Medieval History of Andhra Pradesh | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Kakatiyas

• During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Kakatiyas emerged as a significant power. Initially, they served as vassals to the Western Chalukyas of Kalyana, governing a small domain near Warangal. Prola II, a ruler of this dynasty from A.D. 1110 to 1158, expanded his influence to the south and asserted his independence. Rudra, his successor (A.D. 1158–1195), further extended the kingdom northward to the Godavari delta, fortifying Warangal as a secondary capital and contending with invasions from the Yadavas of Devagiri. Mahadeva, the subsequent ruler, expanded the realm to the coastal regions. Ganapati, who ascended the throne in A.D. 1199, emerged as the most illustrious Kakatiya monarch, consolidating control over the entire Telugu region, thus becoming the first ruler since the Satavahanas to achieve this feat. He quashed the Velanati Chola rule in A.D. 1210 and compelled the Telugu Cholas of Vikramasimhapura to acknowledge his authority, fostering stability and trade within his vast domain.
• Following Ganapati Deva's reign and his lack of male heirs, his daughter Rudramba assumed power in A.D. 1262 and effectively administered the realm. Despite facing opposition from dissident generals, she managed to quell internal rebellions and repel external invasions, establishing a period of relative peace. Her firm governance deterred further encroachments from the Cholas and Yadavas for the remainder of her rule.
• Prataparudra succeeded his grandmother Rudramba in A.D. 1295 and governed until A.D. 1323. He expanded the western border of his kingdom to Raichur and introduced various administrative reforms, including the division of the realm into 75 Nayakships, a system later adopted and expanded by the Vijayanagara Rayas. During his reign, Andhra Pradesh faced its first encounter with Muslim invasion. In A.D. 1303, the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji dispatched an army to plunder the kingdom, but Prataparudra defeated them at Upparapalli in Karimnagar district. However, in A.D. 1310, when another army under Malik Kafur invaded Warangal, Prataparudra capitulated and agreed to pay a substantial tribute. Subsequently, in A.D. 1318, upon the death of Ala-ud-din Khilji, Prataparudra withheld the tribute, provoking another Muslim invasion. In A.D. 1321, Ghiaz-ud-din Tughlaq sent a large army under Ulugh Khan to conquer the Telugu region, besieging Warangal. Despite valiant resistance, Prataparudra surrendered due to lack of supplies, and he died en route to Delhi as a captive. Thus, the Kakatiya rule came to an end, ushering in a period of turmoil and foreign rule in the Telugu land.
• The Kakatiya era is often regarded as the golden age of Telugu history. It was characterized by the unified rule of Telugu-speaking kings who not only promoted the Telugu language but also maintained peace and order throughout the region, with their strategically positioned forts serving as vital defenses. Fortresses like Anumakonda, Gandikota, Kandur, Narayanavanam, Divi, Kolanu, Warangal, and Dharanikota were esteemed as the most renowned strongholds of the Kakatiya period.
• While Saivism remained the predominant religion among the populace, intellectuals advocated for a revival of Vedic rituals, aiming to bridge the gap between Vaishnavism and Shaivism through the worship of Harihara. The Kakatiyas and their vassals were patrons of the arts and literature, with figures like Tikkana Somayaji contributing significantly to literary works. Additionally, Sanskrit, which had faced challenges in the Muslim-occupied north, received support from the Kakatiyas, including Prataparudra, who himself was a writer and promoted literary endeavors.
• The Kakatiya dynasty made significant contributions to religious art, particularly through temple architecture and sculpture. Kakatiya temples, predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva, exhibited a harmonious blend of North and South Indian architectural styles, reflecting the region's political and cultural influences.
• Among these temples, the ones at Palampeta, Hanamkonda, and the incomplete structure within the Warangal fort stand out. The Palampeta temple, constructed by Recherla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya Ganapati, in S.1135 (A.D.1213), is particularly noteworthy for its diverse sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, warriors, acrobats, musicians, mithuna pairs, and dancing girls. These sculptures are characterized by lifelike movement and vitality. An interesting feature of this temple is the use of figure-brackets on the outer pillars, which serve as decorative elements and represent an intermediate stage between earlier and later examples found elsewhere.
• The Thousand-Pillared Temple in Hanamkonda, constructed by Kakatiya king Rudra in A.D.1162, shares similarities in architectural style and craftsmanship with the Ramappa temple. Dedicated to Siva, Vishnu, and Surya, this star-shaped temple boasts remarkable features such as the Nandi pavilion housing a massive granite bull, intricately designed entrances to the shrine, perforated slabs used for screens and windows, and elaborate openwork connecting the bracket-shafts to the pillars.
• Another notable temple within the Warangal fort, believed to be built by Kakatiya Ganapati, showcases the use of large slabs in its construction. The shrine's floor is polished to a mirror-like shine. An intriguing aspect of this temple is the presence of four gateways called 'Kirti Stambhas,' facing the cardinal points of the compass, reminiscent of the 'toranas' of the Great Stupa at Sanchi. While the architecture and sculpture of these temples adhere to convention, their magnificence and the rich imagination, diligent craftsmanship, and skillful workmanship of the builders during the Kakatiya period are undeniable.
• Following the fall of the Kakatiyas, the region was marked by uncertainty, leading to the emergence of several small kingdoms. The Musunuri Nayakas took control of Warangal from the Muslims and ruled between A.D.1325–1368. In response to the annexation of the Kakatiya kingdom by the Tughlak empire, Hindu feudatories united to liberate the Andhra country. Led by Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka and Kapaya Nayaka, a movement at Rekapalli on the Godavari's bank succeeded in expelling the Muslims from the Telugu country in A.D.1328. Kapaya Nayaka assumed rulership in A.D.1333 after Prolaya Nayaka's demise, reestablishing Warangal as the capital.
• The Recherla Chiefs dethroned the Musunuri Nayakas and ruled over all of Telangana from A.D.1325 to 1474, with Rachakonda as their capital. The coastal area was under the rule of the Reddis of Kondavidu between A.D.1325 and 1424, with Addanki as their initial capital before shifting to Kondavidu. Another branch of the Reddis existed at Rajahmundry. Over time, the Reddi kingdom dissolved through battles with the Vijayanagar kings and the Gajapatis of Orissa, who extended their territory into the Telugu land by defeating the Reddis of Rajahmundry in A.D.1448. The Gajapatis also occupied parts of the Bahmani kingdom. However, Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya reclaimed the entire Telugu region from the Gajapatis.
• The Reddis and Recherla chiefs were patrons of learning, fostering renowned poets like Srinatha and Errapraggada, one of the three great poets who authored the Mahabharata in Telugu.

Bahmanis

• The fall of Warangal in A.D.1323 marked a significant turning point in Andhra history as it brought the region under the rule of the Muslims for the first time. In A.D.1347, Alla-ud-din Hasan Gangu established an independent Muslim state known as the Bahmani kingdom in southern India by rebelling against the Delhi Sultanate. To consolidate his power, Hasan waged wars to annex neighboring Hindu kingdoms, including Warangal under the Musunuri Nayakas, and Vijayanagar under the Rayas. By A.D.1358, he had expanded his territory up to the river Tungabhadra and relocated his capital from Daulatabad to Gulbarga.
• However, Hindu rulers reclaimed their lost territories between A.D.1358-1375. Harihara Raya II of Vijayanagar particularly succeeded in reconquering many areas previously held by the Bahmanis during Muhammad Shah II's reign (A.D.1378-1397). Successors of Muhammad Shah II continued to be hostile toward the Vijayanagar Rayas, leading to ongoing conflicts, but were ultimately defeated by the Vijayanagar armies.
• During Muhammad III's reign (A.D.1463-1482), the Bahmanis expanded their empire from sea to sea for the first time, gaining control over a large portion of the Telugu region, including areas north of the Krishna River up to the coast and the present-day Guntur district. However, by the end of the 15th century, internal factionalism plagued Bahmani rule, leading to the emergence of five Shahi kingdoms: the Nizamshahis of Ahmadnagar, the Adilshahis of Bijapur, the Imadshahis of Berar, the Qutbshahis of Golconda, and the Baridshahis of Bidar. The Bahmani dynasty eventually came to an end in A.D.1527. Among the five Shahi dynasties, the Qutbshahi dynasty played a significant and memorable role in the history of the Andhra region.

Vijayanagar

• In A.D.1336, the kingdom of Vijayanagar emerged as a new power in the southwestern part of Andhra, along the Tungabhadra River. Founded by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka Sangama, with the guidance of the revered saint Vidyaranya, Harihara became its inaugural ruler. This kingdom played a pivotal role in defending Hindu civilization and culture against Muslim invasions through its governance, scholarship, and artistic endeavors.
• The Sangama brothers acquired Kampili from the Hoyasala ruler Ballala III of Karnataka and established a new city named Vijayanagar or Vidyanagar on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra, opposite Anegondi. They expanded their territory by capturing the Udayagiri fort in the Nellore region and the Penukonda fort from the Hoyasalas. Concurrently, the Bahmani Kingdom arose in the Deccan, leading to conflicts with Vijayanagar. Although Harihara-I lost some territory in these conflicts, his brother Bukkaraya succeeded him after his death in A.D.1355. Initially, Bukka faced challenges due to frequent wars with the Bahmanis but managed to conquer Madhura and extend his domain southward to Rameswaram.
• Harihara II, who took the throne after Bukkaraya, further consolidated Vijayanagar's territory and extended its frontiers. During his reign, coastal Andhra between Nellore and Kalinga was under the control of the Reddis of Kondavidu. Harihara II engaged in campaigns against the Reddis, capturing areas like Addanki and Srisailam, which led to conflicts with the Velamas of Rachakonda in Telangana. Rachakonda sought aid from the Bahmanis, halting Harihara II's advance into Telangana. Vijayanagar's expansion northwestward brought control over ports like Goa, Chaul, and Dabhol, facilitating increased commerce and prosperity.
• Following Harihara II's death, a dispute between his sons ensued, with Devaraya I emerging victorious and ascending the throne. He waged wars against the Bahmanis, the Velamas of Telangana, and the Reddis of Kondavidu. Devaraya I's reign also witnessed hostilities between the Gajapatis of Kalinga and the Vijayanagar Rayas. His death in A.D.1422 marked the end of his rule, with his successors, Ramachandraraya and Vijayaraya I, ruling consecutively without significant achievements.
• Devaraya II, who reigned from A.D.1426 to 1446, was a distinguished ruler and the son of Vijayaraya. He notably conquered Kondavidu and extended his military campaigns into Kerala, subduing the ruler of Quilon and other local chiefs. Persian ambassador Abdul Razzak's writings during Devaraya II's rule attest to the king's dominance over numerous ports in southern India. His realm spanned from Ceylon to Gulbarga and from Orissa to Malabar, as per Abdul Razzak. Despite continued hostility with the Bahmani kingdom, Devaraya II was a prolific builder and a patron of poets. The Vijayanagar kingdom prospered under his reign, thanks to extensive commerce and diverse sources of revenue.
• However, the rulers who succeeded Devaraya II proved incompetent, leading to the disintegration of the empire. Pressure from the Bahmani Sultans and the rapid establishment of Portuguese influence along the west coast exacerbated the situation.
• In A.D.1485, the Vijayanagar minister Saluva Narasimha seized the throne, establishing the Saluva line of kings. Though faced with challenges from rebel chieftains, Saluva Narasimha effectively countered external threats. Upon his death in A.D.1490, his two sons were entrusted to the care of Narasanayaka from the Tuluva family, a trusted general. Narasanayaka assumed power as regent in A.D.1492, effectively ruling over the vast dominion until his death in A.D.1503. His son, Vira Narasimha, succeeded him as regent and later proclaimed himself ruler in A.D.1506, marking the inauguration of the third dynasty. Krishnadevaraya, Vira Narasimha's brother, succeeded him upon his death in A.D.1509.
• Krishnadevaraya's reign was hailed as the golden age of Vijayanagar history. A renowned warrior, statesman, administrator, and patron of the arts, Krishnadevaraya repulsed the Bahmanis, expanded his dominion eastward and northward by defeating the Gajapatis of Orissa in A.D.1518.
• After Krishnadevaraya's death in A.D.1529, the decline of the Vijayanagar kingdom began. Internal power struggles consumed the rulers' time, while the united Muslim rulers of the Deccan seized the opportunity to march towards Vijayanagar. In a pivotal battle on January 23, 1565, near the village of Rakkasi Tangadi on the south bank of the Krishna River, Vijayanagar suffered a decisive defeat. Ramaraya, who led the Vijayanagar armies, was killed, prompting Tirumalaraya, Ramaraya's younger brother, and the puppet ruler Sadasivaraya to flee to Penukonda with the treasury. The victorious Muslim armies then laid siege to Vijayanagar, leading to widespread looting, destruction, and ruin of the once-prosperous city.
• After reaching Penukonda, Tirumalaraya ruled for a period and made efforts to revive the empire but met with failure. Sriranga, who reigned from A.D.1642 to 1681, was the last ruler of the Vijayanagar dynasty. The Vijayanagar kings treated all sects of Hindus equally, constructing temples dedicated to both Siva and Vishnu and generously supporting them with grants. They also extended patronage to Jains and Muslims. Vijayanagar architecture blended elements from the Chalukya and Chola styles, resulting in the creation of splendid gopuras (towering gateways) and mantapas (pillared halls). Notable examples of Vijayanagar architecture and sculpture include the temples at Tirupati, Tadpatri, Srikalahasti, and Penukonda, with the Tadpatri and Lepakshi temples standing out as exceptional.
• The Telugu language and literature received special attention, with Telugu being designated as the official language of the empire. Alongside, the Vijayanagar rulers also encouraged Sanskrit and other languages. The renowned Telugu poet Srinatha was honored with Kanakabhisheka by Proudhadevaraya of the first dynasty of rulers. Krishnadevaraya's reign, in particular, marked a significant period in the literary history of South India. He was a scholar himself and authored the celebrated Telugu work "Amuktamalyada." His court, known as Bhuvanavijayam, attracted eminent poets such as Allasani Peddana, Nandi Timmana, Dhurjati, Tenali Ramakrishna, Mallana, Ramarajabhushana, Pingali Surana, and Rudra, collectively known as the Ashtadiggajas (eight poets). Among them, Allasani Peddana stood out with his famous work "Manucharitra," which showcased the native genius of the Telugu people.

Qutb Shahis

• The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled over the Andhra region for approximately two centuries, from the early 16th century to the late 17th century. Sultan Quli Qutb Shah, the dynasty's founder, initially served the Bahmanis and was appointed governor of Telangana in A.D.1496. After the death of his patron king, Mahmud Shah, in A.D.1518, Sultan Quli declared independence and expanded his kingdom up to Machilipatnam during his 50-year reign. However, his rule ended tragically when he was murdered by his third son, Jamsheed, who succeeded him but was despised by all due to his patricidal act. Ibrahim, Sultan Quli's youngest son, sought refuge in Vijayanagar after his father's assassination, where he gained administrative skills.
• Upon Jamsheed's death in A.D.1550, Ibrahim returned to Golconda and assumed the throne. Ibrahim Qutb Shah, also known as Malkibharam in the Andhra region, was the principal architect of the Golconda kingdom. During his 30-year rule from A.D.1550 to A.D.1580, Ibrahim established efficient central and provincial governments, implemented an effective intelligence network, and ensured safety for travel and trade. He undertook numerous public works projects, including the construction of lakes, tanks, towns, and gardens. Ibrahim also promoted the Telugu language and supported Telugu scholars and poets such as Telaganarya and Gangadhara.
• Ibrahim actively participated in the Battle of Rakkasi Tangadi in A.D.1565, which greatly enriched his kingdom in terms of wealth and territory, extending as far as Madras and Gandikota to the south.
• The following forty-year period under Ibrahim's son and grandson witnessed peace and prosperity. Muhammad Quli, Ibrahim's son, was a prolific writer and builder. He founded the city of Hyderabad in A.D.1591, characterized by magnificent buildings, straight roads, and other urban amenities. Muhammad Quli, a scholar and poet, invited Persians to settle in Hyderabad and Machilipatnam and composed numerous poems in the Deccani language. Muhammad Quli was succeeded by his nephew and son-in-law, Sultan Muhammad, in A.D.1612. Sultan Muhammad, known for his religious devotion and virtuous character, continued his uncle's legacy of promoting learning and architecture. He initiated the construction of the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, although its main structure was completed during subsequent generations.
• Sultan Muhammad's untimely demise in A.D.1626 marked the beginning of Golconda's decline. He was succeeded by his underage son, Abdullah Qutb Shah, who showed little interest in governance. The fall of Ahmadnagar to the Mughals in A.D.1633 left Golconda vulnerable. Abdullah Qutb Shah reluctantly accepted Mughal suzerainty and signed a treaty in A.D.1636. This reduced Golconda to a vassal state, with a Mughal resident officer, or Hajib, meddling in its affairs and exacerbating internal divisions. Traitors within Golconda found support from the Mughals, who didn't hesitate to invade the kingdom.
• Abdullah Qutb Shah passed away in A.D.1672, and his third son-in-law, Abul Hassan Qutb Shah, also known as Tana Shah, succeeded him. Tana Shah possessed a strong and visionary leadership and extensive administrative experience. He adeptly managed domestic and foreign affairs, staunchly resisting Mughal encroachment.
• However, false propaganda misrepresented Abul Hassan and Golconda's intentions, providing a pretext for Mughal interference. The Mughal emperor embarked on a campaign in the Deccan in A.D.1682, initially targeting the Marathas but later turning his attention to Bijapur and Golconda in A.D.1685. Bijapur fell after a two-month siege, but Golconda resisted for an extended period. Its downfall was hastened by the treachery of an Afghan general, Abdullah Khan, who betrayed the city by opening its gates at night. Despite this, Abul Hassan Tana Shah faced his Mughal captors with composure, and his loyal minister Abdul Razak Lari remained steadfast.
• The fall of Golconda in A.D.1687 had significant repercussions, halting cultural progress and loosening the administrative control over English merchants in Machilipatnam and Madras. As long as Golconda remained powerful, King Abul Hassan and his minister, Madanna, closely monitored the activities of the English Company.
• The Qutb Shahi rulers demonstrated religious tolerance by treating Hindus and Muslims equally and fostering harmonious relations between the two communities. They promoted the local language Telugu alongside Deccani Urdu, supporting scholars and granting them titles and land grants. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, was not only a skilled poet in Persian but also authored several Persian works. Ibrahim, the fourth king, was a significant supporter of Telugu language and culture, attracting Telugu poets to his court. The rulers and nobles alike embraced local customs, fostering a climate of tolerance and patronage. Ramadas (Goppanna), a devout follower of Sri Rama during the reign of Abul Hassan, composed numerous poetic works and songs praising his deity.
• Deccani architecture, characterized by a blend of Persian, Hindu, and Pathan styles, predominantly drew inspiration from Hindu architectural traditions. The Bala Hissar gate of Golconda fort is notable for its depictions of Hindu mythology.
• The Charminar, the iconic citadel of Hyderabad, stands out as one of the most impressive Qutb Shahi monuments, representing magnificence in Indian architecture.
• The socio-cultural milieu during the Qutb Shahi rule was characterized by a spirit of openness and inclusivity, fostering mutual sharing and adoption of traditions and customs.

The Mughal Rule

• In A.D.1687, Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, invaded Golconda and incorporated it into the Mughal empire. Subsequently, Golconda became part of the Deccan Subah, with a Nazim appointed as the representative of the Mughal emperor. Over the next 35 years, Golconda was governed by various Nazims, with the final one being Mubariz Khan.
• Between A.D.1687 and A.D.1724, significant changes occurred. Aurangzeb passed away in A.D.1707, leading to a gradual breakdown of the administrative machinery of the Mughal imperial regime. The successive weak rulers at the helm of the central authority struggled to maintain control over the provinces, particularly in distant regions like the Deccan. 
• This period of instability facilitated the rise of two foreign mercantile companies, namely the East India Company of England and the Compagnie de Inde Orientale of France. These companies, with headquarters in Madras and Pondicherry respectively, also operated trade centers in Machilipatnam. They eagerly awaited opportunities to expand their influence and were willing to intervene in local conflicts to achieve their goals.