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The Goldsmith’s Daughter Who Defied a King: The Story of Pertal

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Published by Orugallu Andhalu   Introduction The history of the Deccan Plateau is largely a history of conflicts between powerful kingdoms competing for land, wealth, and influence. To understand the later rivalry between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate, we first need to look at the political changes that transformed the Deccan in the early 14th century. The earlier Yadava kingdom of Devagiri and the Kakatiya kingdom of Warangal had both come under the control of the Delhi Sultanate. Devagiri was annexed to the Delhi Sultanate in 1313, while the Kakatiya kingdom was finally defeated at Warangal in 1323. For a time, Delhi's authority extended deep into the Deccan. But maintaining such a vast southern territory proved difficult, and as Tughluq authority weakened, the political landscape began to change. It was in this changing political environment that two new powers emerged: the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336, founded by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka I, and th...
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Warriors of the Guru: The History of the Nihang Sikhs

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Published by Orugallu Andhalu    Introduction While researching the military history of the Indian subcontinent, I often find that the most interesting stories are not only about battles, kings, or armies, but also about the communities that shaped the way those conflicts were fought. The Nihang Sikhs are one such example. Known for their distinctive blue attire and strong martial tradition, the Nihangs developed within the wider Khalsa tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh. Over time, they became closely associated with the defence of Sikh institutions and with some of the most difficult military struggles faced by the Sikh community during the 18th and early 19th centuries. What makes their history particularly interesting is that their identity cannot be understood through warfare alone. Their religious discipline, relationship with the Khalsa Panth, independence from political rulers, and role in Sikh institutions were all closely connected to their martial traditi...
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Location: Amritsar, Punjab, India
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World's First Shiva Temple: The Mystery of the Human-Form Linga

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Published by Orugallu Andhalu  Introduction The magnificent 7-foot human-form Linga at Gudimallam—widely regarded as the world's earliest known anthropomorphic Shiva Linga. We often visit temples, but living in Warangal—the ancient capital of the Shaivite Kakatiyas—always made me wonder. Seeing our local architectural marvels and sacred Brahmasutra Eka Mukha Shiva Lingas constantly sparked a question: If these medieval temples are this magnificent, what did the very first Shiva temple look like? How was Lord Shiva originally portrayed, and how unique was the first Shiva Linga on Earth? As a heritage enthusiast, these thoughts crossed my mind often. I finally found my answers when I visited the oldest discovered Shiva temple in the world: the Gudimallam Temple . The Sri Parashurameswara Swamy Temple is located in Gudimallam Village, under the Sri Kalahasti mandal of Tirupati district. It is well-connected through various modes of transport.           ...
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Location: Gudimallam, Andhra Pradesh 517526, India
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Dolmens of Badami: Secrets Under Stone Graves

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  A Spontaneous Discovery on the Road to Pattadakal A Surviving Megalithic Monument on the Road to Pattadakal. This ancient dolmen, located just 2km before Pattadakal, features a massive capstone and a remarkably precise rectangular entrance—a stark contrast to the rough circular portholes often seen in similar Iron Age burials. The protective fencing ensures this piece of ancient heritage remains undisturbed. Dolmens—ancient megalithic burial chambers—have always fascinated me. On my recent trip to Badami, I finally got to feel the commanding presence of these structures firsthand. While travelling the short stretch from Badami towards Pattadakal, exactly 2km before reaching Pattadakal on the main road, a red icon popped up on my Google Maps: Dolmens of Badami . Curiosity took over. I pulled over to find a protected enclosure surrounded by agricultural fields on three sides, silently watching the road. Stepping onto the site, I was instantly lost in thought. Who were our ance...
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Location: Badami, Karnataka 587201, India
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Secrets of Bodh Gaya: The True Story of the Mahabodhi Temple

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 Published by Orugallu Andhalu Introduction Welcome to Orugallu Andhalu. When we look at the vast history of India’s religions, Buddhism stands out in a very different way. It was not just another tradition—it was a major internal shift that focused on Dhamma (righteousness) and non-violence. Its influence spread widely, reaching everyone from common people to powerful rulers, especially Emperor Ashoka. But where did this transformation actually begin? More than two millennia ago, on the banks of the ancient Niranjana River, Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree and became the Buddha. The sacred place where this happened is now known as Bodh Gaya, one of the most important pilgrimage centers today. The history of this site spans many centuries and dynasties. In the inscriptions of Ashoka, it is referred to as “Sambodhi,” meaning “Perfect Enlightenment.” Later records and accounts of travellers describe it as Mahabodhi, while medieval sources mentio...
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Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
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