Akkanna Madanna Caves,
Vijayawada – History
The
Akkanna Madanna Caves are dated to 7th century CE. These
caves were excavated by the Eastern Chalukyan dynasty. Though the
caves are from the 7th century CE, they are currently named
after two brothers namely Akkanna and Madanna of the 17th century
CE. The
Akkanna Madanna caves are protected monuments of national importance,
managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The
earlier life of the brothers were unknown, and they became famous during the
last decades of political and economic turmoil of the 17th century CE
Qutb Shahi dynasty, a Shia Islamic dynasty ruling Golconda Sultanate. Golconda
was already under siege from Aurangzeb, then governor of the Deccan region
(later the Mughal emperor). The brothers helped Tana Shah gain the throne.
In
gratitude, Tana Shah appointed the
brothers as ministers, making them responsible for collecting
the jizya tax from the non-Muslim citizens. The brothers soon were
responsible for all tax collection. They used the taxes for the welfare of the
people, the upkeep of the existing temples, building new temples and appointing
more Brahmins including their famous nephew named Bhadrachala
Ramadasu to various positions within the Golconda Sultanate.
Aurangzeb
came to know about Akkanna and Madanna and the powers wielded by them through the
Muslim officials in the Golconda Sultanate. He sent his army and defeated the
Sultanate. The Mughal army led by Shah Alam, the son of Aurangzeb, beheaded
Akkanna and Madanna. The assassination was done with the knowledge of Abul
Hasan Tana Shah. Several monuments in the former Golconda, including these
caves continue to be remembered after the Akkanna and Madanna brothers.
No comments:
Post a Comment