The
districts of Nizam’s dominions were frequented and recorded
in detail by Lala Deen Dayal.
Some of his exquisite images pertain to the Thousand Pillar
Temple of Hanamkonda, built in 1162 by the Chalukya Kings. Built
from blocks of granite, this ancient Dravidian temple is adorned
by intricately carved pillars of various dimensions, perfect
in symmetry and style. Even more impressive is the Ramappa temple
at Palampet on the banks of a lake. The pillars and ceilings
depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Warangal,
157 km from Hyderabad, is noted for its beautiful lakes, splendid
temples and wildlife. It was once the capital of the legendary
Kakatiya kingdom,. This town was once a flourishing city, visited
by Marco Polo who gives a glowing account of its wealth and
prosperity in those days..
Its massive fortress withstood continuous attacks from the Delhi
Sultans in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 19th century
it was the hunting ground of the nobles.