Nidigonda and the Muppeshwara Trikutalayam: Reconstructing Kakatiya Cultural Landscapes in Medieval Telangana

Author(s)	Dr. Kolipaka Srinivas
Country	India
Abstract	The emergence of the Kakatiya dynasty (12th–14th centuries CE) marked a transformative phase in the socio-cultural and architectural history of the Deccan. This paper examines the temple-centered cultural landscape of Nidigonda, with particular focus on the Muppeshwara Trikutalayam. Moving beyond conventional architectural description, the study situates the temple within broader frameworks of political authority, sacred geography, and socio-economic organization. By integrating epigraphical, sculptural, and spatial evidence, the paper highlights the role of temples as dynamic institutions embedded within the Kakatiya “Tank–Temple–Town” model. It further explores the layered religious history of the site, including evidence of Jain presence, and evaluates ongoing challenges in heritage preservation. The study argues that Nidigonda represents a micro-regional node that reflects the larger processes of state formation, cultural synthesis, and artistic innovation under Kakatiya rule.
Keywords	Kakatiya, Sacred Landscape, Trikutalayam, Telangana, Temple Economy, Epigraphy, Medieval Deccan
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 17, Issue 2, July-December 2026
Published On	2026-07-04

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Journal of Advances in Developmental Research