Rudragiri Hillock and Kakatiya Dynasty

Rudragiri Hillock and Kakatiya Dynasty

News: The Rudragiri hillock in Andhra Pradesh features a unique combination of prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period and exquisite artwork from the Kakatiya dynasty, dating back to around 1300 AD.

Key Findings:
• The site includes five naturally formed rock shelters that served as living quarters during the Mesolithic age, around 5000 B.C.
• The Kakatiya-era paintings display scenes from the epic Ramayana. One of the caves depicts a fierce battle between the Vanara brothers Vali and Sugriva, with Rama shooting arrows at Vali while other cave features a grand sketch of Hanuman carrying the Sanjivani hill.

About Kakatiya Dynasty:
• The Kakatiya dynasty was a Telugu dynasty that ruled most of the eastern Deccan region in present-day India between the 12th and 14th centuries. Their capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal.
• The Kakatiyas were originally feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyana, ruling over a small territory near Warangal. They became independent under Prataparudra I in 1163 CE, who expanded their domain by subduing other Chalukyan vassals in the Telangana region.
• Notable rulers of Kakatiya dynasty – Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi, Prataprudra II.
• The Kakatiyas were known for their achievements in art, architecture, literature, and administration.
• They also promoted Telugu language and literature, and patronized poets like Tikkana and Errapragada. They fostered a sense of unity and identity among the Telugu-speaking people, who later resisted the foreign rule under the Musunuri Nayaks.