Reddy dynasty

Reddy dynasty
1325–1448
Maximum extent of the Reddy Kingdom, 14th Century CE
Capital		Addanki (initial) Kondavidu Rajahmundry
Languages		Telugu
Religion		Hinduism
Government		Monarchy
Historical era		Medieval India
•	Established	1325
•	Disestablished	1448
Preceded by Succeeded by Kakatiya dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Gajapati Kingdom

The Reddy dynasty (1325–1448 CE) was established in southern India by Prolaya Vema Reddy. The region that was ruled by the Reddy dynasty is now part of modern-day coastal and central Andhra Pradesh. Prolaya Vema Reddy was part of the confederation that started a movement against the invading Turkic armies of the Delhi Sultanate in 1323 and succeeded in repulsing them from Warangal.

The first of the Reddy clans came into prominence during the Rajendra Chola III kings period.The Reddy chiefs were appointed as generals under the Kakatiyas. During this time the Reddys carved out feudal principalities for themselves. Eventually, the army of the Delhi Sultanate invaded Warangal and captured Pratapa Rudra. In 1323, after the death of Pratapa Rudra and the subsequent fall of the Kakatiya empire, the Reddy chiefs became independent. Prolaya Vema Reddy proclaimed independence and established the Reddy Kingdom in Addanki.

They ruled coastal and central Andhra for over a hundred years from 1325 to 1448. At its maximum extent, the Reddy kingdom stretched from Cuttack, Orissa to the north, Kanchi to the south and Srisailam to the west. The initial capital of the kingdom was Addanki. Later, it was moved to Kondavidu and subsequently to Rajahmundry. The Reddys were known for their fortifications. Two major hill forts, one at Kondapalli, 20 km north west of Vijayawada and another at Kondavidu about 30 km west of Guntur stand testimony to the fort building skill of the Reddy kings. The forts of Bellamkonda, Vinukonda and Nagarjunakonda in the Palnadu region were also part of the Reddy kingdom. The dynasty remained in power till the middle of the 15th century and was supplanted by the Gajapatis of Odisha, who gained control of coastal Andhra. The Gajapatis eventually lost control of coastal Andhra after Gajapati Prataprudra Deva was defeated by Krishna Deva Raya of Vijaynagar. The territories of the Reddy kingdom eventually came under the control of the Vijayanagara Empire.