Warangal: a Gateway to History
DiscoVER INDIA Historic Splendour of which are seen today. The Fort was largely destroyed We began our historic exploration the next day with by General Malik Kafur and his army, as the dynasty Warangal: a visit to the erstwhile capital of the Kakatiya fell to the Delhi Sultanate. dynasty: the Warangal Fort. The Kakatiyas had The fort also has a shrine dedicated to Lord a gateway to history started out as feudal lords to the Chalukyas, and Shiva, with dwarapalakas on either side, a Ganesh ushered in the golden period as they ruled the temple, a Nandi mandapam, triangular blocks region between the 11th and 14th centuries. that were part of ceiling panels, a couple of The grandeur of the Kakatiyan empire was such elephants, pierced screens decorated with that it finds a mention even in the diaries of the swans, friezes with elephants, dancers and world-famous traveller Marco Polo. musicians — remnants of a what must have a The entrance to the fort lies beyond the monumental edifice. A mythical creature looking fort walls and an imposing arch. The vast open like a lion with bulbous eyes and a thick ornate mane expanse lies strewn with ruins: damaged sculptures, caught my attention. I later found out they are called statues, granite pillars and columns enclosed by four yalis, creatures who were stronger than lions and Marco Polo had referenced the massive stone gateways in each cardinal direction. cultural and administrative distinction elephants, and who symbolised the empire’s valour. These 30 feet tall exquisitely carved portals, also of the Kakatiyas in his travel diaries To the south of the Qila stood the hillock called Keerthi Toranas (Gateways of Glory), are Ekasilagutta, overlooking a lake and an adjoining park.
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