The Kakatiya dynasty was a Telugu dynasty that ruled most of eastern Deccan region between 12th and 14th centuries.
Their territory comprised much of the present day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka, northern Tamil Nadu, and southern Odisha.
Their capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal.
Early Kakatiya rulers served as feudatories to Rashtrakutas and Western Chalukyas for more than two centuries.
They assumed sovereignty under Prataparudra I in 1163 CE by suppressing other Chalukya subordinates in the Telangana region.
Rudrama Devi was a Kakatiya queen.
Marco Polo, who visited India around 1289–1293, made note of Rudrama Devi's rule and nature in flattering terms.
They recruited peasants into the military which resulted in a new warrior class and provided social mobility.
Kakatiya era also saw the development of a distinct style of architecture which improved and innovative upon the existing modes.
Most notable examples are the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, Ramappa Temple in Palampet, Warangal Fort, Golconda Fort and Kota Gullu in Ghanpur.
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad (Telangana) was also constructed by the Kakatiya rulers.
Later, it became the capital of the Qutb Shahi kings, who ruled from CE 1518-1687.
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