How the Kakatiyas Built Telangana: The Tank–Temple–Town Model
Published by Orugallu Andhalu Introduction Unlike the earlier phase under the Western Chalukyas, the large-scale and systematic founding of new agrarian settlements in the water-resource-rich zones of Telangana emerged prominently during the sovereign rule of the Kakatiyas. Though the Kakatiyas had long served as feudatories before asserting independence in the 12th century, their transition to sovereignty marked a decisive shift in regional development. Having governed the land for generations, they possessed intimate knowledge of its topography, rainfall patterns, forest tracts, and seasonal water flows. Once independent, they undertook deliberate and organized efforts to expand agrarian society across Telangana. The Kakatiya rulers, along with their feudatories, commanders, merchants, and revenue officials, actively participated in founding new villages by: Clearing forest tracts Excavating irrigation tanks Constructing temples Allocating cultivable lands ...
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