Karimnagar History – from as early as the Stone Age
Karimnagar has been adorning the banks of the Manair River since the days of the Satavahanas. In later years it attained recognition as the administrative headquarters of the Nizams. Known to be home for a motley collection of tribes including Gonds, Koyas and Chenchus some of whom still exist, the region today retains its glory as the fourth most populated districts in Telengana.
Karimnagar History finds mention in the pages of history from as early as the Stone Age. Excavations undertaken at Pedda Bonkur, Dhollikatte and Kotilingalu have revealed various articles like tools and other utility and lifestyle materials which indicate the historical significance of the place.
Karimnagar Tourism includes a tour of these important relics to highlight the region’s presence in history. Karimnagar History enlists a series of nomenclature for the district. Originally known as Kannaaram, Kanagallu, or Elagandala by the local people, it was renamed as Saabinaadu under the Kakatiyas. However under the Nizams, it received yet another new name. It was named after the Qialadar ‘Syed Kareemullah Shah Saheb’ and henceforth came to known as Karimnagar. The district covers a total area of 11,823 square kilometers with geographical boundaries that include Warangal and Medak districts in the South; Nizamabad district in the West; the state of Madhya Pradesh in the East; and Adilabad district in the North. It covers a total of 57 Mandals and 5 municipalities.
With an expanse as broad as this, Karimnagar has been home to several ruling dynasties including the Satavahanas, Kakatiyas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas as well as the Nizams. During the reign of the last mentioned, the district was turned into the regional headquarters and acquired special significance in their administration. The region was also known to be a seat of Vedic learning and earned recognition as a centre of development for Budhhism and Jainism. Consequently, the architecture found in Karimnagar can be categorized according to the various dynastic and religious phases of its history. The Stupa at Dhulikatta is the earliest remnant of the patronage of Satavahanas. The stupa showcases bas relief work comprising floral motifs which resembles those found at the Sanchi Stupa. This indicates a strong influence of Buddhism and also bears the signature style of the Satavahanas. The Rashtrakuta influence on architecture is reflected in the Bhimeswara Temple at Vemulawada. Though built by the Chalukyas of Vemulawada who were feudatories of the Rashtrakutas, the temple displays a strong Rashtrakuta influence.
The Chalukya architecture is reflected through the Rekha-Nagara type of temple at Dharmapuri, Valgonda and Raikal. The Kakatiyas being the last of the Hindu Sovereigns have left their mark on a large number of temples dedicated to Shiva. These temples are scattered in various Mandals or sub-districts of Karimnagar like Nagunur, Kottapalli, Vilasagar and Manthani. Jain temple architecture forms another important part of Karimnagar history. At one point in its history, Jain Temple architecture witnesses a huge boost. However, after the initial surge there was a fall in the construction and sculptures of Jain temples. As a result the current Karimnagar Map is dotted with the crumbling remains of these Jain architectural styles.
The sites namely are Vemulawada (Shubadhami Jinayam), Nagunur, Kapparaopet, Shinigaram and Kurikyala. Muslim architecture under the Nizams were mainly concentrated around the construction of mosques and Dargahs. Karimnagar with its rich history and attractive places of tourist interest occupies a substantial position in Telangana’s geography. It has a past to cherish, a present to nurture and a future to plan for. It is the perfect ingredient for brewing success not only for Telangana Tourism but also for Indian tourism on the whole.
Special attractions:
– Temple Architecture pertaining to the various dynasties is a special attraction for tourists with an interest in art and architecture. It helps them to savor the individuality of every dynasty and relish the differences.
– The place also specializes in Silver filigree work. It is a treat to view the local artisans at work making silver filigree jewelry and art pieces.
Nearby by Tourist Attractions:
– Deer Park
– Dhulikatta
– Lower Manair Dam
– Ramagiri Fort
– Ujwala Park
– Sarvavaidika Samsthanam And Sri Yagnavaraha Kshetram
Specialty of Karimnagar: Karimanagar offers a unique mix of the past as well as the present. Where on one hand it displays temples and historical buildings, on the other it also houses the operating centres of organizations like NTPC and Singareni Collieries. It is this perfect harmony between yesterday and today with hopes for a better tomorrow that makes Karimnagar an attractive destination for most people.
Distance to Karimnagar:
– Distance from Hyderabad to Karimnagar is 165 Kms
– Distance from Warangal to Karimnagar is 70 Kms
– Distance from Nizamabad to Karimnagar is 149 Kms
Where to stay: Karimnagar provides a range of hotels, guest houses, lodges and tourist rest houses which provide comfortable accommodations for tourists. The accommodation facilities fit into every budget and are strategically located in order to provide tourists access to their preferred place of visit in Karimnagar.
Some of the Good Hotels in Karimnagar are:
– Swetha Inn – Ph 9676100333
– Hotel Manair – Ph 0878 2245879
– Srinivasa Hotel – Ph: 0878 2243201
– Hotel Kalpana – Ph 0878 650 3985
– Hotel Prathima Residency – Ph 0878 2233666
How to reach:
– Karimnagar can be easily accessed by road. It is well connected to Warangal, Nizamabad, Medak and other parts of the state.
– There are many State Transport buses from Jubilee Bus Stop to Karimnagar
– The nearest international airport is located at Hyderabad which is around 165 km from Karimnagar town.
Nearest Railway Station: Karimnagar has its own railway station which connects Karimnagar to major cities.
Karimnagar District Tourism Office Number: 09440816070