Warangal Fort

Design Resource

Warangal Fort and Temple Architecture

Kakatiya Masterpiece

Prof. Bibhudutta Baral, Divyadarshan C S and Rakshitha

Warangal Fort

Warangal fort is one of the outstanding attractions that one can enjoy at Warangal. It is considered as one of the best example of South Indian architecture.This fort is located at five kilometers to south of Warangal and two kilometers away from Warangal railway station. Warangal fort was constructed during the period of Kakatiyas in 13^th century. King Ganapati Deva commissioned the building of fort and its completion was looked after his daughter Rudrama Devi. This showcases the pride and power of the famous Telugu dynasty. The Warangal fort was their bastion and they shifted here from the neighboring region ‘Hanamakonda’ which was their earlier capital. This fort has witnessed the several battles of ancient times.

The architecture of this fort is amazing and the work on the granite stone is stunning.The fort has 45 towers and some pillars, which have scattered all over 19km and a temple of Mother Earth called ‘Swayambhudevi Alayam’ which is in the middle of the fort is renowned for its sculptures. Warangal fort was a huge construction with three different circular strongholds, surrounded by a moat. Four paths of decorative stone gateways are built for this fort. These gateways are about 30 feet in height and still standing as a carved masterpiece.These entrances / gateways are called as ‘Kirti Torana’ (the gateways of glory) of Kakatiyas, which are built in similar to the style of Sanchi sculptures. These gateways are also known as ‘Hamsa Torana’ and they are permanently set according to the prime points that lead to the center where a huge Shiva temple (Swayambhu Gudi) once existed. Every gateway of this fort is made of four pillars, which are carved out of a single rock. These gateways are surrounded by the three-layered fortified walls, which are built for the purpose of defense. The first layered wall is of mud and its height is 20 feet high and several kilometers in circumference, encircling the fort. The second wall of the fort is made of massive granite blocks laid without mortar. The third wall remains in its remnants today. The architectural beauty of the fort reflects amazingly carved sculptures in black basalt on ornamental doorways, repetitive patterns, motifs depicting animal forms like vibrant lions, elephants, graceful swans with swirling tail features and etc. Nandi sculpture is another great piece of work found in the fort as the elephants.

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Warangal Fort and Temple Architecture