Art is omnipresent; it can unbend anywhere and exists everywhere. Every place carries art within, from a famous museum to a ruins and remains of a historical site.Holding this thought Nisha Aggarwal shares her ‘artsy’ snippet of the recent travel to Warangal, in Andhra Pradesh.
Warangal is located in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, in northeast of the state capital Hyderabad. Warangal area is a combination of Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet. Earlier Warangal was known as ‘Orugallu’ (Oru means one and Gallu means stone), and Ekasila Nagaram. As the name suggests, the entire town is believed to have carved out of a single stone. Warangal was the capital of Kakatiya kingdom ruled by Hindu Shaivite Kakatiya dynasty from 12th-14th century A.D. Kakatiyas started as feudatories of the Chalukyas, became dominant rulers of the Andhra territory in the 12th century. They were enthusiastic patrons of architecture as is clear from the several temples built during their reign and around their capitals at Hanamkonda and Warangal. The temples are built in a distinct architectural style derived from late Chalukyan archetypes and are recognizable by polygonal floor plans and intricately sculpted ceilings and pillars in the mandapam.
Famous for its granite quarries, Warangal is a hub for culture, industries and historical legacy. The main attractions are Warangal Fort, Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Ramappa Temple, The Pakhal Lake and The Wild Life Sanctuary among others. But I would say a mere visit to Warangal Fort could pay all satisfaction to a day-traveler.
Warangal Fort is an important fort among medieval South Indian forts. Built by King Ganapathi Deva in 13th century and completed by his daughter Rudrama Devi, it stood as an architectural wonder of the bygone era. It displays a rare and exquisite Thorean Architectural style. There are Thoranan Arches and the pillars are spread across an area of about 19 kilometers between Hanamkonda and Warangal.
It has three concentric fortifications, with the inner stone fortification. This three distinct circular strongholds surrounded by a moat provided three protective layers. It suggests the standards of security that used to be employed to guard the inner precincts and center of power. It signifies essence of early medieval defense architecture. The main inner fort contains 45 bastions and gateways/toranas at the four cardinal points, lead to the center where a huge Shiva Temple once existed. It demolished probably by invading armies from Delhi. These gateways/toranas are worldly known as ‘Hans Toranas’ are the finest examples of the Kakatiya art. The remarkable feature about the main gateway comprises of four gigantic pillars, which have been crafted out of a single rock. The gateways are still professed but much of the temple has ruined. Inside of fort there are shambles of many usual and religious mansions and temples. Among them most epochal is the Svayambhu Temple and shrines like Linga Shrine and Ganesa Shrine. The Archaeological Survey of India has listed the remains as a Monument of National Importance. The famous traveler Marco Polo has mentioned the fort as a symbol of beauty and legacy during his visits to south Indian forts and temples.
Another master piece known as Khush Maha, an Islamic building is situated close to Warangal Fort. Warangal Fort dated from the mid-14th century when Tughlak armies occupied the fort and from the 16th century when it became an outpost of the Bahmani and Qutb Shahi empires. Known also as Shitab Khan Mahal, it may have been used as an audience hall by Shitab Khan (Reign 1504-1512), the 16th century Qutb Shahi governor of Warangal. However it was probably built during the 14th century Tughlak occupation of the fort, the only building from that period. Its sharply sloping walls are a typical feature of Tughlak architecture was built it Indo – saracenic style. The longer east and west walls of the building have a projecting parapet and six high arches framed by narrow rectangles. These admit light to the interior. A wide entrance arch on the north wall leads to a single spacious chamber inside with small storage rooms on each side. Transverse arches span the high ceiling. Broken fragments from the Svayambhu enclosure are placed inside the hall and near the north entrance.
Other attractions near to the place are Thousand Pillar Temple and Bhadrakali Temple, are also the fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture. Thousand Pillar Temple is located in the town of Hanamkonda, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The temple was destroyed when the Muslim Tughlaq Dynasty invaded the region; still the remaining temple is worthy to pay a visit. Not only because of its historical and architectural specialties, but for cultural values it contains. During the Telugu festivals like Pongal, Bogi etc. rangoli competitions are organized here, and a number of local people takes part and shows the colours of their regional art and creativity. Any day trip traveler would enjoy the visit to Warangal with his/her internal or omnipresent state of art, which everyone carries inside and everywhere present outside.
