Rudramadevi
A Queen True To Her Calling
Rudramadevi (reign 1260 - 1290 CE) of the powerful Kakatiya dynasty ruled from her capital Orugallu, present day Warangal in Telangana. The area was naturally rich in diamonds and was throughout the target of several attacks and invasions by vying rival kings seeking to expand their territories and increase their wealth.
Early Life
Rudramadevi was brought up like a boy by her father Ganapathideva who had two daughters to succeed him. Ganapathideva was a very prominent monarch of his line. At the end of a largely successful reign, he apprehended an attack by Jatavarman Sundara Pandian I from near Madurai. The Kakatiya empire needed a strong front to defeat this threat. Rudramadevi was trained in the art of war under her guru Sivadevayya. He coached her thoroughly in planning her campaigns, tactical moves on the battlefield and managing the enemies' moves. She was given a thorough grounding in politics and administration. She was taught the fine arts - music, dance and literature to prepare her to be a good administrator. She toured the kingdom, meeting officials and people to gain first hand knowledge.
Rudramadevi could also draw upon the formidable experience of her father who had ruled for nearly 60 years. He eased her into the battlefield and the court so she could prove her mettle and gain confidence. Above all she learnt to keep the welfare of her subjects as her primary goal.
On the advise of his councillors, Ganapathideva performed the putrika ceremony which invested Rudramadevi with the authority of a male heir. She assumed the name of Rudraraja from the age of fourteen and wore male attire as co-ruler. Shortly thereafter, life threw up challenges that the young queen had to face head-on. Even as she fended off Sundara Pandian the Kakatiya kingdom weakened, her father took ill, and soon died.
A Fight to Retain the Kingdom
Rudramadevi then took independent charge. Soon after, she faced rebellion from family members and nobles clearly disgruntled at a female ruler on the throne. When Rudramadevi and her daughter were visiting a temple at Mogalicharla, the fort of Warangal was forcibly occupied by the rebels. She crushed the uprising with the help of citizens, courtiers and troops that remained loyal to her. Rudramadevi had her work cut out keeping the kingdom intact against invaders such as the Yadavas of Devagiri who laid siege to her capital for fifteen days. She defeated the Yadavas and captured several of their troops who were later released after a ransom was paid. The Odia and the Chola who were looking for a chance to take over were also defeated. Rudramadevi not only proved that she was a good warrior but was also able to instil awe in the minds of her enemies for her personal bravery and her tactical intelligence. She was a feared adversary.