FORTS OF INDIA (Warangal)
FORTS OF INDIA (Warangal)
WARANGAL 175 km from Hyderabad, was part of the Andhra kingdom till the middle of the 12th century when it was conquered by the Kakatiyas who made it their capital. Prod Raja, a powerful Kakatiya king, constructed a fort in the capital, as is known from inscriptions on the eastern and western gates and pillars of the fort. The stone wall of the fort had a circumference of a little over four miles.
The defences of the Warangal fort were further strengthened by Rudram- ma. Prod Raja's widow or daughter (there is no definite information on this); by building an outer mud wall enclosing an area of about two miles These additions were designed by one of her relations Ganapathi.
In 1294 when she faced attack from the Sultan of Delhi, Rudramma abdicated in favour of her grandson Prataparudradeva. The first attack on Warangal by Chhajju, a general of Ala- ud-din Khaiji, was repulsed and he had to turn back. The second time, in 1310, Malik Kafur, another general of Ala-ud- din Khaiji, attacked Warangal with a large force. Finding himself not in a position to defend, Prataparudradeva shut himself in the fort. The invaders made several assaults in which the garrison suffered heavy losses and they captured a large number of citizens. Reduced to extremities, the Raja submitted and offered an immediate indemnity of 3C0 elephants, 7000 horses, large quantities of coined money and jewels and assured payment of an annual tribute in future. The terms were accepted and Malik Naib returned.
and, though the combats were well fought, he found himself outmatched. He, therefore, attempted to purchase peace by promising tribute on terms similar to those which were agreed to by Malik Kafur. But the offer was rejected. In the mean time Prataparudradeva was engaged in cutting the communications of the besiegers. When for some time Ulugh Khan did not receive any message from Delhi he suspected some foul play. He was beguil- ded by the rumour purposefully circulated that the Sultan was dead. Ulugh Khan raised the siege and his army marched in separate divisions to Deva- giri (Daulatabad). On their way they were pursued and harassed by the army of Warangal.
