Kakatiya Dynasty - Ganapati Deva

Ganapati Deva

Following the death of Mahadeva, disorder broke out in the kingdom. Recherla Rudra, the commander-in-chief of the Kakatiya ruler, saved the kingdom from crumbling. Ganapatideva was set free by Jaitrapala due to political considerations like his desire to secure himself against an attack from Warangal in the event of a conflict with the aggressive Hoysalas in the south. Ganapatideva's reign lasted for 20 years. It is one of the most brilliant epochs in the history of South India. Ganapati, during his long reign, brought under his sway almost the whole land inhabited by the Telugu-speaking people, from Karimnagar and Anakapalle in the north to Ongole in the south. Though Ganapatideva was alive until 1269 CE he handed over the threads of administration to his daughter Rudramadevi in 1262 CE itself and retired from active politics.

Ganapatideva was known as the greatest of the Kakatiyas and the first after the Satavahanas to bring the entire Telugu area under one rule. In the year 1216, he put an end to the rule of the Telugu Cholas, who accepted his suzerainty. He established order in his vast dominion and encouraged trade. It is around this period that the Golconda fort was constructed, as well as beautiful temples in the Kakatiya art form such as Ramappa Temple at the tiny village of Palampet outside of Warangal.