History of Nalgonda

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🏛️ The Legacy of

Nalgonda

Nalgonda’s history is as rich and layered as the land it stands on. Once called Nilagiri during the Satavahana dynasty, the name later evolved to Nallagonda under the Bahmani rule — “Nalla” meaning black and “Konda” meaning hill, owing to the dark rocky terrain of the region. The British further anglicized it to Nalgonda, which it is known as today.

✨ A Timeline at a

Glance

🕰️ History of

Nalgonda

Nalgonda’s story is one of dynasties, devotion, revolutions, and resilience. Its name itself reflects transformation — from Nilagiri (Blue Hill) to Nallagonda under Telugu influence, eventually becoming Nalgonda.

Archaeological discoveries show that Nalgonda was home to early Stone Age communities. Sites like Chandampet, Yeleswaram, and Gattupalli have yielded stone tools, burial urns, and cave dwellings, proving that humans lived here thousands of years ago.

Some of Telangana’s oldest human settlements were located in Nalgonda’s rocky terrains and valleys.

Between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE, Nalgonda became a thriving hub of Buddhism under the Satavahanas and later the Ikshvakus. Nagarjuna Sagar (ancient Vijayapuri) was a seat of Buddhist learning and monastic life.

Ruins of Stupas, Viharas (monasteries), and sculptures were discovered at sites like Phanigiri, Chaitanyapuri, and Dhulikatta.
The great Buddhist philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna is believed to have lived and taught here.

Phanigiri is one of the most significant Buddhist archaeological sites in South India.

Ruins of Stupas, Viharas (monasteries), and sculptures were discovered at sites like Phanigiri, Chaitanyapuri, and Dhulikatta.
The great Buddhist philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna is believed to have lived and taught here.

Phanigiri is one of the most significant Buddhist archaeological sites in South India.

From the 6th to 13th centuries, Nalgonda came under the rule of various South Indian dynasties:

The Western Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas contributed to early temple architecture.
The powerful Kakatiya dynasty fortified the region, built temples like Pillalamarri and Chaya Someswara, and encouraged Telugu literature and inscriptions.

The Kakatiya legacy shaped Nalgonda’s architecture, irrigation tanks, and Telugu cultural pride.

During India’s freedom struggle, Nalgonda played a pivotal role. It was a hotbed for Telangana peasants’ rebellion (1946–51) against the oppressive feudal system under the Nizam’s rule.

👉Revolutionary leaders like Suddala Hanumanthu and Chityala Ailamma emerged from this soil.

👉People rose up against bonded labor, high taxation, and land grabbing by landlords.

👉The armed struggle inspired songs, ballads, and movements across rural Telangana.

Nalgonda was not just a historical witness — it was a battlefield for justice.

After the police action in 1948, Hyderabad was annexed into the Indian Union, and Nalgonda became a part of Andhra Pradesh. In 2014, with the formation of Telangana, Nalgonda became one of the key districts in the newly formed state, contributing to its political, cultural, and agricultural landscape.

The Legacy of Nalgonda

Nalgonda is a district in the southern part of Telangana. The name has been derived from two Telugu words namely Nalla (Black) & Konda (Hill). Nalgonda was earlier called Neelagiri by Rajput rulers and later it was known as Nallagonda following the conquest by Bahamani king, Allauddin Bahaman Shah. The district is spread over an area of 2,449.79 square kilometers.

Area

7,122 Sq Km

Muncipalities

08 Populations

16,18,416

Constituencies

06 Males

8,18,306

Females

8,00,110

No.of Villages

564 No.of Mandals

31

How Our Past Shapes Our Future

A Crossroads of Civilizations

Nestled in the heart of Telangana, Nalgonda has long been a meeting ground for diverse cultures, ideas, and traditions. Our city has hosted empires, from the Chalukyas to the Kakatiyas, each leaving their unique mark and enriching our heritage. We’re a living blend of history, carrying forward the art, architecture, and spirit of countless generations.

A Spirit of Resistance

Nalgonda wasn’t just a witness but a participant in India’s freedom struggle, where our people fought for independence with an undying determination. Even during the Telangana Rebellion, Nalgonda’s residents raised their voices for justice and rights. This fighting spirit lives on, reminding us that change is possible—and that we have the strength to make it happen.

Home to Diverse Traditions

Our festivals, folklore, crafts, and cuisine are woven from centuries of cultural exchange and community. From Bonalu to Bathukamma, each celebration in Nalgonda reflects our rich tapestry of traditions, values, and local art forms. We honor our heritage not just as memories, but as living, breathing practices that unite us.

A Witness to Telangana’s Journey

Nalgonda has stood as a silent witness to the birth and growth of Telangana, from historic days to the modern era. And while we’re proud of how far our state has come, we’re eager to bring our own city up to speed. It’s time for Nalgonda to be remembered not just for its past, but as a thriving, vibrant part of Telangana’s future.

Our Next Chapter

Our city’s legacy is a tale of endurance, passion, and pride. But our history isn’t finished—we’re just getting started. With every new program, every young entrepreneur, and every empowered farmer, we’re writing the next chapter in Nalgonda’s story, one where our city rises to become the hub of progress and opportunity it was always meant to be.