Rani Rudramadevi was born in 1262 CE. Her father Ganapatideva who is the founder of Kakatiya Dynasty. She was one of the most prominent women rulers of the Kakatiya Dynasty in Indian History. Rudramadevi ruled the Kakatiya Dynasty from 1262 to 1295 CE.
Rani Rudrama Early Days:
When Rudhramadevi born, she treated as a boy and given the male name Rudradeva. In those days, South India was dominated by the male rulers. So Ganapati Deva brought up her as a prince and made her learn every art of war. At the age of 14, Rudrama Devi shared the throne with her father in the name of Rudradeva. She learned how to administrate the kingdom and participated in the meetings with the public to understand the suffering of the common people.
After the death of Ganapathi Deva, Rudramadevi celebrated her coronation and became the complete ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty. Due to the male ruler’s domination, she bestowed with a male name Rudradeva, even asked the artists and workers to use her male name in all inscriptions. She also attended the public meetings dressed as a man.
Rani Rudramadevi Suppressed the Enemies
Her succession to the throne opposed by many small rulers and nobles, including her own relations. They simply hated being under the women’s authority. With the evil thoughts, all the enemies at once started to besiege the Orugallu Kingdom. In this complicated situations, Rudramadevi handled these with great courage and suppressed the enemies with her fierce forces. In this way she proved herself, the worth of her enthrone as queen. During Rani Rudrama reign, the mighty Yadavas of Devagiri and Cholas attacked to conquer the Kakatiya Kingdom but the attempts failed due to the strong determination of Rudrama Devi. Rani Rudramadevi ruled four decades with good administration, love of justice, equality among the people and administrators and spreading the peace. So during her ruling period, historians called the golden period in Andhra History.
Important Incidents in the life of Rani Rudrama
- Many allied kingdoms didn’t accept her as their Queen, revolted against her but the queen suppressed every revolution and became a shield to Kakatiya territory.
- She married Veera Bhadra but their intimate life ended very early, the death of Veera Bhadra made her severe grief.
- In 1280 Rudramadevi made her grandson Prataparudradeva as the Yuvaraja
In 1285 the Yadavas, Cholas and Hoysalas tried to conquer Kakatiya Empire and wanted to annex in their Kingdoms. But the situation was oppressed successfully by Rani Rudrama Devi with the support of Prataparudradeva.
- Rani Rudramadevi constructed the Orugallu Fort. Some historians believe that Golkonda fort construction was started by her.