A Shiva temple estimated to be 800 years old was allegedly demolished in India’s Telangana state, drawing condemnation from residents, historians, and federal authorities. The structure came down during site preparation for a government school in Warangal district, according to complaints submitted to national heritage bodies.
The temple stood within the Kota Katta mud fort in Ashok Nagar village, Khanapur mandal. Historians tie it to the 13th-century Kakatiya dynasty and the rule of Ganapati Deva. A seven-line Telugu inscription at the site carried a date of February 1231 AD and bore royal titles of the ruler. State heritage authorities had first recorded the location in 1965.
The government had earmarked over 30 acres there for an Integrated School. Site-clearing proceeded without the required approvals from the Archaeology and Endowments Departments. Warangal MLA Donthi Madhava Reddy later said officials chose the location for its open land and greenery, but missed the temple when they assessed the site.
India opens probe into demolished Shiva Temple case
Rights lawyer Rama Rao Immaneni took the matter to the National Monuments Authority. Both the Union Ministry of Culture and the Archaeology Department responded by opening proceedings. Charges are being sought under the Telangana Heritage Act, with the complaint also citing the state’s failure to form a heritage oversight body required by law.
The Revanth government demolished an 800-year-old Shiva temple for the construction of an integrated school.
A Shiva temple built around 800 years ago during the reign of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva was demolished in the Ashok Nagar area of Khanapur mandal in Warangal district,… pic.twitter.com/Ax50fDJjWD
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District officials denied any deliberate wrongdoing. A site inspection on May 6 led them to conclude that workers had found only worn structural remains under thick vegetation. Officials added that the site carried no protected status on any official register. Heritage scholars disagreed, arguing the outcome was entirely preventable.
Residents said the temple had gone without upkeep for years despite repeated requests to the government for its restoration. They alleged that intruders had previously entered the grounds looking for buried valuables and had detonated explosives there.
Warangal officials pledge to rebuild as political blame grows
District Collector Satya Sharada and MLA Madhava Reddy visited the site and pledged to rebuild the temple. The Collector said the work would bring together heritage specialists, trained temple craftsmen, and archaeological officials. The MLA said a Goddess Saraswati idol would also find a place at the new structure.
The demolition of the Shiva temple has drawn scrutiny over how India safeguards heritage sites near development zones. BJP’s Rana Pratap Reddy demanded the shrine be rebuilt to its original design, saying no archaeological clearance was taken.
Former BRS MLA Peddi Sudarshan Reddy pressed for action against the contractor and asked whether the work was officially authorized before it began.
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