Stories
Kanakakkunnu Palace: A Palace to Please?
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Kanakakkunnu Palace: A Palace to Please?

The Kannakakkannu Palace is a historic gem situated in Kerala, India. Originally constructed in 1885 by Maharajah Thiru Moolam Thirunal Thamburan of Travancore, the palace was specifically designed to accommodate British guests who had preferences for non-vegetarian cuisine and alcoholic beverages. The palace complex features a grand banquet hall, a separate section dedicated to serving non-vegetarian delicacies, and an apsidal end that serves as a gathering space for social events and performances. In 1960, the palace opened its doors to the public as a captivating wedding venue, and over time, it has become a favoured destination for hosting a wide range of events, including cultural festivals and commercial activities.

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Madaksira Fort: The Seeds of Vijayanagara Empire
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Madaksira Fort: The Seeds of Vijayanagara Empire

Madaksira is a historic fort located in South India that was built 500 years ago by the Vijayanagara brothers, Harihara and Bukka. The fort is made of boulders and brick structures and features seven gates carved into the stone and several cave formations. Despite being neglected for centuries, the fort still stands tall, with a grand entrance guarded by two towers. Its construction marks the beginning of the rise to power of the Vijayanagara Empire, a formidable empire that had no predecessors in the region's history.

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Knowing Telangana Through Kakatiyan Kala Toranam
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Knowing Telangana Through Kakatiyan Kala Toranam

The emblem of Telangana, the 29th state of India, proudly showcases the Kakatiya Kala Toranam, an exquisite but lesser-known gateway that gracefully arches over the renowned 400-year-old Charminar. The Kakatiyas, a formidable dynasty of the 12th and 13th centuries in the Andhra region, left an indelible mark on various domains including politics, agriculture, religion, literature, architecture, and arts. The Kakatiya Toranam symbolizes their might and can be found at the Warangal fort, among the remnants of the Swayambhusiva Temple initially constructed by Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva and later expanded by his daughter Rudrama Devi. These toranams, adorned with intricate embellishments, bear no specific religious motifs, emphasizing their broader significance.

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The Historic Mountain, Island and Town: Nagarjunakonda
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The Historic Mountain, Island and Town: Nagarjunakonda

Nagarjunakonda is an island located in Nagarjuna Sagar, a reservoir created by the Nagarjuna dam project. The island houses the relocated ruins of the Ishvaku capital, Vijayapuri, and preserves the historical and cultural heritage of the region. It features several structures and relics of the flourishing Buddhist civilization of Vijaypuri, which was threatened by the construction of the ambitious dam across the Krishna River.

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Talakadu: Alamelamma’s Curse and the Doom of Wodeyars
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Talakadu: Alamelamma’s Curse and the Doom of Wodeyars

Talakad or Talakadu, a historical town located on the left bank of River Kaveri, is wrapped with ancient legend and buried under the curse of sand. Despite having a rich cultural heritage with several temples showcasing diverse architectural styles, the town is now surrounded by sand dunes, an unlikely sight in a river basin. Sadly, the glorious temples are buried under the sand.

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Of Oscillating Towers and Watchdog Gateways
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Of Oscillating Towers and Watchdog Gateways

Elgandal Fort, located in Telangana, India, is an ancient fort originally built by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 11th century, with later additions by the Qutub Shahi, Mughal, and Nizam rulers. The fort is known for its defensive features such as eight gateways, double fortification walls, and a 12-foot-deep moat filled with crocodiles. It also houses unique religious shrines, including the Alamgir mosque with oscillating minarets. With its rich history and architectural innovations, Elgandal Fort is a remarkable structure to explore.

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The Unsung Ballad of Krishnapuram Temple
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The Unsung Ballad of Krishnapuram Temple

The Krishnapuram Palace, located in the town of Kayamkulam, is a historical monument built by the Travancore king. It is designed as a replica of the Padmanabharan Palace, the headquarters of the Travancore Kingdom in Tamil Nadu, and boasts typical Kerala architectural features. The palace offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the rulers who once inhabited it and the people who lived under their rule.

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How Danish Empire's Glory Found a Foothold on Indian Shores
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How Danish Empire's Glory Found a Foothold on Indian Shores

The Dansborg Fort, standing on the Indian coastline, is a testament to Danish colonial ambitions. The grand halls, pillared structures, and high ceilings of its architectural features reflect the regal grandeur of the Danish Empire. With a strategic location and a formidable defense against potential enemies, the fort is a central piece of architecture in the region. Its enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the powerful presence of the Danish Empire in India.

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Visiting The Lord of The Mango Tree
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Visiting The Lord of The Mango Tree

The bustling cultural centre of Kanchipuram is home to a sacred temple of Shiva, where the deity is worshipped under the peculiar name of "Lord of the Mango Tree." The Ekambaranathar temple features grand architecture, intricate sculptures, and majestic gopurams that reflect not only the temple's cultural heritage but also the history of the kings and dynasties that shaped both the temple and Kanchipuram. The temple's subtle integration of religion, history, and culture makes it a must-visit destination for visitors to the area.

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Kakatiyas: Telangana's Golden Age and Enduring Legacy
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Kakatiyas: Telangana's Golden Age and Enduring Legacy

Warangal, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled the region for approximately 150 years. The city was renowned for its distinct blend of North and South Indian architectural styles and was a centre of cultural and political activity. However, the city's fortunes declined after it was conquered by the Tughlaqs, who ruled Delhi, following a prolonged siege. The city was plundered, and despite changing hands numerous times, it never recovered its former prestige. Today, the Warangal Fort serves as a testimony to the cultural and architectural achievements of the Kakatiya dynasty.

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