Musunuri Nayaks: Saga of National Resurgence

Kakatiya Empire in South India was a glorious kingdom replete with rich treasures and temples. Onslaught of Turkic armies led by the Sultans, Alauddin Khilji and later by Mohammed bin Tughlag resulted in the subjugation of Warangal in 1323 CE. Emperor Prataparudra was captured, Warangal was destroyed and Sanatana Dharma was suffocated. The oppressive reign of Delhi Sultanate became unbearable. A confederation of warriors and kings led by Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka, ruler of Vengi, was formed and the coastal Andhra was liberated after a relentless struggle. Kapaya Nayaka, the cousin brother of Prolaya, continued the war of liberation in Telangana and succeeded in unfurling the Kakatiya flag on the fort of Warangal in 1336 CE. Kapaya Nayaka was martyred in 1367 CE because of the disunity among the Telugu Nayaks and the treachery of the Bahmani Sultan. Although short lived (<50 years), the reign of Musunuri Nayaks was a watershed moment in the history of India, that inspired the establishment of Vijayanagar Empire and later, the Maratha Empire by Chatrapati Shivaji to protect and preserve the integrity of India.

About the Author

Dr. P. ANANDA KUMAR is a botanist who specialized in plant physiology, molecular biology and biotechnology. After serving the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for forty years he retired from service in 2017. Dr. Kumar has an abiding interest in ancient and medieval Indian history. He contributed extensively on various historical subjects in Wikipedia (English and Telugu). He deeply analyzed the post-Kakatiya period of Andhra history and wrote the present book that deals with a watershed moment in the history of South India. The successful rebellion of two cousin brothers, Musunuri Nayaks, against the Delhi Sultanate in 14th century and eventual liberation of Warangal in 1336 CE form the central focus of the book.