Gandhari khilla

Gandhari is a hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, in Mandamarri Mandal in Mancherial district in the south Indian state of Telangana.[1] It is located on the sand rock hills. It is 270 kilometres (157 mi) north east of the state capital, Hyderabad. The fort was built within a thickly forested area which has a wealth of plant species which includes many medicinal herbs. The fort has not been fully excavated and is still partially covered by forest.[2] Mahankali Jatara (quarry jatara) is conducted every year which attracts more than 10,000 people. Gandhari maisamma jatra is done in the temple on the fort of Gandhari for every 2 years and tribal people from Vindhya region i.e maharastra, Chattisghad on the other bankside joins it. The Mancherial – Bellampalli highway passes close to the fort,[1] which is 3 kilometres away from the Bokkalaguttta village.

Gandhari Maisamma temple is located at the fort.[3]

History

The fort was built in the 12th century by the Gondu tribals with the help of the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal. Archaeological work suggests that construction of the fort was begun early as the Rastrakuta era (prior to 1200 A.D.) and continued until 16th century.[4] All the sculptures, gate (thoranam) and pillars were constructed in Kakatiya style. By observing the decorations, the shanku and chakra, beside every sculpture we find that they are dedicated to Vishnu, while Kakatiya Kings worshipped Shiva. After Kakatiya Kings the fort was ruled by [The script of Shree Oddi raju anantha raju shasanam. Basically it belonged to the Kingdom of Gondus, but later on Oddi raju anantharaju occupied it. Later it was controlled by the Qutub Sahi Sultanate (1518–1687) and in 1656, the ruler of Golconda.Musunuri Nayaks|Musunuri Kings]] who united all Telugu nobles and revolted against Delhi sultanates. Later it was controlled by the Qutub Sahi Sultanate (1518–1687). In 1656, the ruler of Golconda.

Herbal plants

The forest in the area of the Gandhari fort is an important source for medicinal plants. Large numbers of local medicinal people collect the plants and offer them for sale in nearby towns. Students also visit the area to identify these plants and make herbarium specimens. In view of this importance for medicinal plants, it has been suggested that the forest of the fort area be declared a Medicinal Plants Conservation Center.

References
  1. Ramalakshman, A., ed. (2002). Andhra Pradesh Archaeology: A Review, 1987-2001. Hyderabad: Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh. p. 10. OCLC 71843154.
  2. Vellampalli, Jaya (25 August 2015). "Reflecting tribal heritage". Metro India. Archived from the original on 26 August 2015.
  3. "1,000-year-old historic fort lies in neglect". The Hans India. Hyderabad Media House Limited. 5 October 2014. Archived from the original on 27 August 2015.
  4. "Gandharikota". Monuments of Adilabad. Department of Archaeology and Museums, Telangana. Archived from the original on 27 August 2015.

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