India, with its vast and ancient history, has seen few women rise to power in leadership roles. Historically, women have been relegated to the sidelines of politics and power, their stories often overshadowed by the male-dominated world of rulers and conquerors. However, among the few who defied these odds is Rudrama Devi, the remarkable ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty. Not only was she a woman in a world ruled by men, but she was a visionary leader whose influence and successes have left a lasting impact on the course of history. Her story is one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for its extraordinary courage, foresight, and strength.
Early Life and Ascendance to Power
Rudrama Devi’s early life set the stage for one of the most remarkable reigns in South Indian history. She was born into the Kakatiya dynasty, which, at the time, was one of the most prosperous and influential kingdoms in the Deccan region. The Kakatiya rulers were known for their ambitious military campaigns and strategic alliances, as well as their commitment to fostering economic and cultural development. However, despite the strength of the Kakatiya dynasty, one of its greatest vulnerabilities was its lack of a male heir. This was not only a matter of succession but also of survival, as external threats from rival kingdoms and internal power struggles could destabilize the dynasty without a clear male successor.
Rudrama Devi’s father, King Ganapati Deva, was a visionary leader who had expanded the Kakatiya territory, and his reign was marked by military victories and infrastructural advancements. He understood that the future of his kingdom depended not just on military might but on securing a stable line of succession. However, by the time of his later years, he had not produced a male heir, which posed a significant problem given the patriarchal nature of medieval Indian politics.
When Ganapati Deva realized the gravity of the situation, he made an unprecedented decision—he chose his daughter, Rudrama Devi, to inherit the throne. This decision was not made lightly and was a strategic maneuver to secure the Kakatiya dynasty’s future. In a bold and unconventional move, Ganapati Deva conducted the “putrika” ceremony, a ritual in which a daughter was symbolically transformed into a son, making her legally eligible to inherit the throne. Through this ceremony, Rudrama Devi was not just a daughter but became the designated heir of the kingdom. This was a momentous decision, one that not only secured her future but also set her apart from the many women who were otherwise relegated to the background in matters of statecraft.
At the age of just 14, Rudrama Devi was officially named co-ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty alongside her father. This was an extraordinary achievement, given her age and gender. She was now not only the daughter of a powerful king but a ruler in her own right. Her marriage to Veerabhadra, a prince from the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, was another significant move in her father’s political strategy. While the marriage was initially a political alliance to strengthen ties with the Chalukyas, it also played a role in securing Rudrama Devi’s position within the royal court and consolidating power.
Rudrama Devi’s ascendance to power was a calculated move by her father to ensure the continuity of the Kakatiya dynasty. It was a reflection of his recognition of her capabilities, even at such a young age, and his trust in her ability to lead the kingdom through the turbulent times ahead. At a time when women rarely held positions of power, Rudrama Devi was poised to defy the traditional norms and prove that leadership was not determined by gender but by strength of character, intelligence, and capability.
A Warrior at Heart
Rudrama Devi’s early rise to power was not without challenges. The external threats to the Kakatiya kingdom were ever-present, and the political landscape was fraught with dangers from neighboring kingdoms seeking to expand their influence. The Pandya dynasty, to the south, was one such threat. As the Kakatiya kingdom expanded, its southern borders began to clash with the Pandya kingdom, which was growing in strength and influence. By 1261 CE, the Kakatiyas found themselves at odds with the Pandya forces, who were aggressively advancing into Kakatiya territory.
Rudrama Devi’s military leadership was first tested when the Yadava kingdom, led by King Mahadeva, decided to challenge the Kakatiya dynasty. Mahadeva, like many others, underestimated Rudrama Devi’s capacity to lead in times of war. He believed that the young queen, who was a woman, would be an easy target. Mahadeva’s initial miscalculation would prove to be a grave error, as he launched a military campaign to seize Kakatiya lands, convinced that Rudrama Devi would be no match for his forces.
However, what Mahadeva failed to realize was that Rudrama Devi was not just a ruler by title; she was a warrior queen with the strategic mind and fighting spirit of the greatest military leaders of her time. When Mahadeva’s forces invaded Kakatiya territory in 1263 CE, Rudrama Devi responded with remarkable speed and precision. Rather than waiting defensively, she took the initiative, organizing her forces and launching a counter-offensive that took the Yadava army by surprise.
Rudrama Devi’s forces pursued the Yadava army all the way to their capital, Devagiri. There, a brutal siege was laid, and the Yadava king Mahadeva, unable to withstand the pressure, was forced to capitulate. The terms of surrender were severe: Mahadeva had to pay a tribute of 10 million gold coins, each bearing both his name and the Kakatiya emblem, symbolizing his submission to Rudrama Devi’s authority. This tribute was a powerful statement of her military and political dominance in the region.
This victory was not just a military triumph but also a demonstration of Rudrama Devi’s leadership qualities. Her decisiveness, military strategy, and ability to inspire her troops made her a force to be reckoned with. It was clear that Rudrama Devi was not a ruler who would back down in the face of adversity, nor would she allow her gender to be used as a justification for undermining her authority. The battle against the Yadavas marked the beginning of a series of military successes that would cement her reputation as one of the greatest military rulers in Indian history.
Her military campaigns were not just about protecting the Kakatiya kingdom from external threats—they were about proving that a woman could lead with strength, intelligence, and authority. Rudrama Devi’s victory over Mahadeva and her subsequent handling of other threats to the kingdom demonstrated her capability not only as a military leader but as a ruler who could navigate the complex and often treacherous political landscape of her time. In an era where most women were relegated to the background of political life, Rudrama Devi stood tall as a symbol of strength, resilience, and unparalleled leadership.
Tragedy and Civil Unrest
The period following Rudrama Devi’s military triumphs marked the beginning of a new chapter in her reign—one filled with both personal and political challenges that tested her resilience. In 1266 CE, Rudrama Devi experienced the devastating loss of both her father and her husband in quick succession. The death of her father, Ganapati Deva, was a blow not only to her personally but to the stability of the entire Kakatiya kingdom. He had been a guiding force behind the kingdom’s expansion and had laid a solid foundation for the dynasty’s rule. His passing left a gaping void, as Rudrama Devi was now not only coping with grief but also shouldering the immense responsibility of leading the kingdom in his absence.
The loss of her husband, Veerabhadra, further complicated matters. Though their marriage had initially been a political alliance, it had grown into a deep and meaningful bond over the years. Rudrama Devi’s decision not to remarry after his death was a powerful statement of her loyalty and love, but it also had political ramifications. Without a male partner to share the burden of leadership, the question of succession once again became a matter of concern for the Kakatiya dynasty. Rudrama Devi had no male heirs, and despite her established position as the heir to the throne, the kingdom was now vulnerable to those who questioned her legitimacy as a female ruler.
The political climate became increasingly unstable, and the seeds of civil unrest were sown. While Rudrama Devi had proven herself capable in battle, not everyone within the royal family or the broader political structure was willing to accept a woman as the legitimate ruler of the Kakatiyas. The most vocal opposition came from her cousins, Harihara and Murari, who felt that they had been unjustly passed over for the throne. In a kingdom that adhered to patriarchal norms, their belief that a woman could not effectively rule led them to launch a rebellion against Rudrama Devi’s reign.
This insurrection was more than just a family feud; it was a direct challenge to Rudrama Devi’s authority and the future of the Kakatiya dynasty. Her cousins seized on the public perception that a woman might not have the physical strength or political acumen to lead a kingdom in times of war. Their rebellion was fueled by a deep-seated resentment, not just of Rudrama Devi’s rule but of the very notion that a woman could hold the highest position of power. For the first time in her reign, Rudrama Devi found herself fighting not just external invaders but also internal forces seeking to undermine her.
Despite the turmoil, Rudrama Devi’s leadership and determination would once again prove to be her greatest strengths. Her response to the rebellion was swift and resolute. She did not give in to the pressures of patriarchal expectations or public opinion. Instead, she gathered a formidable group of supporters, including the tactical genius Gona Ganna Reddy, whose military strategies had helped her win previous battles, and Jaganni Deva, a loyal feudal lord who controlled the southern Nellore region. With these powerful allies at her side, Rudrama Devi launched a counteroffensive, quashing the rebellion and reasserting her authority as the ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty.
In 1269 CE, she held a formal coronation ceremony, reaffirming her status as the legitimate ruler of the Kakatiyas. The act of crowning herself was symbolic, representing not just her formal ascension to the throne but her ability to overcome personal grief, political opposition, and societal pressure. It also sent a clear message to her enemies—both within her family and outside her court—that she would not be easily displaced. Rudrama Devi’s ability to navigate this period of crisis with such skill and determination solidified her position as a ruler in the eyes of both her allies and adversaries.
The rebellion and the subsequent challenges she faced, while deeply personal, also revealed the limitations of the political and social structures of the time. Her victory over the rebellion highlighted the deep-seated gender biases that women in power had to overcome to be taken seriously as leaders. Despite her triumph, the question of gender remained a central issue, as the kingdom’s elite continued to struggle with the idea of a woman holding the highest office in the land. Yet, through her resilience and ability to restore order, Rudrama Devi demonstrated that leadership was not about gender but about the strength of one’s character and vision for the future.
A Visionary Reformer
Rudrama Devi’s reign was not only defined by her ability to defend her kingdom from external threats and internal unrest, but also by her forward-thinking approach to governance and social reform. She recognized early on that a kingdom’s stability was not solely dependent on military might but on a strong, sustainable economy, an equitable society, and robust infrastructure. Her vision for the Kakatiya dynasty was one of growth, inclusivity, and social mobility, particularly in an era where rigid social hierarchies and traditional caste systems often limited the potential of large segments of the population.
One of her most significant achievements was the development of the kingdom’s agricultural base, which formed the backbone of its economy. The Kakatiya kingdom was geographically divided between the dry, arid interior and the fertile coastal lands. The interior regions were sparsely populated and faced numerous challenges, including poor soil quality and a lack of water resources. By contrast, the coastal regions were densely populated, with rich, fertile soil and abundant water sources, which allowed for prosperous agricultural production. However, despite the fertility of the coast, the interior was often overlooked and regarded as economically unviable.
Rudrama Devi saw an opportunity to change this imbalance. She understood that a thriving kingdom could not rely solely on one region—it needed to integrate and develop all areas of its domain. To achieve this, she launched an ambitious infrastructure campaign focused on improving the agricultural potential of the interior regions. One of her most notable achievements was the construction of irrigation systems, including artificial lakes and water tanks, to provide much-needed water to the dry lands. These water management projects transformed vast areas of previously barren land into productive agricultural zones, capable of supporting a larger population.
To further support the development of the interior regions, Rudrama Devi encouraged migration from the more densely populated coastal areas. She offered tax incentives to those willing to settle in the interior and help develop the land, fostering a sense of unity between the two regions. As a result, new towns and villages sprang up, and the interior regions began to thrive. This initiative not only increased agricultural output but also helped to urbanize areas that had once been considered too harsh for habitation, making them vital economic hubs within the kingdom.
Rudrama Devi’s reforms went beyond agriculture and infrastructure. She recognized that a kingdom’s prosperity depended on more than just physical resources—it relied on the people who inhabited it. As a result, she implemented policies that aimed to create a more inclusive society. One of her most groundbreaking moves was the loosening of caste and nobility restrictions, which had long restricted the social mobility of common people. Under her leadership, peasants were encouraged to explore alternative career paths, and those from low-born families were given opportunities to rise in the military and administrative ranks.
One of the most notable examples of this was the promotion of low-caste peasants to the rank of Nayaka, or military commander. This was a radical departure from traditional caste-based limitations and demonstrated Rudrama Devi’s commitment to merit-based appointments rather than hereditary privilege. Additionally, the loosened social restrictions allowed for the formation of more inclusive commercial guilds, where members from different castes and backgrounds could work together. This created a more dynamic economy and empowered a greater number of people to contribute to the kingdom’s success.
Moreover, Rudrama Devi’s reign saw a significant increase in the participation of women in economic and social activities. During her rule, women were granted land ownership rights and were able to make land grants to temples, which had previously been an exclusive privilege for men. These changes reflected the broader cultural shift that was taking place under her leadership—a shift toward greater equality and social justice. Rudrama Devi’s commitment to these reforms ensured that her kingdom not only survived but flourished in ways that would have been unimaginable in other parts of the world at the time.
In her visionary leadership, Rudrama Devi not only safeguarded the future of the Kakatiya dynasty but also laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous society. Her focus on infrastructure, social mobility, and gender equality helped to elevate the kingdom to new heights, ensuring that it remained a beacon of progress and innovation for generations to come.
A Society Built on Merit and Equality
Rudrama Devi’s approach to governance was deeply rooted in her belief that the strength of a kingdom did not lie solely in its military might or economic wealth, but in the potential of its people. This understanding shaped her policies, particularly when it came to social mobility and meritocracy. At a time when caste and social hierarchy dictated the roles and opportunities of individuals, Rudrama Devi’s reign marked a departure from these norms. She aimed to create a society where people were judged not by their birth but by their abilities and contributions to the kingdom’s prosperity.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Rudrama Devi’s rule was her loosening of the rigid caste system. Traditionally, in the Indian subcontinent, the caste system governed all aspects of a person’s life, including their occupation, social interactions, and even their access to power. The upper castes—particularly the Brahmins and Kshatriyas—held the lion’s share of political and economic power, while the lower castes, including the Shudras, were relegated to menial tasks and had little opportunity to rise above their station. Rudrama Devi, however, recognized the inherent injustice in this structure and worked to create an environment in which individuals from all walks of life could thrive.
Under her leadership, peasants, who were often seen as the lowest rung in the social ladder, were encouraged to take on new roles. Many low-caste soldiers, for example, were promoted to the rank of Nayaka, or military commander, an important position that had traditionally been reserved for nobles and members of the warrior class. By awarding such titles to individuals based on their ability rather than their lineage, Rudrama Devi created a more dynamic and fluid society where talent and merit took precedence over birthright. These military commanders played crucial roles in maintaining order within the kingdom and defending it from external threats, ensuring that the kingdom was not only militarily strong but also fairer and more inclusive.
Additionally, Rudrama Devi’s policies extended beyond the military. She encouraged the rise of artisans, merchants, and farmers by offering them administrative roles and land grants. This shift in power dynamics allowed individuals without noble lineage to access resources, which in turn led to greater innovation, economic diversification, and overall stability. The kingdom’s economy flourished as people were able to invest in their skills, and many formerly marginalized communities experienced an upliftment that had not been seen before.
Perhaps most significantly, women in Rudrama Devi’s kingdom were granted more rights and opportunities than they had in previous eras. Historically, women in India had been excluded from owning property, participating in commerce, or having a voice in the political arena. Rudrama Devi, however, sought to change this. During her reign, women were allowed to make land grants to temples, a right previously reserved for men. This not only empowered women but also ensured their economic and social contributions were recognized. Records from this period show that women played a substantial role in the economic activities of the kingdom, including the management of land and wealth, making them integral to the kingdom’s prosperity.
In addition to promoting social mobility, Rudrama Devi also established a system of patronage for the arts and literature. The loosening of caste restrictions and the creation of a more inclusive society allowed for greater cultural exchange. This fostered an environment in which poets, playwrights, scholars, and artisans could flourish, regardless of their social standing. The works of these individuals were often supported by temple grants or royal patronage, ensuring that the cultural output of the kingdom was both diverse and rich. Many notable Telugu writers from this era contributed to the literary tradition, and their works continue to be performed at cultural festivals in modern-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Rudrama Devi’s commitment to creating a society built on merit and equality not only ensured her kingdom’s stability but also set a lasting example for future generations. Her policies broke down traditional barriers and encouraged people to think beyond the confines of caste and birth. By providing opportunities for social mobility, empowering women, and fostering cultural and economic growth, she created a kingdom that was more inclusive, more dynamic, and more equitable than many of its contemporaries. Her legacy in this regard continues to be remembered as one of her most enduring contributions to South Indian history.
The Lingayat Movement and Its Influence
To understand the full scope of Rudrama Devi’s success as a ruler, it’s important to consider the larger social and religious context in which she reigned. The 12th and 13th centuries were a time of significant social change in South India, and one of the most transformative movements during this period was the rise of the Veerashaiva Lingayat sect. The Lingayats, an anti-establishment group that opposed the rigid norms of traditional Hinduism, had a profound impact on the political and social fabric of the region. Their revolutionary views on religion, caste, and gender played a key role in shaping the environment that allowed Rudrama Devi to rise to power and implement her progressive policies.
The Lingayat movement was founded by the 12th-century saint and philosopher Basava, who rejected the orthodox practices of Vedic Hinduism. The Lingayats were vehemently opposed to the caste system, and their beliefs emphasized the equality of all people, regardless of birth. This egalitarian philosophy was in stark contrast to the traditional Brahminical teachings that had long dominated the social and religious order in India. The Lingayats also rejected the dominance of the priestly class, arguing that individuals could connect directly with the divine through personal devotion, without the need for intermediaries.
In addition to their opposition to the caste system, the Lingayats promoted gender equality, advocating for the idea that both men and women were equally capable of achieving spiritual and social fulfillment. This was a radical idea for the time, particularly in a society that was heavily patriarchal and where women were often excluded from religious and political leadership. The Lingayats not only encouraged women to participate in religious life but also supported the idea that women should have access to the same rights and opportunities as men. This ideology would have resonated strongly with Rudrama Devi, who, as a female ruler, faced constant challenges to her legitimacy and authority. The rise of the Lingayat movement provided a cultural and philosophical backdrop that reinforced her vision for a more inclusive and meritocratic society.
By the time Rudrama Devi came to the throne, the Lingayat movement had already gained significant traction in South India. The sect’s rejection of the traditional caste system and its advocacy for gender equality aligned closely with Rudrama Devi’s own policies. In many ways, the Lingayat movement helped to create an atmosphere in which a female ruler could not only rise to power but also implement social reforms that challenged the deeply entrenched hierarchies of caste and gender. The movement’s influence was not limited to religious or spiritual matters; it had a profound effect on the political and social landscape as well.
Under the influence of the Lingayat movement, South Indian society became more open to progressive ideas about gender and social equality, which made it easier for Rudrama Devi to push forward her reforms. She was able to implement policies that loosened caste restrictions, promoted women’s rights, and fostered social mobility—ideas that resonated with the Lingayat principles of egalitarianism and social justice. The movement’s rejection of the status quo gave Rudrama Devi the space she needed to pursue her vision of a kingdom where merit, not birth, determined one’s position in society.
The Lingayats were also radical in their opposition to established religious institutions, particularly the Brahminical order. This anti-establishment sentiment would have influenced Rudrama Devi’s own policies, as she sought to empower the people of her kingdom—whether they were from the upper or lower castes—and weaken the grip of the traditional elite. The economic and cultural policies she implemented, which supported artisans, peasants, and merchants, were in many ways a response to the hierarchical structures that had long dominated South Indian society. By promoting a more meritocratic system and breaking down traditional barriers, Rudrama Devi created a kingdom that was more egalitarian and more inclusive.
The rise of the Lingayat movement, with its emphasis on social equality, gender justice, and anti-establishment views, helped create an environment in which Rudrama Devi could thrive. The philosophical and social shifts championed by the Lingayats aligned with her own goals, providing her with the cultural support she needed to bring about lasting change in her kingdom. In this way, the Lingayat movement played a crucial role in shaping the broader social context of Rudrama Devi’s reign, and its influence is evident in the progressive reforms she implemented throughout her time on the throne.
Legacy of the Warrior-Queen
Rudrama Devi’s reign, though filled with political turmoil, military victories, and social reforms, ultimately came to an end in 1289 CE when she died during a military confrontation at Chandupatla. Her death, however, was not the end of her legacy. In fact, her reign had set in motion a series of changes that would resonate for generations. While the Kakatiya dynasty would eventually fall to the Delhi Sultanate in 1323 CE, Rudrama Devi’s contributions to the kingdom and South Indian history would be remembered for centuries to come.
One of the most enduring aspects of Rudrama Devi’s legacy was her role as a powerful and effective woman ruler in a male-dominated world. In an era where women were often excluded from positions of power, Rudrama Devi not only ascended to the throne but ruled with exceptional skill, vision, and determination. Her ability to defend the kingdom from external threats, her strategic military leadership, and her commitment to governance in times of crisis set her apart from many of her male counterparts. She proved that leadership was not defined by gender, but by one’s ability to inspire loyalty, make tough decisions, and lead with foresight.
Rudrama Devi’s military successes, particularly her defeat of the Yadava forces, cemented her reputation as a formidable warrior-queen. The victory at Devagiri, where Mahadeva, the Yadava king, was forced to pay a tribute in the form of 10 million gold coins, showcased her strength as a military leader. She not only repelled invasions but also expanded her influence and defended her kingdom against larger, more established forces. Her leadership in battle was a key factor in maintaining the stability and security of the Kakatiya dynasty during her reign.
However, her legacy goes beyond military conquests. Rudrama Devi’s greatest achievements were arguably in the areas of social reform and infrastructure development. She recognized that a kingdom could not simply rely on military might and wealth; it had to be a well-rounded society that supported the growth and development of its people. Her focus on agricultural development, particularly in the dry interior regions, transformed the economic landscape of the kingdom. Through the construction of irrigation systems, water tanks, and artificial lakes, she ensured that the Kakatiya kingdom became a more self-sufficient and prosperous region. These infrastructure projects not only helped sustain the agricultural economy but also encouraged migration from the coastal areas to the interior, fostering greater unity and cultural exchange within the kingdom.
Rudrama Devi’s policies aimed at social equality were also revolutionary for their time. By loosening caste and gender restrictions, she created a society where merit, not birth, was the determining factor in one’s opportunities. Peasants, low-caste individuals, and even women were given access to new roles in government and the military. She granted titles to those from humble origins, including promoting low-caste soldiers to high-ranking military positions. Women were also empowered through the right to make land grants to temples, a right traditionally reserved for men. These reforms not only helped level the social playing field but also led to a more engaged, productive, and dynamic population.
Her commitment to cultural and intellectual growth further solidified her legacy. By patronizing poets, scholars, and artisans, she fostered an environment in which literature, art, and culture thrived. Telugu literature, which flourished during her reign, continues to be celebrated today, with many of the works from that era still being performed at cultural festivals across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Rudrama Devi’s patronage of the arts helped to create a vibrant cultural atmosphere that would have long-lasting effects on the region’s intellectual and artistic heritage.
The political landscape that Rudrama Devi cultivated was one of inclusivity and strategic alliances. She worked tirelessly to maintain unity within the kingdom, forging alliances with powerful feudatories and military commanders who supported her rule. Her relationship with figures like Gona Ganna Reddy and Jaganni Deva, who helped her suppress the rebellion led by her cousins, demonstrated her ability to build strong, loyal relationships that would endure even in times of crisis. These alliances ensured that her reign was not just about military victories but also about fostering a sense of shared responsibility and common purpose among the kingdom’s leaders.
Despite her significant contributions to the prosperity of the Kakatiya dynasty, Rudrama Devi’s reign was not without its challenges. The eventual collapse of the Kakatiya dynasty, culminating in the fall of Warangal to the Delhi Sultanate in 1323 CE, marked the end of an era. However, even after her death, Rudrama Devi’s influence continued to shape the future of the region. Her grandson, Prataparudra, succeeded her as the ruler of the Kakatiyas and fought valiantly to reclaim the lost territories. Though the dynasty eventually fell, Prataparudra’s efforts to restore the Kakatiya kingdom were in many ways an extension of Rudrama Devi’s legacy. His military campaigns to regain control over the breakaway Nellore region and his efforts to protect the Kakatiya heartland were a direct response to the challenges his grandmother had faced during her reign.
Rudrama Devi’s legacy, however, goes beyond the military and political sphere. Her reforms laid the groundwork for a more just and equitable society, one where merit was recognized over lineage and where opportunities were available to all, regardless of caste or gender. Her reign marked a cultural renaissance in the region, with her support for the arts and literature helping to shape the intellectual and artistic identity of South India.
The influence of Rudrama Devi’s leadership extended beyond her death, inspiring generations of rulers and thinkers in the region. Her reign demonstrated that a woman could not only lead effectively but also transform her society through vision, courage, and innovation. Even in the face of personal loss, political opposition, and external invasions, Rudrama Devi’s unwavering commitment to her people and her kingdom set a powerful example of leadership that transcended the traditional boundaries of gender, class, and social expectations.
Today, Rudrama Devi’s story is remembered as a tale of extraordinary resilience, vision, and leadership. She remains a symbol of strength and wisdom, an embodiment of the idea that true leadership is not bound by gender or circumstance but by one’s ability to inspire, lead, and transform the world. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, not only in historical texts but also in the cultural expressions of modern India, where her contributions to the Kakatiya dynasty are revered as foundational to the region’s prosperity and cultural heritage.