The once impregnable Warangal Fort with its
impressive and intricately carved arches and crumbling pillars is spread over a
radius of 19 kms between Hanamkonda and Warangal
and was the seat of power of the Kakatiya dynasty.
Warangal was the capital of the Hindu Shaivite Kakatiya dynasty from
the 12th to the 14th centuries. The entire city is said to have been carved of
a single stone giving it its original name of Orugallu. 'Oru' means one and 'Kallu' means stone. The
city was also called Ekasila nagaram.
Built during the reign of King Ganapati Deva and his
daughter Rudramma in the 13th Century, the once impregnable fort has two walls,
with traces of the third. The fort has 45 towers and pillars with a temple
dedicated to Mother Earth called 'Swayambhudevi Alayam' situated in the middle
of the fort.
Four paths with decorative gateways, set according
to the cardinal points, lead to the centre where a huge Shiva Temple
once existed. Though the main fort has been ravaged over time, the remains of
the four huge stone gateways along with several exquisite pieces of sculpture
can still be seen in and around the fort. Even today, the beautifully carved
gateway located within the fort - the famous 'Ekashila'- symbolises might of
the erstwhile Kakatiya Empire.
The Wrangle Fort showcases the pride and power of
the famous Telugu dynasty. The huge complex with three distinct circular
strongholds is surrounded by a moat. A legendary masterpiece known as Khush
Mahal built by Shittabh Khan is situated close to the glorious Warangal Fort.
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