In the annals of Indian history, the name of Kakatiya Dynasty had been written down in golden words. Kakatiya Dynasty was an empire of Southern India that dominated over those areas, which constitutes of present day Andhra Pradesh, during 1083CE to 1323CE. Kakatiya Dynasty has been acclaimed to be one of the great Telegu empires that had survived for several centuries. As per the experts, the rulers of Kakatiya had the belonging to the Durjaya family or clan.

Historians have traced out the origination of Kakatiya Dynasty. In fact the rise of power of Kakatiya dynasty is rightly being retraced to the rule of Western Chalukyas. A `subordinate` of Amma II , namely, Kakartya Gundyana had laid the foundation of Kakatiya Dynasty .

Some experts even tracked down the possibilities from where the Kakatiya Dyansty might have derived its name. Either the Kakatiya Dyansty got its name from a town called Kakatipura, with whom Kakatiya kings were closely associated with or it might have been taken from the the deity Kakati.

There is a lineage of famous personalities in the Kakatiya Dyansty. Gundaya was the first historic `figure`. He was in service under Rashtrakuta king, namely, Krishna II and also ended his life during the fight with the `Eastern Chalukyas`. In order to pay the gratitude , the king put Eriya , son of late Gundaya in position of controlling Kurravadi near Warangal. Kakatipura became the capital of Eriya.

Prola II is one of the kings of this Kakatiya Dynasty. He dominated during 1110 A.D.to 1158 A.D., extending his influence to the south and acknowledged his independence. His successor Rudra ruled during A.D.1158 to 1195. He is also a renowned ruler in Kakatiya Dynasty. He stretched the empire to the north as far as the `Godavari delta`. In order to serve as a 2nd capital, he constructed a fort at Warrangal .

The next king of Kakatiya Dynasty, namely, Mahadeva made an extension of empire up to the coastal region. Ganapati , another king of Kakatiya Dynasty , came after him. He was the supreme one amongst all the other rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty . There is another reason for which this ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty has gained recognition as after the Satavahanas , Ganapati played the pioneering role of consolidation of the whole of the Telugu region `under one rule`. It was due to his capability that order has been established in the huge kingdom. Trade practices also had been promoted by this ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty.

The succeeding phase of the Kakatiya Dynasty is quite remarkable. Since Ganapati did not have any son , his daughter Rudramba ascended the throne and took the charge of the kingdom. She ruled in A.D 1262 . Amongst the generals who disliked of being dominated by Rudramba , broke up into rebellion. However with the aid of some of the regal subordinates, this ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty suppressed all forms of disputes brought about due to domestic insurrections and also foreign intrusions. She did not stop there only . So much so that the Yadavas and Cholas faced tremendous blows from Rudramba

The grand successor of Rudramba is Prataparudra . This king of Kakatiya Dynasty came to power in A.D.1295 . His domination continued till A.D.1323. Under his rule, the Kakatiya Dynasty saw extension of the western border till Raichur. On his initiative certain administrative reforms have been introduced. For instance, he segregated his empire into seventy five `Nayakships`. Later the `Rayas of Vijayanagara` took in the Nayakships and made them grow to a great extent. During this time the Muslims invaded this empire of Kakatiya Dynasty comprising of Andhra Pradesh for the first time.

The Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji , the famous ruler of the Delhi Sultanate sent an army for plundering the empire in A.D.1303 . Upparahalli, a place in the district of Prataparudra overpowered them. In A.D 1310 , Malik Kafur sent another army for invading Warangal . At that time Prataparudra had agreed to give a huge homage. Ala-ud-din Khilji passed away in A.D.1318 and afterwards Prataparudra stopped from paying tribute further.

Another invasion of Muslims also took place in the Kakatiya Dynasty. In order to capture the `Tilling`, Ghiaz-ud-din Tughlaq, the famous ruler of Tughlaq Dynasty sent out a huge army under Ulugh Khan . Time period was A.D.1321.He laid cordon to Warangal. However after facing blockade due to some internal rebellions he withdrew and went back to Delhi. He went back only to return after a short while with a huge army Prataparudra put a gallant fight in spite of his extemporaneous ness. After his surrender Prataparudra had been taken as prisoner. On his way to Delhi he passed away. This marked the end of the Kakatiya Dynasty.

The rule of Kakatiya Dynasty has been regarded as the most promising period of the history of Telugu. Apart from managing the kingdom, the rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty and their lieges gave patronage to the Art and literature. Also due to the initiative of Kakatiya Dynasty, the language of Sanskrit had seen revival. What is interesting to note that Prataparudra also had the writing flair. He also promoted other literature.

The specialty of art as promulgated by the rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty is their treasure of religious art. The temples of Kakatiya Dynasty were built in commemoration of Lord Shiva. In fact these are the examples of perfect blending between the styles form of northern and Southern India, which also molded the political scenario of the then Deccan areas.