12th century

In the 12th century, the region of Kollapur (present-day Nagarkurnool district, Telangana) was still not an independent kingdom, but it was part of a significant political and cultural era in the Deccan plateau, dominated by powerful empires.

⚔️ Political Landscape of Kollapur in the 12th Century

1. Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (Declining Phase)

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  Vikramaditya VI (r. 1076–1126 CE): One of the greatest Chalukyan kings.

  
  
  
  
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    Promoted temple construction and patronized Kannada, Sanskrit, and Telugu literature.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  After his death, the Chalukyas declined.

  
  


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  Tailapa III and Jagadekamalla II ruled during the mid-late 12th century but struggled to maintain control.

  
  

2. Emergence of the Kakatiya Dynasty

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  Kollapur gradually came under Kakatiya influence toward the late 12th century.

  
  


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  Rudradeva (r. c. 1158–1195 CE):

  
  
  
  
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    Considered the first independent ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty.

    
    
  
  
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    Built the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda.

    
    
  
  
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    Expanded into parts of Telangana, including the Kollapur region.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Kakatiya rule emphasized irrigation tanks, temples, and local governance (nayankara system).

  
  

? Religion and Culture

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  Strong influence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

  
  


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  Development of temples and tank-based irrigation systems.

  
  


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  Beginning of Telugu inscriptions in the region.

  
  


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  Temple construction with intricate Kakatiya-style architecture began.

  
  

? Economy and Society

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  Kollapur, near the Krishna River, had:

  
  
  
  
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    Agricultural prosperity (paddy, cotton, pulses).

    
    
  
  
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    Likely witnessed the expansion of irrigation tanks under early Kakatiya influence.

    
    
  
  
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    Local artisans and temple builders thrived.