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But what was most exciting about the statues was their time of origin. Their distinctive artistic style revealed them to be products of the Kakatiya Dynasty , an arts-loving empire that ruled the territory currently occupied by the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 1163 to 1323.
Specifically, these statues were created in a style that was typical of 13th and 14th century Kakatiya Dynasty art. Based on previous discoveries, Dr. Nagireddy determined they were made during the kingship of the last Kakatiya Dynasty ruler, Prataparudra II, who occupied the throne from 1295 to 1323.
Like so many other Kakatiya Dynasty leaders, Prataparudra II was a great patron of the arts, and specifically of religious art that honored the most important Hindu gods. Kakatiya Dynasty art flourished during his reign, which was tragically cut short when the dynasty was destroyed by outside invaders.