Akkanna Madanna Caves, Vijayawada – History

Akkanna Madanna Caves, Vijayawada – History

The Akkanna Madanna Caves are dated to 7^th century CE. These caves were excavated by the Eastern Chalukyan dynasty. Though the caves are from the 7^th century CE, they are currently named after two brothers namely Akkanna and Madanna of the 17^th 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 17^th 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.