Gandhari khilla

Gandhari khilla is a hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, in Mandamarri Mandal in Mancherial district in the south Indian state of Telangana.^[1] It is located on the sand rock hills. It is 270 kilometres (157 mi) north east of the state capital, Hyderabad. The fort was built within a thickly forested area which has a wealth of plant species which includes many medicinal herbs. The fort has not been fully excavated and is still partially covered by forest.^[2] Mahankali Jatara (quarry jatara) is conducted every year which attracts more than 10,000 people. Gandhari maisamma jatra is done in the temple on the fort of Gandhari for every 2 years and tribal people from Vindhya region i.e maharastra, Chattisghad on the other bankside joins it. The Mancherial – Chandrapur - Nagpur NH 363 passes close to the fort,^[1] which is 3 kilometres away from the Bokkalaguttta village.

Gandhari Khilla
Native name గాంధారి ఖిల్లా (Telugu)
Gandhari Khilla aerial view
Location	Bokkalagutta village, Mandamarri mandal, Mancherial district,Telangana, India
Coordinates	18.9503°N 79.4148°E / 18.9503; 79.4148
Founded	Gondu tribals, Rashtrakutas,Kakatiya dynasty
Built	12th century
Location in Telangana Show map of Telangana Location in India Show map of India

Gandhari Maisamma temple is located at the fort.^[3]

History

Temple built during the rule of Gond kings in Gandhari Khilla

Entrance Way of Gandhari Khilla

View of a stone sculpture in Gandhari Khilla

The fort was built in the 12th century by the Gondu tribals with the help of the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal.^[4] Archaeological work suggests that construction of the fort was begun early as the Rastrakuta era (prior to 1200 A.D.) and continued until the 16th century.^[5]