Warangal’s history is entwined with the Kakatiyas, a South Indian dynasty that made Warangal its capital. The ancestry of the Kakatiyas can be traced back to a legendary chief named Durjaya. Though many other dynasties of Andhra Pradesh claim to be the descendants of Durjaya, nothing much is known about him. The Kakatiyas worshipped goddess “Kakati” and hence the name Kakatiya.
Ganapati Deva, who assumed the title of ‘Rayagajekesari’ is the most famous Kakatiya king. He ruled for over 62 years, starting from 1199. He fought battles against the Yadavas, Cholas, Kalingas and the rulers of Karnataka and Gujarat. The famous Tikkana Somayaji was his court poet. He also patronized trade and commerce.
The famous Rudrama devi who ruled as a queen for thirty years was Ganapati Deva’s daughter. The Kakatiyas declined after they were defeated by Malik Kafur, Alauddin Khalji’s general. This happened during the reign of Prataparudradeva following which, it merged with the Bahmani kingdom.
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