Bio-Diversity as Reflected on Temples in Telangana

The Kakatiya kings had ruled the Telugu speaking regions from Warangal as their capital during the period from 1000AD to 1323 AD. During the rule of Ganapathi Deva (1199-1262 AD), Rudrama Devi (1262-1289) and Prathapa Rudra (1289-1323AD), the Kakatiya Kingdom emerged as a powerful state and there was all-round development. The rulers and their subordinates had constructed several large irrigational tanks and promoted agriculture. The tanks are still existing in and around Warangal region and providing water to the people for drinking and also for agriculture. There was a brisk internal and foreign trade which led to economic development in the kingdom. The writings of the foreign travellers like Marco Polo (Venice, Italy) are testimony to the prosperity and glory of the Kakatiya Kingdom. The Kakatiya Rulers had patronised scholars and artists and promoted literature and fine arts like music, dance, sculpture art and architecture. Vidyanada, the court poet of PratapaRudra had written Prataparudrayeshobushanam in Sanskrit language. VinukondaVallbamatya had written Kreedabhiramamin Telugu, Palkuriki Somanadha had written Panditaradya Charitra, Kolanuganapathi Deva had written Shivayoga Saramu, Kakatiya Rudra Deva had written Neetisaramu, Baddena's Neetisara Mukthavali , Jayapa Senani's Nritya Ratnavali in Sanskrit are very popular writings. The Kakatiya Rulers had constructed several temples and forts etc. The Warangal fort is very famous for its strength, art and architecture during the medieval times. The Temples of Palampeta, Jakaram, Ramanujapuram, Pillalamarri, Nagulapadu, Kusumanchi and several other places are known for their beautiful art, architecture and sculpture. The Ramappa Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Swayambhu Temple, Ganapeswara Temple of Kusumanchi, Ghanapur group of Temples of Mulugu region are well known. The sculpture art and architecture of these temples reflect the life and culture, art, crafts, costumes, sports, music and dance forms of their times and are inspiring the present generation. There are several aspects of Bio-Diversity reflected on the temple walls. There are several figures of lions, elephants, wild boars, cow and calf, swans, lotus flowers, creepers, snakes, birds, human figures both male and female etc, on the walls and pillars of the temple complex. They reflect the Bio- Diversity of those times and also the relation of man with the nature. This book is based on my research work under the Ph.D programme. I have undertaken field work and visited all the temples built by the Kakatiyas in the Telangana region. As part of the study, I consulted several Archaeologists, Historians, Writers, who worked on the Kakatiya Temples and Culture. I have also interacted with the local people, who have been living in the surroundings of the temples. I have also collected necessary data from various libraries like Kakatiya University Library, Central Library in Warangal and also Osmania University Library, Abzal Gunz Library, City Library, Srikrishna Devaraya Andhra Bhasha Nilayam, Hyderabad. I would like to acknowledge my debt to my parents Smt. Prameela and Sri Sambaiah (late), who have brought me up to this stage with utmost care and love. I wish to express my gratitude to my Teacher and Research Supervisor Prof. Kokkonda Vijaya Babu, who guided and supported me in bringing out this book. I also thank Smt. Chandra Kala Vijaya Babu and their children, Srimukhi,Karthik and Sai Maduri, Raj Kumar for their encouragement during the course of my research. I am grateful to the Faculty Members of the Department of History, Kakatiya University, Prof. S. Srinath, Prof. T. Manohar, Dr. P. Sadanandam, Dr. T. Dayakar Rao and Dr. M. Brahmaiah for their support and encouragement.