Culture & Heritage
Nandikonda
Nandikonda was part of the Ikshvaku Dynasty and the village shot into prominence after scores of ancient Buddhist structures like pillared halls and monasteries were unearthed. The relics that were unearthed during a series of excavations are today displayed at the Museum of Central Archeological Department here.
There are also ruins of a fort dating back to Ikshvaku Dynasty. The citadel consists of gates, strong fortifications, water trenches, and even as rectangular-shaped stadium were found during archeological excavations. The Nagarjuna Sagar dam was initially called Nandikonda project and the place finds place in the Buddhist circuit of Telangana.
Devarakonda Fort
Later, the Devarakonda fort was conquered by Maada Naidu who belonged to the eight kings of the Padma Nayaka rulers. Maada Naidu was a prodigy and a brave warrior besides being a great ruler. It was during Maada Naidu’s rule that the fort took the shape of a well established centre of cultural heritage and several temples were built. Maada Naidu was the man behind the many brilliant changes done to attribute to the wonders of this fort. Amongst the many things added to the fort is the astonishing way of stairs that will take you to Patala ganga that is situated in Srisailam. Maada Naidu was a great ruler who cared for his pupil.
After Maada Naidu, the strings of the flourishing Devarakonda Kingdom went into the hands of Maada Naidu’s son, Pedha Vedagiri Naidu. Vedagiri Naidu was also a brave king who had established his throne for around 26 years. Vedagiri Naidu had added an extra charm to the kingdom.
Rachakonda Fort
The Velama rulers, the kings who built this small but very strong Rachakonda fort, had established their throttlehold over the Telangana region after the Kakatiyas and before the Bahamani era.
The fort is built in two floors. The fort displays a breath taking view of the entire city, when you stand at the fort’s South East corner. The entrance of the Rachakonda fort serves as an outstanding example of monolith pillars. The uniqueness of this fort lies in its construction; it has been built without using any mortar in cyclopean masonry. The fort is also adored with beams and lintels with enthralling rock cut walls. Each and every inch of this fort provides plenty of fodder to feed the high appetite of history lovers.
The history of the Rachakonda fort is intricately woven with the history of the velama rulers. According to the legend, the Velama rulers were wrapped in pride and believed that they were invincible. This increasing pride made them impose several carnages on their people. Women were humiliated the most, and one such woman, cursed the rulers of facing failure in their objectives and then turned herself in to a stone. It is believed that this curse brought their downfall. The stone figure is still found in the fort premises.