The district derives its name from Medak, the then headquarters town of taluk of the same name. It is surrounded by Kamareddy, Siddipet and Sangareddy districts. Medak was originally known as Methukudurgam which subsequently changed into Methuku due to the growth of fine and coarse rice in this area.
Medak district was part of the Kakatiya Kingdom as well as Bahmani Kingdom and later the Golconda Nawabs. Finally, with the fall of the Qutub shahi dynasty, it was annexed to the Mughal Empire. During the formation of Hyderabad state by Asif Jahi, this district was detached and included in the Nizam’s Dominions.
After the Mouryas, the Satavahanas gained prominence over the Deccan of which, Medak district formed a part. Several coins of the Satavahana rulers like Goutamiputra Satakarni, Vasishtiputra Pulumavi, Siv Sri, Yagna Sri Satakarni, etc., were unearthed during excavations at Kondapur village of Medak district. These archeological discoveries indicate the existence of a buried city of vast dimensions with a number of Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas and Monasteries.
Medak district has a typical Telangana culture. But as far as religion is concerned the district has been influenced by Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and even Buddhism. The influences of these religions in the district can be well understood from the several architectural constructs.
Hill Fort (Built by Rajas of Warangal)
The fort at Medak was originally constructed by the Kakatiya rulers and later developed by the Qutb Shahi rulers. The fort which stands about 90 meters above the surrounding plains is one of the important hill forts in the Deccan region. It was built on a rocky knoll and then fortified with bastions and walls which rise one above the other in several tiers. Inside the fort, a Dutch-made 10 feet long brass gun was placed.
Old Mosque
Komtoor village is located at a distance of 10 km from Medak Town. There is a Qutb Shahi Mosque here which has been constructed on the outskirts of the village. This picturesque and fine mosque which consists of a single hall with three arched openings and flanked with two minarets has a built-up chajja with ashlar masonry, above the chajja, it is constructed of brick and lime. It is believed to have been built by Moulana Hyder Ali.
Sri Kuchadri Venkateswara Swamy temple
On the western side of the outskirts, on a hillock, there exists a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara locally called as “Kuchadri”. Towards the North – East side of the hillock, there is a square sacred tank (Koneru) with steps on east and south sides. Based on iconographical features of loose sculptures and pillared mandapas, it can be datable to 16th – 17th Century A.D.
Other Places of Interest in Medak District:
• Medak Cathedral Church
• Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Edupayala Temple
• Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple