19.1 Introduction: The Land of the Andhras
Andhra Pradesh has a history that stretches back over two thousand years. The region was known as 'Andhra-desa' in ancient texts. The Satavahanas (also called Andhras) were the first great dynasty to rule this land. Since then, the region has been home to powerful kingdoms that shaped the culture, language, and identity of the Telugu people.
'The history of AP is not just a regional story — it is a microcosm of Indian civilisation. From Buddhism to Bhakti, from the Satavahanas to the Vijayanagara Empire, the subcontinent's great movements found expression in this land.'
19.2 The Satavahana Dynasty (c. 230 BCE - 220 CE)
The Satavahanas were the first major historical dynasty of the Andhra region. They ruled from Pratishthana (Paithan, Maharashtra) but had their power base in the Krishna-Godavari delta.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder | Simuka (c. 230 BCE) |
| Great king | Gautamiputra Satakarni (c. 106-130 CE) |
| Capital | Pratishthana (Paithan) and later Amaravati |
| Religion | Patronised Buddhism and Hinduism |
| Economy | Trade with Rome (Roman coins found in AP coastal sites); extensive agriculture |
| Language | Prakrit (inscriptions), Telugu emerged during this period |
The Amaravati Stupa
The Amaravati Stupa (in present-day Guntur district) was built during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE). It was one of the largest and most magnificent Buddhist stupas in India.
- Built with white marble.
- Intricate carvings depicting the life of Buddha and Jataka tales.
- The stupa had a huge torana (gateway).
- Its sculptures are now in museums in Chennai, Amaravati, Kolkata, and London (British Museum) .
- The Amaravati School of Art is famous for its elegance and detail.
'The Amaravati Stupa was a marvel of ancient Indian art. Its sculptors created figures that seem to float, dance, and breathe — capturing movement and emotion in stone.'
Other Satavahana Contributions
- Nagarjunakonda: Another major Buddhist centre (named after Acharya Nagarjuna, the great Buddhist philosopher).
- Undavalli Caves (Guntur district): Rock-cut caves with beautiful sculptures.
- The Satavahanas were known for their land grants to Buddhist monasteries.
19.3 The Kakatiya Dynasty (c. 1163-1323 CE)
The Kakatiyas ruled from Warangal (now in Telangana) but controlled parts of coastal Andhra. They are remembered for their architectural achievements and for Rani Rudrama Devi, one of India's few female rulers.
Key Kakatiya Rulers
| Ruler | Period | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Prola II | c. 1116-1157 | Established Kakatiya independence from the Western Chalukyas |
| Ganapatideva | 1199-1262 | Greatest Kakatiya ruler; expanded the kingdom |
| Rani Rudrama Devi | 1262-1289 | One of the few women to rule in South India; strong and capable ruler |
| Prataparudra II | 1289-1323 | Last Kakatiya ruler; fought against Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
Rani Rudrama Devi
- She was the daughter of Ganapatideva.
- She ruled as a queen in her own right (not as a regent).
- She disguised herself as a man (in official portraits) to assert authority.
- She suppressed rebellions, expanded the kingdom, and built forts.
- Her reign shows that women could rule effectively in medieval India.
Kakatiya Architecture
- Thousand Pillar Temple (Hanamkonda): A stunning example of Kakatiya architecture.
- Warangal Fort: Famous for its four massive gateways (toranas).
- The Kakatiya style influenced later Vijayanagara architecture.
19.4 The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646)
Founded by Harihara and Bukka (Sangama dynasty), the Vijayanagara Empire ruled much of South India, including the Andhra region. The empire's greatest king was Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) of the Tuluva dynasty.
Krishnadevaraya (r. 1509-1529)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Andhra Bhoja, Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana |
| Capital | Vijayanagara (Hampi, Karnataka) |
| Campaigns | Defeated the Bahmani Sultanate, Gajapatis of Odisha; controlled the Krishna-Godavari delta |
| Patronage | Patronised Telugu, Kannada, and Sanskrit literature |
| Administration | Efficient revenue system; built temples and irrigation tanks |
| Traveller accounts | Foreign travellers like Domingo Paes described Vijayanagara as a magnificent city |
The Ashtadiggas (Eight Poets)
Krishnadevaraya's court had eight famous poets called the Ashtadiggas ('eight elephants in eight directions'). The most famous among them:
| Poet | Work | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Allasani Peddana | 'Manucharitramu' | Known as 'Andhra Kavita Pitamaha' (Grandfather of Telugu poetry) |
| Nandi Thimmana | 'Parijata Apaharanamu' | |
| Madayagari Mallana | 'Rajashekhara Charitramu' | |
| Dhurjati | 'Kalahasti Mahatyamu' | Devotee of Siva; unique style |
| Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu | 'Rama Abhyudayamu' | |
| Pingali Surana | 'Kalapurnodayamu', 'Raghavendra Vijayamu' | |
| Ramalinga | 'Mantrapushpamu' | |
| Tenali Ramakrishna | 'Panduranga Mahatyamu' | Most famous in folklore; known for wit and humour |
'Krishnadevaraya himself was a poet. He wrote 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu — a poetic work about the marriage of the Alvar saint Andal to Lord Vishnu. This shows his deep love for the Telugu language.'
Vijayanagara's Cultural Legacy in AP
- Lepakshi Temple (Anantapur district): Famous for its exquisite murals, the hanging pillar, and the giant Nandi (bull) sculpture.
- Srikalahasti Temple: Partially built during Vijayanagara rule.
- The Vijayanagara rulers built many irrigation tanks (kaluve, cheruvu) in the Rayalaseema region, some still in use.
19.5 The Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1518-1687)
The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled from Golconda (Hyderabad). While their base was in Telangana, they controlled parts of coastal AP and had significant cultural influence.
| Ruler | Period | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk | 1518-1543 | Founder of the dynasty |
| Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah | 1580-1612 | Founded Hyderabad city; patronised Telugu culture |
| Abdullah Qutb Shah | 1626-1672 | Golconda became a centre of trade |
| Abul Hasan Tana Shah | 1672-1687 | Last ruler; Golconda conquered by Aurangzeb |
Qutb Shahi Contributions to Telugu Culture
- The Qutb Shahis were Muslim rulers who patronised Telugu literature and arts.
- Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah wrote poetry in Telugu, Persian, and Urdu.
- Golconda became famous for diamonds (Koh-i-Noor, Hope diamond were from Golconda mines).
- The Golconda Fort was one of the most formidable forts in India.
- The Char Minar (1591) in Hyderabad is the most famous Qutb Shahi monument.
19.6 AP's Cultural Heritage
| Heritage Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Kuchipudi dance | Classical dance form originating from Kuchipudi village (Krishna district) |
| Telugu language | One of India's oldest languages; known as 'Italian of the East' for its sweetness |
| Dance forms | Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Andhra Natyam |
| Music | Annamacharya (15th century) — composer of thousands of kirtanas; Tyagaraja (though based in TN, deeply revered in AP) |
| Festivals | Ugadi (Telugu New Year), Dasara, Sankranti (major harvest festival) |
| Handicrafts | Kondapalli toys (wooden), Venkatagiri sarees, Narasapuram lacquer work, Budithi brassware |
19.7 Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Confusing Kakatiyas and Vijayanagara | Kakatiyas = Warangal (preceded Vijayanagara); Vijayanagara = Hampi |
| Thinking Rani Rudrama Devi was Vijayanagara | She was a Kakatiya ruler (Warangal, not Hampi) |
| Forgetting that the Qutb Shahis patronised Telugu | They were Muslim but promoted Telugu culture and language |
| Saying Krishnadevaraya wrote in Kannada | He wrote 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu |
19.8 Exam Focus (AP Board)
| Topic | Marks |
|---|---|
| Satavahanas — Amaravati Stupa and contributions | 5 marks |
| Kakatiyas — Rani Rudrama Devi, architecture | 4 marks |
| Vijayanagara Empire — Krishnadevaraya, Ashtadiggas | 5 marks |
| Qutb Shahi dynasty | 3 marks |
| AP cultural heritage (Kuchipudi, Telugu language, crafts) | 3 marks |
19.9 Quick Self-Test
Q1. Who were the first major dynasty of the Andhra region? A1. The Satavahanas (c. 230 BCE - 220 CE).
Q2. Where is the Amaravati Stupa located? A2. Guntur district, AP.
Q3. Which dynasty built the Thousand Pillar Temple? A3. The Kakatiya dynasty.
Q4. Who was one of India's few female rulers from the Kakatiya dynasty? A4. Rani Rudrama Devi (1262-1289).
Q5. Who was the greatest Vijayanagara emperor? A5. Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529).
Q6. What is the Ashtadiggas? A6. The eight poets of Krishnadevaraya's court, including Allasani Peddana (Andhra Kavita Pitamaha) and Tenali Ramakrishna.
Q7. Which poet is famous for his wit in Krishnadevaraya's court? A7. Tenali Ramakrishna.
Q8. What is the classical dance form of AP? A8. Kuchipudi.
Q9. Which Qutb Shahi ruler founded Hyderabad city? A9. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (1591).
Q10. Which famous diamond came from the Golconda mines? A10. The Koh-i-Noor (and the Hope diamond).
