Kakatiya heritage revived: 800-year-old step well restored in Warangal
HYDERABAD: An 800-year-old step well dating back to the Kakatiya era, once reduced to an open dumping ground, has been restored and opened to the public in Shivanagar, Warangal. The three-storied architectural structure, built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, stands as a remarkable example of the region’s traditional water conservation systems.
The restoration project was initiated by endowments minister Konda Surekha, who sanctioned ₹50 lakh for the initiative aimed at preserving Warangal’s water heritage. After months of renovation, the minister recently inaugurated the revived monument.
Measuring 14 metres on each side, the step well exemplifies the Kakatiya rulers’ engineering foresight. As Warangal lacked a major river, rulers of the time built hundreds of step wells and tanks to meet drinking, irrigation and daily water needs. Their designs ensured rainwater percolation and year-round storage.
Link to Queen Rudrama Devi
Historians note that Queen Rudrama Devi likely used the Shivanagar step well, which holds historical significance. Some scholars suggest that it may have once connected to the Thousand Pillar Temple through a secret tunnel. The builders designed the structure’s three levels for bathing, changing clothes, and performing rituals.
Revival work completed
The ₹50 lakh restoration involved clearing accumulated debris, stabilising sunken pillars and strengthening the masonry. The team installed new stone slabs, protective railings, and lighting fixtures to improve visitor safety and accessibility. The site now illuminates at night, offering visitors a view of the revived heritage site.
Officials said the project has restored the step well’s former grandeur, showcasing the Kakatiyas’ architectural and engineering legacy visible in other monuments such as the Ramappa Temple and Warangal Fort.
Contrast with earlier inaction
The Congress government’s effort contrasts with the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime, which had delayed similar projects. Between 2016 and 2018, the Centre recognised Warangal as a Heritage City under the HRIDAY scheme, sanctioning ₹42 crore for developing heritage sites.
In 2022, former minister K.T. Rama Rao had promised to restore the 800-year-old Orugallu step well during an art gallery event attended by Kakatiya descendant Kamal Chandra Bhanjdeo. However, minister Konda Surekha revived the project by taking the initiative and saw it to completion.
