This article needs additional citations for verification .(November 2013) |
Khammam Fort | |
---|---|
Part of Stambhadri Hills | |
Khammam, Telangana, India | |
Site information | |
Type | Hill Fort |
Owner | Government of India |
Controlled by | Musunuri Nayaks 1210 A. D. - 1369 A. D. Gurijala Nayaks 1369 A. D. - 1433 A. D. Independent rulers 1512 A. D. -1515 A.D Sri Krishnadevaraya of Tuluva Dynasty 1515 A.D for a brief period Contents
Qutb Shahi dynasty 1518 A.D - 1687 A.D Mughal Empire 1687 A.D - 1707 A.D Asaf Jahi Dynasty 1707 A.D-1948 A.D ![]() |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Declared Protected Monument by Archaeological Survey of India in 2005. Mostly Destroyed. |
Location | |
Location in Telangana | |
Coordinates | 17°14′42″N80°08′48″E / 17.245012°N 80.146736°E |
Height | 867 metres (2,844 ft) |
Site history | |
Built by | Musunuri Nayaks |
In use | Tourism |
Materials | Stone, Limestone mortar |
Battles/wars | Musunuri Nayaks, Gurijala Nayaks, Qutub Shahis, Aurangazeb, Sri Krishnadevaraya and Local Rulers |
Events | Stambhadri Sambaralu,1000 Year Celebrations of Khammam Khilla |
Garrison information | |
Occupants | Musunuri Nayaks - 1210 A. D. - 1369 A. D. Gurijala Nayaks 1369 A. D. - 1433 A. D. Krishna Deva Raya of Tuluva Dynasty, Shitab Khan - 1515 A.D - 1518 A.D Qutb Shahi dynasty- 1518 A.D - 1687 A.D Aurangazeb of the Mughal Empire - 1687 A.D - 1707 A.D Asaf Jahi Dynasty - 1707–1948 A.D |
Khammam Fort is a hill fort with a history of over a thousand years. [1] History says that it was built during the Kakatiya period. This place, mentioned as "Khammamettu" in ancient inscriptions, is a historical center that combines spirituality, strategic importance, and architectural splendor.
The foundation stone for the construction of this fort was laid in 950 CE. [2] Three farmers from the village of Velugumatla—Ranga Reddy, Laxma Reddy, and Velma Reddy—discovered a treasure while working in the fields and, with the permission of the Kakatiya lords, used the money to build the fort. Initially built with mud, the fort was later made into a permanent structure with granite stones. The pond dug by Laxma Reddy eventually became known as the "Lakaram Cheruvu".
The construction of this fort was completed in the year 1006. After that, Khammam Fort continued to be under the control of the Reddy dynasty for 300 years. Later, the Velama kings, Nandavani, Kallur and Gudluru dynasties ruled this fort. After the fall of the Kakatiya Empire, 74 feudal kings fought for ten years under the leadership of Musuruli with the aim of unifying the Telugu land. In this struggle, Odra Gajapathi Raja conquered Khammam Fort and Mahendra heroes like Kapa Naidu and Pola Naidu took (Musunuri Nayaks.) over the rule.
In the 15th century, Sitapati Raju, who came to rule Khammam fort, was appointed as the regent of Warangal with the help of the Bahmani Sultans. He was known by the Muslim title "Shitab Khan". With the help of Peddamatyudu, who served as his minister, he tried to revive the Telugu kingdom in Telangana. The research of Adiraju Veerabhadra Rao has shown that the term "Chittabja Khanudu" in the "Golkonda Seema Kavyalu" is related to him.
Sitapati Raja, to preserve the Hindu sculptural heritage, buried the idols of Shiva, Vishnu, the Dwarapalakula, the Rajanartaki, and the Sun God in the ground. These were unearthed during excavations and the Archaeological Department preserved them near the Ganapeshwara Temple. He is also credited with restoring the Orugallu Panchalaraya Temple.
Sultan Quli Qutb Mulk, who defeated Sitapati Raju in 1531, brought Khammam Fort under the control of the Qutb Shahis. In 1687, Aurangzeb invaded Golconda and captured the fort. Later, Khammam Fort came under the rule of the Nizam, and in 1722, Nizam Mulki Asalji declared independence and was officially taken over by the Nizam government in 1937.
The historical records show that the earlier name was "Kambham mettu" or "Stambhadri". [3] "Mettu" means hill or highland in the Telugu language. The name was also anglicised as "Commomet" and "Khammammet".khammam fort is also called as killa [ citation needed ]
Period | Rulers |
---|---|
1210–1369 | Musunuri leaders |
1369–1433 | Leaders of the ghettos |
1512–1515 | Independent rulers |
1515–1518 | Shitab Khan (King of Sitapati) |
1518–1614 | Qutub Shahi dynasty |
1615 -1685 | Sri Krishna Deva Raya |
1687–1707 | Mughal Empire |
1707–1948 | Asaf Jahi clan |
1948–present | Government of India |
The architectural style of Khammam Qilla is a mixture of influences from many religions. Hindu sculpture, Islamic towers, and Buddhist influences are visible in the architecture of this fort. The fort is spread over an area of four square kilometers. The height of the wall is 40 to 80 feet and the width is 15 to 20 feet. The fort has 10 gates, of which the lion gate known as Pattar Darwaza is the largest. The fort has a capacity to deploy 60 cannons. Inside the fort there is an old mosque and a mahal built during the time of Jafar Daula. There is a 60-foot-long and 20-foot-wide Jafar Daula well. The water channels, stone steps, and guard towers were built very scientifically to store rainwater. Local stories also say that there is a secret tunnel to escape in case of a siege on the fort.
This fort appears to be a replicate the cultures of both Hindu and Muslim rulers who ruled this fort city.
The Lakshmi Narasimha swami temple in Brahmin bazar, Sri Ramalingeshwara temple is one of the oldest shivalayam (Shiva temple) are some of the oldest Hindu temples in Telangana and are older than the fort itself.
Instead of destroying the sculptural wealth at the hands of the Mohammedans, he buried and preserved the idols of Shiva, Vishnu gatekeepers, Rajanartaki and Surya Bhagavan in the ground.
These were discovered during excavations, and the Department of Archeology preserved them near Ganapeshwara Temple.
During the Qutb shahi dynasty, many new places of worship have been constructed in and around the fort such as the Khilla masjid.
Khammam Qilla became a place in history where 74 vassal kings fought for ten years under the leadership of Musuruli with the aim of unifying Telugu after the Kakatiyas.
1424 CE: Odra Gajapati Raja conquered this durga and Mahendra heroes like Kapa Naidu and Pola Naidu took over.
1504–1512 CE: Sitapati Raja (Shitab Khan) was the ruler of Khammam Qilla. He was appointed as the regent of Warangal with the help of Bahmani Sultans.
He worked extensively for the restoration of the Telugu Empire with the help of his grandfather. During his time, Khammam became the main center of Telangana.
In "Golkonda Seema Kavyalu" the word "Chitabja Khanu" is related to Sitapati Raja in the research of Adi Raju Veerabhadra Rao.
He is a descendant of Bhogikula of Naga clan.
His bravery in saving Orugallu, Bellankoda and Khammam Durgas is praised in texts like Rayavachakam.
According to the Krishnazilla Manual (1883), he commanded a force of 12,000 archers.
1531 CE: Sultan Kulikutb Mulk defeats Sitapati Raja and takes Khammam Qilla under Qutb Shahis.
1687 CE: Aurangzeb invaded Golconda and captured Khammam Fort.
1722 CE: Nizam Mulki Asalji declared independence and brought Khammam Qilla under Nizam rule.
1761–1803 CE: Jafar Daulah developed the fort as Tehsildar. Dhamsalapuram village was founded in his name.
1937 CE: Khammam Qilla was officially taken over by the Nizam's government.
Kaviraja, who taught Telugu lessons in the national language, proved the relationship of this fort with historical evidence.
AD In 1615 Srikashnadevaraya defeated Kulikuthubshahi and captured Khammam Durga. Srikashnadevaraya of Andhra Bhoja also conquered it as part of his Digvijayatra and acquired it from the Gajapaths in 1615. In Parijatapaharanam written by Nukka Thimmana, in the context of describing the bravery of Kritipati Krishnadevaraya, the description of Parijatapaharanam Prabandha as "Gambambumetta Grakkanan Gadalche" confirms this on literary basis.
That complete poem is Udayadri vega yatyuddhati aghebe, - Vinukonda matamatrana harinchen, gutamu lsedarang gondavi dagalinche, - bellamukonda yachchellan jeriche, devarakonda yudvritti bhangamu sese, - jalli palle samsengsakthi dulichen, ginuka meer nanantagiri gindupadan jese, - Gambambumetta Grakkanan Gadalche Balnikayamu Kalimattulane Yadanchu Gatakamu Ninka Nanuchu Nutkalamahishu Danudinamnu Vretchu Nevdu Rajamatru! Srikrishna Rayavibhundu.
The fort, once mighty bastion of royal dynasties, continues to face further encroachment threat due to lack of proper monitoring mechanism. Large settlements occupied the areas in and around the fort due to the lack of proper monitoring of encroachments. Destruction of the granite hill and construction of houses continues till today around the fort area.
On the occasion of Tourism Day, rock climbing activities are organized on the fort. Many festivals are held on the fort on national festivals. In 2010, during the coronation celebrations of Shri Krishna Devaraya, the then Collector Rayala's statue was installed on the fort. Even that statue has fallen into ruins today. When Renuka Chaudhary was Kendramanvoothi, a railing was installed and steps were carved to go up to the fort. Two petal shades have been constructed on the fort for tourists to rest. Recently Minister for Roads & Buildings Tummala Nageswara Rao has mooted the proposal to set up solar streetlights at the fort well before the next Independence Day celebrations in 2017. [5]
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/khammam-fort-heritage-in-peril/article6835132.ece