Warangal Fort

 

ENTRANCE:
The Kakatiya capital shifted from Hanamkonda to nearby Warangal during the reign of Ganapatideva (1199-1262). Laid out in three concentric rings, the fortified capital was occupied by the Tughluqs in 1323, following the death of the last Kakatiya king. Captured by Vijayanagara in 1510, and by Quli Qutb al-Malik of Golconda in 1532, Warangal eventually passed into the domain of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

A ruined temple of Shiva occupies the geometric center of Warangal. This extensive and picturesque temple site was originally enclosed by a rectangular wall, pierced by four gates at the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west). The visitor today will see at least one of the original gates, a confusing jumble of partially-reconstructed edifices, and an extended display of pediments, carvings, etc. that were discovered on-site. The photo above was taken from just inside the south entrance, looking north.

EASTERN TORANA :
Eastern Torana of Swayambhu Temple, Warangal, 12th century.

This celebrated gate has been compared - in my opinion, ineptly - to the much earlier toranas at Sanchi. Standing 10m (33ft) high, its decorations consist of nature motifs, including lotus buds and birds. Its lack of explicit religious motifs may account, according to Michell, p. 333, for the Muslims' sparing this monument..

TEMPLE SHRINE :
Temple Shrine of Swayambhu Temple, Warangal, 14th century

Looking west, we see a later temple shrine from across its circular dance pavilion.

 

SHRINE GUARDIAN:
Shrine Guardian at Swayambhu Temple, Warangal, 14th century

A bearded Shaiva guardian of the shrine (previous page) carries attributes of trident, drum, and rosary (his fourth hand is missing). The stylized, slender figure is typical of sculptures of this period.

 

DURGA:
Durga at Swayambhu Temple, Warangal, 12th-14th century

A pediment from the temple displays an interesting variant of Durga, who slays the buffalo demon. In this case, Durga's lion chomps the demon in his mighty jaws (closeup). The triangular pediment is an awkward form, which requires ever-diminishing figures towards the base (c.f. the Parthenon).

 

TORSO OF A GOD:
Torso of a god at Swayambhu Temple, Warangal, 12th-14th century

Beautiful things like this are scattered around the temple precincts, to be found by dedicated visitors.