Rudradeva (1163-1195 CE) was the first sovereign ruler among the Kakatiyas. His military conquests were well described in the Anumakonda Thousand Pillar inscription issued by him in the year 1163 CE, to mark his sovereign power. He was a great warrior and assumed the title Raya Gajakesari and issued coins in his name. According to the information collected from Anumakonda Thousand Pillar record, he defeated the chiefs of Nagara (Karimnagar) Dommaraju, Medaraja-II of Polavasa (Karimnagar), Malligadeva, and Choda Udaya. His army also inflicted a defeat on Telugu Chola King Kanduri Chola Bhima. Vellanki Gangadhara, the dynamic General of Rudradeva, played a key role in the military conquests and consolidation of administration. During his reign, Rudradeva also faced the challenge of the Yadavas of Devagiri. In order to accommodate the growing population of his State, he laid the foundation for the construction of a new capital city at Orugallu or Warangal. He was killed in the war with Yadava King Jaitugi in the year 1195 CE. Mahadeva, the younger brother of Rudradeva, became the new king of Kakatiya State. He ruled up to 1199 CE and lost his life fighting with the Yadava army. His young son Ganapatideva was set free by Yadava king Jaitrapala to divert the attention of other rulers towards Devagiri. Recherla Rudra, the most trusted and capable officer of Ganapatideva, installed the young prince (Ganapatideva) on the throne and managed the affairs of the State.