History

Gadwal is a city and the district Headquarter of Jogulamba Gadwal district in the Indian state of Telangana.It is located 188 km (117 mi) from the state capital of Hyderabad and is a state assembly constituency. Gadwal historically served as the capital of Gadwal Samsthanam, a vassal of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Gadwal was previously part of the Raichur region of Hyderabad-Karnataka.

Gadwal developed around a fort built by the Gadwal ruler Somanadri, Gadwal Samsthanam, which was a vassal of the Nizam of Hyderabad. It was protected by Mallichetti vamshiyulu. The Nagi Reddy, known today as Nagappa, was an Ayngarashakulu of Gadwal Samsthanam (Raja Somanadri was a minor). He died in a war with Sultans. Nagappa was succeeded by Narsappa as Gadwal Samsthanam Ayngarashakulu, but had to leave the palace.

Gadwal Fort is an imposing structure around which the old town sprawls. The fort houses several old temples, the most important of which is Sri Chennakesava Swamy. Another well-known temple, Jammulamma, is located west to the city.

The Priyadarshini Jurala Project is a large dam  in Gadwal. It has almost 62 gates, and its generation capacity is 234 MW.

Gadwala is known for its handloom Jari chiralu (Gadwala sarees). It was registered as one of the geographical indication from Telangana by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. They are most notable for the Zari on the saris. The sari consists of a cotton body with a silk pallu which called Sico saris. The weave is so light that the saree can be packed in a matchbox. For Lord Venkateshwara Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Bramhotsavam starts with Gadwala-weaved Pattu Vastralu every year.