Rudrama Devi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rudrama Devi |
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Statue of Rudrama Devi
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| Reign | 1262-1289 |
| Predecessor | Ganapatideva |
| Successor | Prataparudra |
| Died | 1289 or 1295 Possibly at Chandupatla (now in Telangana, India) |
| Spouse | Virabhadra |
| Dynasty | Kaktiya (Kakatiyandhra)and |
| Father | Ganapatideva |
Rudrama Devi was a powerful queen who ruled the Kakatiya dynasty in India. She governed the Deccan Plateau region from 1263 until her death in 1289 (or possibly 1295). It was very rare for women to rule as monarchs in India during her time. To be accepted as a ruler, she often presented herself like a man. This was a big change for her kingdom and influenced future rulers.
Becoming Queen
Rudrama Devi married Prince Virabhadra of Vengi Chalukya around 1240. This marriage was likely arranged by her father, Ganapatideva, to create strong alliances. Virabhadra did not play a big role in her government. The couple had two daughters, who were adopted.
Rudrama Devi probably started ruling the Kakatiya kingdom with her father. She was his co-ruler from 1261 to 1262. In 1263, she became the full queen. Unlike earlier Kakatiya rulers, she chose to hire many ordinary people as warriors. She gave them rights to collect land taxes in exchange for their support. This helped her build a strong army.
Protecting Her Kingdom
The famous traveler Marco Polo visited India around 1289–1293. He wrote about Queen Rudrama Devi and spoke highly of her leadership. He called her kingdom Mutfili, which was the name of a major port city in her dynasty.
Rudrama Devi continued to improve the capital city's defenses. She made her father's city walls taller. She also added a second earth wall, about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) wide. This wall had a deep moat, about 45 meters (150 feet) wide, to protect the city even more.
Facing Challenges
Soon after she became queen, Rudrama Devi faced attacks from other kingdoms. The Eastern Ganga dynasty and the Yadavas challenged her rule. She successfully pushed back the Eastern Gangas, who retreated beyond the Godavari River in the late 1270s. She also defeated the Yadavas, making them give up land in western Andhra.
However, she had trouble with a local leader named Ambadeva. He became the head of his family in 1273. Ambadeva did not want to be under the Kakatiya rule. He managed to take control of a large part of southwestern Andhra and what is now Guntur District.
Her Legacy
Rudrama Devi may have died in 1289 while fighting against Ambadeva. However, some historical records suggest she might have lived until 1295. Her grandson, Prataparudra, became the next ruler. He was the son of her elder daughter, Mummadamma. When Prataparudra took over, the kingdom was a bit smaller than when Rudrama Devi first became queen.
