Case registered over demolition of 800-year-old Kakatiya-era temple in Warangal
Authorities have reportedly registered a case over the demolition of an 800-year-old Kakatiya-era Shiva temple in Warangal. The complaint alleges the structure was destroyed for school construction and seeks action against officials for alleged violations of heritage protection laws.
Hyderabad: The Ministry of Culture and Archaeology Department, Government of India, has reportedly registered a case over the destruction of an 800-year-old Kakatiya-era temple in Warangal.
The action follows a complaint by noted Telangana Rights Lawyer Rama Rao Immaneni before the National Monuments Authority.
The ancient Shiva temple at Ashok Nagar, Khanapur Mandal, was allegedly demolished using bulldozers for construction of an Integrated School.
A rare inscription dated February 1231 A.D. addressed Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva as “Maharaja” and “Rajadhirajulu.” Historians confirmed that the seven-line Telugu inscription had earlier been documented by the Heritage Department in 1965.
The temple complex was part of the historic “Kota Katta” mud fort region surrounded by ancient ponds and fortifications. Experts stated that the temple could have been preserved, relocated, or reconstructed without destroying the heritage structure.
Serious allegations have been raised against the Telangana Government for failure to constitute a Heritage Conservation Committee under the Telangana Heritage Act.
The complaint seeks action under Section 30 of the Telangana Heritage Act against responsible officials.Inquiry and accountability have been demanded against Warangal Collector Dr. Satya Sharada and other concerned archaeology officials including Jayesh Ranjan.
