Gandhari is a hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, in Mandamarri Mandal in Mancherial district in the south Indian state of Telangana. It is located on the sand rock hills. It is 270 kilometresnorth 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. Mahankali 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 – Bellampalli highway passes close to the fort, which is 3 kilometres away from the Bokkalaguttta village. Gandhari Maisamma temple is located at the fort.
History
The fort was built in the 12th century by the Gondu tribals with the help of the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal. Archaeological work suggests that construction of the fort was begun early as the Rastrakuta era and continued until 16th century. All the sculptures, gate and pillars were constructed in Kakatiya style. By observing the decorations, the shanku and chakra, beside every sculpture we find that they are dedicated to Vishnu, while Kakatiya Kings worshipped Shiva. After Kakatiya Kings the fort was ruled by Qutub Sahi Sultanate and in 1656, the ruler of Golconda.Musunuri Nayaks|Musunuri Kings who united all Telugu nobles and revolted against Delhi sultanates. Later it was controlled by the Qutub Sahi Sultanate. In 1656, the ruler of Golconda.
Herbal plants
The forest in the area of the Gandhari fort is an important source for medicinal plants. Large numbers of local medicinal people collect the plants and offer them for sale in nearby towns. Students also visit the area to identify these plants and make herbarium specimens. In view of this importance for medicinal plants, it has been suggested that the forest of the fort area be declared a Medicinal Plants Conservation Center.
