History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c12.8

c12.8

We have already discussed the power and possessions of Devagiri in chapter IV. As to the kingdom of Telingana, it flourished under the able rule of Ganapati who ascended the throne in 1199-1200. Ganapati's reign was long and he made extensive conquests on the coast from Nellore northward to the frontiers of Orissa. After him his wife Rudrambā Dēvī, a princess of Devagiri who ascended the throne in 1260-61, ably ruled the kingdom for full three decades. It was during her reign that Marco Polo, the famous Venetian traveller visited Motupille, a famous port of that kingdom, now lying in the Guntur district of the Madras Presidency.² Marco Polo calls queen Rudramba "a lady . . . of much distinction . . . a lover of justice, of equity, and of peace."³ But for his compliments her's is an empty name in the dynastic list of the Kākatiyas of Warangal. She continued to reign till 1292 when her daughter's son Pratap Rudra Deva attained majority and she abdicated in his favour. It was during the reign of Pratap Rudra Dev (Laddar Deo of Muslim chroniclers) that Telingana was invaded by the armies of Delhi under Malik Naib Kāfūr.