Culture & Heritage

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 which is as Mandal Headquarters, is a tiny village situated in Nalgonda district. The Devarakonda village is home to one of the most astonishing forts found in Telangana. The village attracts many tourists from over the world. There was a time when the fort stood high in place flaunting the glory of the village, but now due to negligence, the fort is in ruins.

For people who love to explore the chronicles of the state, then the Devarakonda Fort must have place in your to-visit list. A visit into this spectacular fort is like stepping in to a historical trance with every corner of the fort unveiling the great tales of bravery, of struggles and of the triumph of its rulers. In the premises of fort stand the Rama and Shiva temples constructed by Maada Naidu. These temples add a hint of spirituality and purity to the untouched beauty of the fort. The people visiting the fort area also treated by the nature with a picturesque view of a little pond present in it.

The fort was constructed in the 13th – 14th century. The Devarakonda fort is the emblem of prosperity established by the kingdom of Padma Nayaka Veluma Rajas. The fort was the heart of one and slave of none, as it was ruled by Padma Nayaka Veluma Raja since the year 1278 to 1482 AD.
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.

Telangana region is the home of the incredible Rachakonda Fort. The fort stands as a glorious demonstration of the Vemula rulers and their power. The fort is currently in ruins. However, this epitome of the marveling medieval Hindu art and culture still attracts scores of people. Another striking feature of this temple is that it perfectly adheres to the principles of Vasthu Shastra, which influences most of the Hindu architectures.

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.