Geomorphic Terrain Conditions of Precincts and Stone Monuments of Kakatiya Architecture in Warangal Fort, Telangana India

Abstract

In history of Indian Architecture, the creation of a distinctive imperial Style of architectural feature had been prominently made in palaces, buildings and forts. It started mainly in South India during Medieval Period. The Kakatiya Dynasty of Warangal (fortified new capital city), palaces, Kush Mahal, Thousand Pillar Temple, Ramappa Temple, Lord Shiva Temple were constructed in their own style of Kakatiya Architecture between 1240 to 1309 A.D. The study of satellite imagery that the landscape and geomorphic conditions of Warangal Fort Precincts exhibits a Hilly, mound, slope and Pediment, buried pediment zone with PGC (Peninsular Gneissic complex) and unclassified Granites hard rock terrain. It provides a sound foundation for Fortification and building materials for fortification. The precincts of Warangal fort were made with multilayered scheme (3 layers of Fort walls) during 13^th to 15^th Century AD. Earthen embankment. Mud wall and stone wall were utilized for intact and strong fortification. The last king Pratap Rudradeva II reign during early 20 years was the golden Age (1289-1309 20 Years). After this period the Warangal Fort was conquered by Delhi Sultanate. Through 3 times siege of Fort 1310, 1318 & 1323 it was destroyed the fort although the Kakatiya king bravely defend the attacks, but hefailed to save the fort and Hindu Temples. The attackers demolished Swayambhu Shiva Temple and Swambhudevi Alayam Temple. The scattered remnants are visible in the open grounds of fort. Major monuments and Hindu Temples are now left in ruins conditions. The Archeological Survey of India has declared it as Archeological Site of National Importance. By repeated attacks and destruction of fort by non-Hindu invaders the artistic and valuable artifacts of Hindu Temples is still needed to interpret and reconstructed to get complete picture of archaeological importance of Kakatiya style. Even by holdings of strong and safe defense military strength, the Hindu King of Kakatiya Kingdom was defeated and lost his wealth and assets. Inspire of surrendered before invaders. He lost his life in Narbada valley and Kakatiya Empire was by gone.