Guntur: The ancient capital established by the Kakatiya dynasty queen Rani Rudrama Devi, Malkapuram in the Amaravati Capital Region, marked the 755th anniversary of the queen’s coronation on Friday. Rudrama Devi constructed Rudramambapuram in 1270 and later it was renamed as Malkapuram.
This ancient village situated on the Vijayawada-New Capital Amaravati main road reflects the culture of the Kakatiya and Golcond kings and was the first capital city of ancient times in these parts. There have been demands to make Malkapuram a heritage site, removing encroachments.
The ancient Siva temple, a big Koneru (water tank) and two tall inscriptions tell the history of Malkapuram. But the monuments are in a state of ruin due to neglect and the government not protecting the site as historical monument.
An elder of the village, D. Nomeswara Rao, and others, said that their ancestors had spoken of monuments beneath the Siva temple surroundings. They had asked the government and political leaders several times to conduct excavations to preserve the historical site but in vain.
According to history, Kakatiya King, Ganapathi Devudu with princess Rudrama Devi visited Malkapuram area and founded a big city Rudramadevipuram in 1270. The city was constructed by the Kakatiya kingdom’s sculptor, Viswasara with Saiva Vignana Viswavidyalayam (Saiva University), Visweswara Golaki Matham, hospital, big market, opera, hostels and other features. 52 Dravida pundits and 15 Kashmiri classical dancers were appointed to teach education and dance. The Saiva University was the first university in South India.
Historian, E. Sivanagi Reddy, said that Malkapuram flourished as capital during the regime of Kakatiyas, Reddy dynasty, Kotadurgama kings, Kondaveeti kingdom and Golconda kingdom. Retired professor, Y. Balagangadhara Rao said that various kings ruled Rudramadevipuram but later the local zamindars revolted against Golconda king, Mohammed Khuli Qutub Shah. The king deputed captain, Ameen Mallik to control the situation with his military in 1514, the revolution suppressed and later the place was renamed as Malkapuram in the memory of Mallik as Malkapuram.
AP CM Chandrababu Naidu on Friday visited Malkapuram and viewed the inscriptions, ancient Sivalayam. The locals asked the CM for the development of the first capital of Telugu people.
