KP On The Go!

Introduction The Kakatiya Dynasty has been credited with some amazing architecture during their reign in the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the structures that has withstood the test of time (and changing rulers) is the Ramappa Temple near Palampet, about 65km north of Warangal. The grand temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has some amazing sculptures depicting mythological scenes and daily lives of the people. However, the temple is famous for the graceful bracket figures of madanikas flanking high on the corners and entrances. The madanikas of Palampet -x-x-x- The Temple Complex The temple complex has two entrances - the main entrance on the west and a smaller one to the east. The area outside the complex is littered with ruins which are under restoration by the ASI.   The ruins outside the complex The complex is quite spacious in itself. It houses the main temple in the centre, a mantapa with a stone plaque to the north-east and one minor temple to the north...

Introduction Badami is a small taluka place tucked in the rocky folds of North-Central Karnataka. The town spreads evenly around the central North-South main road which also serves as the main market. Parallel to this road on the Eastern side rise two hills - Vatapi and Ilvala - that flank a small lake called Agastyateertha. The name Badami is a misnomer of Vatapi, the name by which the town was originally known.   The town of Badami - birds eye view from Vatapi hill The monument is called 'Lower Shivalaya' The Vatapi hill - the northern of the two - is a compound structure with high plateaus separated by deep gorges giving commanding views of the town below. As such these natural defenses were first employed by the Chalukyas in the 6th-8th centuries when they used it as their capital. The cultural ingenuity and the experimentation in temple architecture from that era has left an indelible mark on this small town, attracting quite a few visitors to its fold. Th...