WARANGAL FORT

The construction of this impressive fortress began under King Ganapathi in 1199 and was completed by his daughter Rudrama in 1261. Although unfortunately only ruins remain, one can still feel the power of the Kakatiya kingdom by the few elements still standing. The fort has three walls that have been attacked many times over the centuries. The first wall encircled the city of Warangal and covered a perimeter of 12 kilometers. The second, made of mud, was erected by Rudrama. A 45 meter wide moat separates it from the third granite wall which protected the fort itself and was erected by Ganapathi. It had 45 rectangular guard towers posted all along. Four beautifully carved gates face the cardinal points. These arches are called Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and are today the official emblem of Telangana. They are similar to those of Sanchi, which shows a definite Buddhist influence. They paved the road to access a temple dedicated to Shiva, which once stood in its center. Unfortunately, only ruins remain today. A nandi, the vehicle of Shiva, sheltered under its stone mandapa with finely carved pillars, is still there to testify to it. The four-headed linga is kept in a small shrine south of the fort, and devotees still come to worship there. Built in the 14th century, the Kush Mahal is an imposing rectangular building that used to serve as an audience hall.