pre-historic period excavated in and around Asifabad attach archeological importance to this place. 

Rivers

Pranahita River flows along the border of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra and Komaram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana.

Origin : Thumbidihatti, Kouthala Mandal, Asifabad
Intersection of Wardha and the Wainganga Rivers near the border of Maharashtra and Telangana.
Elevation : 146 m ( 479 ft)
Length : 113 km (70 mi)
Catchment : 1,09,078 km2
Outflow : Godavari River near Kaleshwaram
States : Maharashtra, Telangana
Entire Pranahita River acts as border between Telangana and Maharashtra.
Districts : Komoram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayshankar Bhupalpally.

The Pranhita begins at the confluence of 2 extensive rivers - the Wardha and the Wainganga. This junction lies on the border between the states of Maharashtra and Telangana near Kouthala(near Sirpur kagaznagar). Right at the onset, the river enjoys a wide river bed.

Pranhita is the largest tributary of Godavari River covering about 34% of its drainage basin conveying the combined waters of the Penganga River, Wardha River and Wainganga River.

Pranahita River Tributaries in Telangana
Jagannathpur Peddavagu River : Total Length of 100 kms. Originating in Sirpur (U)-Kerameri hills, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district and discharging into the Pranahita river near Murliguda in Bejjur, Komaram Bheem Asifabad discharging into the Pranahita river.

Peddavagu River Tributaries

• Yerra vagu joins Peddavagu near Amargonda
• Nirail vagu  joins Peddavagu near Ainam
• Vatti vagu joins Peddavagu near Sarsala
• Kol vagu joins Peddavagu near Andavelli
• Sivapuram vagu joins Peddavagu near Kothapet
• Wankdi vagu joins Peddavagu near Nandupa

Major Irrigation

Sri Komaram Bheem Project is a Medium Irrigation Project proposed across Peddavagu stream near Ada (V), Asifabad (M), Asifabad (Dist). 

The scheme is proposed to irrigate an ayacut of (18421 Ha) 45,500 Acres covering in 69 villages in 4 Mandals i.e Asifabad, Wankidi, Kagaznagar and Sirpur (T) of Asifabad District. 

The Scheme was administratively sanctioned vide GO RT.No.144 dated 22-01-2005 for Rs.274.14 crores and Revised vide GO RT. No. 1630 dated 13-10-2009 for Rs.450.14 Crores.

Cost of the Project: Rs.882.36 Cr

The project is designed to provide irrigation for 45,500 Acres in 4 mandals of Asifabad district.
IPContemplated :45,500Acres
IP created : 9,500 Acres
Balance IP : 36,000 Acres
Funding Agency : AIBP under PMRP
Funding Pattern 72.6% AIBP Share , 27.4% State Share

Kumram Bheem (22 October 1901 – 8 October 1940) was a tribal leader who fought for the rights of tribals over jal (water), jungle (forest) and zameen (land).

Dr. BR Ambedkar Pranahita Project

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahitha-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi (PCSS) project, conceived by the Congress in 2007 and meant to harness water from the Pranahita tributary of the Godavari river for use in Telangana with the estimated cost of 17,000 crores and spent 1600 crores for canals without the construction of dam.

Since it involved submergence of 3,786 acres of land in Maharashtra, serious concerns were raised by it. The State had strongly objected to the construction of the barrage at the proposed site. The government of Maharashtra had requested to reduce the FRL to + meters so as to minimize the risk of submergence.

In 2016, the Government of Telangana and Government of Maharashtra signed an inter-state agreement with Maharashtra consenting to Tummidihetti Barrage at an FRL of +148 meters. Pranahita Chevella lift irrigation scheme, thereafter was also redesigned as Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita Project

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita Project envisages diversion of 20 TMC of water by constructing a barrage across river Pranahitha near the confluence of rivers Wardha and Wainganga at Tummidi Hetti (V), Koutala(M), Adilabad District of Telangana State. This project contemplates to provide Irrigation facilities for an ayacut of 2,00,000 acres in drought prone areas in East Adilabad District of Telangana State.

Medium Irrigation
Vattivagu project is a Medium Irrigation Project proposed across Vatti Vagu stream near Pahadibanda (V), Asifabad (M), Asifabad (Dist). The scheme is proposed to irrigate an ayacut of 24,500 Acres(9914.91 Ha) covering in 32 villages in 2 Mandals Viz Asifabad, Rebbana of Asifabad District. The crops proposed under this scheme are paddy in Khariff, ID crops in Rabi.
Status : Operation & Maintenance in Progress.

Left Canal : 7 kms

Right Canal : 21.6 kms

Jagannathpur Peddavagu Project  is a medium irrigation project situated in Asifabad district. The project envisages the construction of head works comprising Earthen Dam of length 720m excluding Anicut / Barrage of length 330.0 m across Peddavagu near Jagannathpur. The 29 km long Right Flank Main Canal system creates irrigation facilities to an area of 6,073 ha (15,000 acres) and provides drinking water to a population of 9750 persons. Left Regulator at km.0.40 is proposed for future needs.

The project is designed to provide irrigation for 15,000 Acres of Asifabad district

Kagaznagar Mandal - 234.22 Acres Dahegaon Mandal - 14787.25 Acres

A Budgetary Provision of Rs 50.00 Crores is provided during 2018-19.

Funding Pattern  : 90% AIBP Share , 10% State Share

Status : In Progress

Palvai Purushotham Rao Project is a medium irrigation Project across Yerravagu Stream Near Kalwada (V) Dahegaon (M) Asifabad (Dist).The Scheme envisages providing irrigation facility to an extent of 11,150 Acres in 17 Villages in the most socially economically backward area of Dahegaon Mandal of Asifabad (Dist).

The project was taken up with NABARD financial assistance under RIDF-V programme to achieve ayacut of 11150 Acres. This project work under Head works and Canal works were completed in full shape and water was let out to the ayacut in Khariff 2003.

The project provides irrigation to an extent of 11150 acres benefiting Dahegaon mandal (9150 Acrs) of Asifabad district and Bheemini (1386.00 Acrs), Vemanpally(614 Acrs) mandal of Mancherial district.

L.F Canal : 16.60 km - 3.26 Cumecs (115.126 Cusecs) - 9000 Acres 
R.F Canal :  7.90 km - 0.72 Cumecs (25.42 Cusecs) - 2000 Acres

Tourism
Eco-tourism can be promoted in the pristine natural forests, hillocks, valleys of Kumram Bheem district
Vatti Vaagu project, Gangapur Cave, Movvad village are some of the tourist attractions.

Mandals
Asifabad revenue division

1 Sirpur (U) 
2 Lingapur 
3 Jainoor 
4 Tiryani 
5 Asifabad 
6 Kerameri 
7 Wankidi 
8 Rebbena 

Kagaznagar revenue division
1  Bejjur
2 Penchicalpet
3 Kagaznagar
4 Koutala
5 Chintalamanepally
6 Dahegoan
7 Sirpur-T
 





http://asifabad.telangana.gov.in/district-profile/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumaram_Bheem_Asifabad_district

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Komaram Bheem

Name : Komaram Bheem or Kumram Bheem (Oct 22, 1901 - Oct 27, 1940) 

Born : Oct 22, 1901 into a Gondu Family in Hyderabad State, British India and in current Sankepally Village of Asifabad Mandal in Komaram Bheem District.
Died : Oct 27, 1940. However, the Gondi people considered 8 April 1940 as the death date of Komaram Bheem in Jodheghat Village/hamlet in Hyderabad State, British India  and in current Jodheghat Village, Kerameri Mandal in Komaram Bheem Asifabad District. 

Father: Komaram Chinnu 

Spouse: Som Bai

Siblings: Younger Brother: Kumra Jangu Sister-in-law: Kumram Tuljabai

Komaram Bheem was a revolutionary tribal leader who fought against the Asaf Jahi Dynasty for the freedom of Adivasis. in a guerrilla campaign. He gave the slogan of Jal, Jungle, Jameen ( Water, Forest, Land). It means the people who live in forests should have rights on all the resources of the forest. 

Komaram Bheem will forever remain a leader and icon for his contributions to the age-long Adivasi struggle of 'Jal Jangal Jameen'. He was the heart-throb of the Gond tribes, whose hearts were in the forests of current Asifabad.

When Komaram Bheem was barely 15 years old his father Komaram Chinnu was killed by forest officials for asserting Adivasis’ rights. 

After his father’s death, his family migrated to Sardapur village in Kerimeri Mandal. Young Komaram Bheem was agitated over his father’s cold-blooded murder.

Bheem married a woman named Som Bai, moved to Bhabejhari in the interior of the Gond lands and settled down and leading a normal life by Jhum farming. During the time of harvest, he was approached by forest officials who tried to force him to leave arguing that the land belonged to the state. A jagirdar named Sidhiki, an informer of Nizam, occupied Bheems land. Bheem killed Sidhiki out of anger and escaped from police to hide in Assam. After that he worked as a laborer in coffee and tea plantations for five years. He experienced labor agitations. He learned how to read and write. He understood the situation in his place through his close friend Komaram Sooru, who was his secret informer.

He was annoyed when the atrocities against the tribal families by the forest officials increased manifold. Above all, the Nizam government levied cess on the tribal people when they graze their cattle in the forest areas.
The forest officials forcibly collected this cess from Adivasis. The landlords had even taken away the Podu cultivable land from Adivasis. They had also levied heavy cess on the grain cultivated by them.

Komaram Bheem launched a massive agitation against the Nizam government in protest against the atrocities on the tribal population. He started guerrilla warfare against Nizam army.

Komaram Bheem resented the illegal cess on Podu cultivation which was a right of the Adivasis. Bheem brought the Adivasis together and waged war against Nizam army.

The guerrilla army of Bheem attacked a number of landlords and killed them. Komaram Bheem claimed that Jal, Jungle, Jameen belonged to only Adivasis and the Nizam has no right over here. Making Jode Ghat the centre of his activities, Bheem continued his guerrilla war from 1928 to 1940.

After waging a relentless struggle against the Nizam’s army, a traitor, Kurdhu Patel informed the Nizam army about the hiding place of Bheem which resulted in indiscriminate firing at Bheem and his followers at Jodeghat. Bheem and his twelve followers died in the firing on October 27, 1940 which was the day of Aswiyuja Pournami. However, Adivasis consider the Aswiyujna Pournami as the death anniversary of Bheem and observe it every year.

Thedat...thedat...police vather
The Gond rebels at Jodeghat were jolted out of their sleep early that morning in October 1940 as the women came running and shouting to wake them up.

The women, who were out to fetch drinking water , had spotted armed policemen surrounding their village as they came looking for Komaram Bheem, the tribal leader who dared to question the authority of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It was three years since Bheem had been leading a rebellion on the question of rights of tribal people to pastures and the lands being tilled by them in the forests .

Bheem, who was camping at Jodeghat with a handful of his warriors, were instantly up and got ready by arming themselves . Most of the rebels could manage to get hold of axes, sickles and bamboo sticks. Asifabad Talukdar Abdul Sattar, a personification of the Nizams’ tyrannytried to get Bheem to surrender through emissaries.

After refusal for the third time by Bheem to submit himself , Sattar ordered to open fire . The tribal rebels could do nothing but went down fighting. "As many as 15 warriors besides Bheem attained martyrdom. The incident plunged the tribals into gloom on that full moon day,” the late Maru master and Bhadu master, the close aides of Bheem, used to say whenever they wound up their narrative of the incident. Not many, however, got to see the martyrs as the bodies were burnt unceremoniously.

Hemen Darf, an anthropologist from Germany, researched the issue of tribal rights and recommended to the Nizam’s Government that it start an exclusive tribal welfare society.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/the-legend-of-komaram-bheem/article5239314.ece

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2015-10-27/Komaram-Bheems-ideals-to-be-kept-alive/182689

https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-10-16/Komaram-Bheems-death-anniversary-today/259003

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