Hanamkonda District (హనుమకొండ జిల్లా) | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History

• Warangal and Hanamkonda have historical ties to the Vishnukundins and earlier Buddhist periods in Indian history.
• In the 8th century A.D., Warangal, initially known as "Orukal," became the capital under the Yadava kings of the Kakatiyas or Ganapatis.
• The name "Orugallu" is believed to be the correct form of Orukal, the original name of the town located within the Warangal fort.
• The Kakatiya dynasty likely existed before the mid-7th century A.D., as mentioned by the Chinese pilgrim Hieun-Tsang who referred to the kingdom of "Danakakitya" in the south.
• The Kakatiya family name is derived from the local term for the Goddess Durga, Kakati.
• Following the decline of the Bahamani Kingdom, Warangal came under the rule of the Qutab Shahis of Golkonda and later under the Nizam's dominion.

Development of Warangal City

Warangal's growth was influenced by various political and historical factors, shaped by the rule of significant monarchs.
Key historical events and developments in Warangal City include:

• Establishment of the city as the capital under the Kakatiyas in the 8th century A.D.
• Transition of power to the Qutab Shahis after the fall of the Bahamani Kingdom.
• Subsequent incorporation into the Nizam's dominions.

Historical Warangal

Culture & Heritage

• Warangal boasts several renowned landmarks, including the Warangal Fort and Thousand Pillar Temple, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, destinations like the Bhadrakali Temple and Padmakshi Temple draw visitors from various religious backgrounds. The region is dotted with picturesque water bodies such as Bhadrakali Lake, Waddepally Lake, and Dharmasagar Lake, enhancing its appeal to tourists.
• The population of Warangal is diverse, comprising Hindus and Muslims who primarily speak Telugu and Urdu, with some proficiency in Hindi and English. The region boasts a commendable literacy rate of 84.16 percent, with significant contributions from both genders. Agriculture remains a primary occupation for many residents, although tourism presents a growing avenue for economic sustenance.
• Warangal has produced notable figures such as Pendyala Varavara Rao, Daasaradhi Krishnamacharyulu, Bammera Pothana, Chukka Ramaiah, Kaloji Narayana Rao, and Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao.
• Traditional attire in Warangal is reminiscent of the broader Andhra Pradesh region, with women predominantly wearing sarees, especially in rural areas, and men opting for cotton lungis paired with shirts, often in white. However, modernization has led to a shift towards Western attire like jeans, t-shirts, skirts, shorts, and pants due to their comfort and style.
• Both Hindu and Muslim festivals are celebrated with fervor in Warangal, including Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Raksha Bandhan, Ram Navami, Vinayak Chavithi, Sankranthi, Ugadi, Ramadan, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Milad Un Nabi, and Moharram. Additionally, special regional festivals like Bonalu Festival, Bathukamma Festival, Kakatiya Festival, Shakambari Festival, and Sammakka-Sarakka Jatra hold significance and are celebrated uniquely in Warangal, along with some other parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Warangal's rich heritage is reflected in its architecture, shaped by various dynasties throughout history, particularly influenced by the Kakatiyan Dynasty during the 12th century. Many iconic landmarks such as the Thousand Pillar Temple, Ramappa Temple, Ghanpur Group of Temple, Warangal Fort, and Khush Mahal date back to the Kakatiyan period, known for their unique architectural style characterized by monuments carved out of single rocks, earning the city its former name, Orugallu, meaning "carved out of single rock."

Places of Interest

Thousand Pillar Temple

• The most famous attraction in Warangal is the Thousand Pillars Temple, situated at the foothills of Hanamkonda hill. Constructed in the 12th century by Kakatiya King Rudra Deva, this temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and also referred to as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. Within the temple, three deities - Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya are venerated, collectively known as Trikutalayam. Each deity has a separate shrine.
• Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Thousand Pillar Temple is renowned for its intricately carved pillars. One of its highlights is a massive Nandi sculpture, chiseled from a single rock. Visitors can also admire rock-cut elephants and exquisite engravings within the temple premises.

Warangal Fort

• Constructed in the 13th century, the Warangal Fort stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Kakatiya dynasty. Initially built by King Ganapati Deva, it underwent further expansion under the reign of his daughter, Rani Rudrama Devi. Subsequent enhancements were made by King Prataparudra II, also known as Rudradeva II, the final ruler of the Kakatiya Kingdom. The fort was established during the relocation of the Kakatiya capital from Hanamkonda to Warangal.
• Featuring a three-layered circular fortification, the Warangal Fort was designed to provide formidable defense against invaders. Despite its strategic design, the fort suffered significant damage due to various attacks, and today, visitors can witness mostly ruins in its central area. Recognized as an archaeological site, the fort serves as a compelling destination for tourists seeking insight into the illustrious history of Warangal city.

Bhadrakali Temple

• The Bhadrakali Temple, an ancient religious site situated between Warangal and Hanamkonda, is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, dating back to the Chalukyan era.
• In the 1950s, the temple underwent a restoration led by Sri Ganapathi Sasthri and local residents, revitalizing its former grandeur.
• During the renovation, modifications were made to the primary deity's idol, transitioning it from a fierce depiction to a more serene and soothing form.
• The main deity, depicted in a seated position with eight arms, each holding a distinct weapon, is portrayed in a 2.7-meter stone idol adorned with a crown.
• A popular attraction in Warangal, the temple draws numerous devotees annually, inviting visitors to explore the nearby Bhadrakali Lake and natural rock formations.

Khush Mahal

• Khush Mahal, a prominent site in Warangal, offers a glimpse of architectural styles prevalent during the Tughluq era.
• Serving as an audience hall, Khush Mahal was constructed in the 14th century under Tughlaq rule, later utilized by Shitab Khan, the Governor of Warangal under the Qutub Shahi Dynasty in the 16th century.
• Khush Mahal comprises a large chamber with arched openings on all four sides and slanting walls, showcasing enduring architecture.

Kakatiya Rock Garden

• Kakatiya Rock Garden, situated approximately 5 km from Warangal fort and 2 km from the railway station, features captivating rock sculptures of various wild animals like lions, deer, and giraffes.
• The garden is adorned with beautifully arranged flowers, plants, and an artificial waterfall, enhancing its scenic beauty.
• A man-made lake within the garden offers boating facilities, providing visitors with a tranquil experience.

Kakatiya Musical Garden

• Situated in close proximity to the renowned Bhadrakali Temple, another popular tourist destination in Warangal is the Kakatiya Musical Garden. 
• Positioned approximately 2 km from Warangal railway station, this expansive garden spans an area of 15 acres. A highlight of the Kakatiya Musical Garden is its captivating musical fountain, which orchestrates a synchronized display of light and music, all controlled by computers. 
• Adding to the allure of the garden is a towering rock formation in the backdrop. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boating facilities on the artificial lake within the garden premises.

Warangal Planetarium

• Warangal Planetarium offers a distinctive recreational and educational experience, ideal for engaging children in scientific exploration.
• Designed to foster an understanding of astronomy and other scientific topics, the planetarium encourages scientific thinking and awareness.
• Regular shows at the planetarium cater to both children and adults, providing an intriguing insight into the universe and its diverse facets.

Padmakshi Temple

• Built in the 12th century during the Kakatiya reign, Padmakshi Temple stands as one of the ancient temples in Hanamkonda.
• Dedicated to Goddess Padmakshi (Padmakshamma), this temple sees a surge of female devotees during the Bathukamma festival.
• Main Attraction: Annakonda Pillar, a granite structure built in a quadrangular shape, adorned with carvings and inscriptions related to Jainism, particularly devoted to Goddess Kalalaya.
• Historical Significance: Once followers of Jainism, the Kakatiya rulers transitioned to Veerashaivism, leaving behind remnants of Jain influence at Padmakshi Temple.

Vana Vigyan Park

• Located in Hanamkonda, Vana Vigyan Park is a peaceful sanctuary created by the Forest Department.
• Spanning across 50 acres, the park is abundant with diverse flora and fauna.
• Avian Fauna: Visitors can admire various birds like peacocks, pigeons, ducks, and doves.
• Wildlife Diversity: The park is inhabited by animals such as Nilgai, Sambar, spotted deer, sloth bear, rabbits, and reptiles like crocodiles.
• Facilities: The park features a well-stocked library, a museum, and an auditorium hosting environmental shows.

Regional Science Center

• Perched atop a hill in Hanamkonda, the Regional Science Center offers an interactive and informative experience.
• Established with support from the National Council of Science Museums in Kolkata, the center has become a popular destination for students.
• Exhibits: The center showcases approximately 84 displays elucidating concepts from Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and more.
• Appeal: The diverse and engaging exhibits captivate both young learners and adults alike.

Attractions in the Area

• Musical corridor
• Sympathetic swing
• Pinhole camera
• Parabolic reflectors
• Infinite train
• Leon Foucault pendulum: Demonstrates Earth's revolution
• Magic tap: Illustrates optical illusion of water flow

Siddeshwara Temple

• The Siddeshwara Temple, located near Hanamkonda in Warangal, is devoted to Lord Shiva and was built in the 3rd century AD. It is categorized as one of the Paschimadwara Mukha Temples. 
• Renowned for its finely sculpted pillars and architectural design, the temple exhibits characteristics reminiscent of Chalukyan architectural style. The festival of Maha Shivratri attracts a large influx of worshippers to this temple.

Mettugutta Temple

• Mettu Gutta, also known as Manigiri, is a popular Hindu temple in Madikonda. The main Linga in the temple resembles Varanasi Visveswara. The site comprises two temples, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Sri Ram. 
• Local residents refer to the temple as Mettu Rama Lingeshwara Swamy Temple. The Shiva temple dates back to the Kakatiya regime and is situated on a hillock surrounded by small water bodies and significant rock formations.