UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO TELANGANA

INTRODUCTION TO TELANGANA – HISTORY & CULTURE

Telangana – the 29^th State of India – is a land of rich heritage, resilient people, and a history that stretches from the prehistoric era to the modern day. This comprehensive lecture note covers the formation of Telangana, origin of the word, historical significance, sources of history, geography, climate, minerals, social structure, economy, and cultural foundations. Ideal for students, researchers, and competitive exam aspirants.

1. Formation of Telangana State

Key Fact

Telangana was formed as the 29^th State of India on 2^nd June 2014, culminating a six-decade-long struggle carried forward by two generations.

The formation ended the era of movement and heralded a new era of development.
The mother tongue of the region was Telugu, but there was no scope for school education or government matters in Telugu till 1948.
Credit for fighting against atrocities of village officials, big landlords, and religious fanatics goes to Telangana farmers, tenants, workers, and common people.
Although people welcomed the idea of uniting all Telugu-speaking people, strong resentment prevailed over discrimination in ministerial posts, government employment, and spending of surplus funds.
The feeling of unequal treatment, lack of respect, and status vis-à-vis other counterparts fuelled the demand for a separate State.
The emergence of Telangana was the result of resentment and heart-burning.
Hope: the new State with its youthful vigour, committed leaders, and aspirational people will spread the name and fame of Telugu people far and wide.

2. Origin of the Word 'Telangana'

The word 'Telangana' is of very ancient origin. There is almost unanimous opinion that it originated from the word 'Trilinga' – used to identify Telugu people in the Puranas and other literary sources.

Key Evidence & Opinions

Dr. Parabrahma Sastry: The region inhabited by Telugu people was referred to as Trilinga Desam. Present Telangana should be treated as the starting point of early Andhra Desa.
Godavari Connection: Godavari, the perennial river, came to be known as 'Televaha river'. People living in its valley were called 'Trilingas'. In due course, this changed to Trilinga Desam → Telangana.
Greek Writings: Writings of the post-Mauryan period, such as Ptolemy's, also indicate the same name.
Inscriptional Evidence: Terms 'Trilinga', 'Tilinga', and 'Telanga' have been extensively used in royal inscriptions – from Purli Inscriptions of Ganga ruler Indravarma down to various Kakatiya inscriptions.
Popularization: Credit goes to post-Kakatiya period writers. Invasions of Delhi Sultans attracted Muslim scholars and court writers towards Telangana, leading to 'Telangana' stabilizing in the present form.
P. Srirama Sarma: Use of Telangana became common from Amir Khusru to Abul Fazal – or from Alauddin Khalji to Akbar.
Inscriptional Sources: Tellapur inscription (Sangareddy, Medak district, A.D. 1417), Velicharla inscription of Prataparudra Gajapati, and Krishna Devarayala's Tirumala and Chinnakanchi inscriptions.
Social Class: Brahmins of some branches during Kakatiya period were referred to as 'Telanganyulu'.
Suravaram Pratapareddy: As 'Anemu' referred to country, the term gained prominence at the time of the Golconda kingdom.
Conclusion: From the reign of Kakatiyas till present day, Telangana has been shaping itself in myriad forms.

3. Historical Significance of Telangana

The history of Telangana spreads from the pre-historic age to contemporary history.

Prehistoric Period

Paleolithic period: Tools and settlements of the Achulian tradition found in Peddapalli, Ramgundam, and Godavarikhani.
Telangana was a focal point in the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic ages – playing a key role in human civilisation.

6^th Century B.C. – Emergence of Regional Kingdoms

Asmaka – one of the prime Janapadas – was situated in the Nizamabad area, with Bodhan as its capital.
Telangana flourished remarkably during the time of Gautama Buddha.
Arthasastra reveals Telangana figured prominently in trade routes of the Mauryan period relating to Dakshinapatha.
Kautilya initially said southern trade routes were not so important – later changed his opinion and declared they were of great importance.

Satavahana Period

Historians gave more prominence to the Andhra region and less to Telangana.
Prof. Parabrahma Sastry: Greater probability of Nizamabad area becoming the home land of Satavahanas. The argument that Satavahanas moved to Dhanyakataka / Dharanikota, Amaravati after first settling in Nizamabad has been gaining acceptance.
Economic Role: Kondapur was a mint city for Satavahanas (according to Mallampalli Somasekhara Sarma). Coins bearing the name 'Sadvahana' found near Warangal.

Post-Satavahana Period

B.N. Sastry: Ikshvakus – ruled after Satavahanas with Vijayapuri near Nagarjunakonda as capital – controlled some districts of South Telangana. Early ruler Santamula conquered Asmaka and Mulaka.
Vakatakas: Northern Telangana might have been under their control after Ikshvakus.
Vishnukunds: Glory rose further; assumed power towards the end of 4^th century A.D.; gradually spread from Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda eastwards towards Vengi (Eluru).
Badami Chalukyas: Telangana was under their rule. Pulakesin II's inscription found on the border of Kurnool-Mahboobnagar mentions Chalukya Vishayas. Celebrated writer Bhavabhuti lived in Telangana during 7^th–8^th centuries A.D.
Rashtrakuta Feudatories – Vemulavada Chalukyas: Ruled westernmost Telangana with Bodhan and Vemulavada as centres. Referred to as 'Sampada Laksha Desam'. Region from Manjeera river to Mahakaleshwaram called 'Podanapadu'.
Kanduru Chodas and Kalyani Chalukyas: Telangana developed politically and culturally. Inscriptions refer to Nalgonda Fort, Kolanupaka, Nelakondapalli.
Kakatiya to Asaf Jahi Period: From Kakatiya period to Qutubshahis and till the end of Asaf Jahis rule, Telangana history attracted historians. Political, economic, social, and cultural developments imparted great importance.
Conclusion: From pre-historic period till modern period, Telangana has attained proud eminence and is marching forward with new vigour and in untrodden ways.

4. Sources of Telangana History

Sources are broadly divided into Literary and Archaeological sources.

A. Literary Sources

1. Native Writings – Religious

Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain religious writings.
Writings of Buddhist monk Nagarjuna; other Jain and Buddhist texts.
Adipurana – written by Pampa, court poet of Vemulavada Chalukya king Arikesari II.

2. Native Writings – Secular

'Gadha Saptasati' – by Satavahana King Hala – reflects social conditions.
'Vikramarka Vijayam' – by Pampa.
'Prataparudra Yasobhushanam' – by Vidyanadha.
Kautilya's 'Arthasastra' – reveals economic conditions (trade and commerce in South India).

3. Foreign Writings

Greek writings of early centuries A.D.
'Diary of the Red Sea' – by an unknown Greek navigator – mentions exports and imports from Telangana to coastal Andhra.

4. Medieval Telangana History – Literary Sources

H.K. Sherwani's – 'Qutubshahis of Golconda'.
Hirananda Sastry's – 'Shitab Khan of Warangal'.
'Proceedings of the Hyderabad Archaeological & Historical Society' – Jan–Aug 1941.
Dr. N. Venkataramanayya & Sri Mallampalli Somasekhara Sarma's – 'The Kakatiyas of Warangal'.
B. Yazdani (ed) – 'Early History of the Deccan, Vol-II'.
Maremanda Rama Rao (ed) – 'Kakatiya Sanchika' (1935).
P. Srinivasachar – 'Political, Social and Religious Conditions of the Deccan under the Kakatiyas' (1941).

5. Modern Telangana History – Asaf Jahi Rule

Entire modern history marked by Asaf Jahi rule.
Correspondence of Government Departments recorded in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu – many researchers lack familiarity.
Only some administrative reports in English are studied.
Dr. V. Ramakrishna Reddy: 'The Economic Development of Hyderabad State (Warangal Suba), 1911–1950' (1987).
Prof. V. Ramakrishna Reddy: 'Social and Economic Dynamics of Medak Suba of Former Hyderabad State, 1905–1950 A.D.' (2012) and 'Agricultural Development of Medak Suba...' (2014).

6. Surveys and Reports

'Economic Investigation in Hyderabad State 1929–30' – by S. Kesava Iyengar.
'Rural Economic Enquiries in Hyderabad State 1949–51' – by S. Kesava Iyengar.
Tenancy Committee Report (1940), Report on Agricultural Indebtedness (1937), Banking Enquiry Committee Report (1930), Agrarian Reforms Committee Report (1949), Royal Commission Report on Jagir Administration Reforms (1947).
Administrative Reports, Agricultural Statistics, Industrial Statistics, Trade Statistics, Statistical Abstracts, Villages Lists, Census Reports, Livestock Census, Labour Census Reports.

7. Peoples' Movements – Writings by Leaders

Sri Madapati Hanmanth Rao, Mandumula Narsing Rao, Swami Ramananda Thirtha, Madiraju Rama Koteshwara Rao, P. Sundarayya, Ravi Narayana Reddy, D. Venkateshwararao, M. Basava Punnayya, Suravaram Pratapa Reddy.

8. Newspapers and Journals

Newspapers: Golkonda Patrika, Deccan Chronicle, Meezan, The Hindu, Rayyat.
Journals: Hyderabad Information, The Hyderabad Bulletin, The Economic and Political Weekly.
Gazetteers: 'Hyderabad District Gazetteers, 1931–1936', 'Andhra Pradesh District Gazetteers, 1976', 'Imperial Gazetteer of India, Provincial Series, Hyderabad State, 1909', 'The Freedom Struggle in Hyderabad, Four Volumes'.

9. Individual Writings

S.H. Bilgrami & C. Wilmot – 'Historical and Descriptive Sketch of His Highness The Nizam's Dominions, 1983'.
I. Qureshi's – 'The Economic Development of Hyderabad, Vol-I, 1941'.
Maulvi Chirag Ali's – 'Hyderabad (Deccan) Under Salarjung, Vol 1, 1884'.
J.D.B. Gribble – 'A History of the Deccan, Vol I, 1895'.
Christophor Furer and Haimondarph – 'Tribal Hyderabad'.

B. Archaeological Sources

1. Prehistoric Period

Places of habitation, earthenware, pottery, burials of Paleolithic and Neolithic age.
Old Stone Age habitations: Asifabad and Laksettipeta (Adilabad), Amrabad (Mahaboobnagar), Yeleshwaram, Ramagiri, Narketpalli, Valigonda (Nalgonda).
New Stone Age: Ash mounds, refined stone tools, pottery pieces – found all over Telangana.
Megalithic period: Tombs at Hyderabad (Kondapur, Bowenpally), Nalgonda, Karimnagar.

2. Inscriptions

Earliest inscriptions issued by Satavahanas – mainly in Prakrit, with some Sanskrit.
Sanskrit became inscriptional language from 3^rd century A.D. onwards.
Chalukyan inscriptions – both Sanskrit and Kannada used.
Telugu along with Sanskrit began from Kakatiya period onwards.
Satavahana period inscriptions: Kotilingala (Karimnagar), Naneghat, Nasik, Karle (Maharashtra).
Kakatiya period inscriptions: Chandupatla (Nalgonda), Hanamkonda Thousand Pillar Temple, Bayyaram Cheruvu, Palampet, Motupalli (Warangal).
Motupalli inscription – issued by Kakati Ganapati Deva – gives details of sea trade with China, Myanmar, Srilanka, and Southeast Asian countries.

3. Coins

Satavahanas issued coins of lead, potin, copper, and silver.
Silver coin: 'Karslsapana'; Gold coins: 'Suvarna'.
Large-scale minting = economic prosperity; decrease = economic decline.
Yajnasri Satakarni – last great Satavahana ruler – issued coins with ship symbol – denotes brisk foreign/maritime trade.
Excavations reveal Dhulikatta, Peddabankur, Kondapur, Kotilingala developed as great market towns.

4. Designed Constructions

Secular: Orugallu and Bhuvanagiri forts, Samsthanas of Domakonda, Gadwal, Kollapur, Wanaparthi, Golconda fort, Charminar, Osmania University Arts College, Osmania Hospital, Legislative Assembly, Jubilee Hall.
Religious: Buddhist – Dhulikatta, Phanigiri, Keesragutta; Jain – Kolanupaka; Hindu – Alampur, Vemulawada, Bejjanki, Hanamkonda, Palampeta, Panagallu, Pillalamarri.
Buddhist Stupas: Phanigiri, Dhulikatta, Peddabankur – resemble Sanchi Stupa.
Kolanupaka Jain temple – patronage of Vemulavada Chalukyas and Kalyani Chalukyas.
Saiva temples – Mudigonda Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas.
Vaishnava temples – Vishnukundus at Burugugadda, Maktala, Lingagiri.
Nava Brahma / Svarga Brahma temples at Alampur – built by Western Chalukyas.

5. Sculptures

Reflect social life, religious views, cultural life, dress styles, occupations, and tastes.
Outstanding pieces: Orugallu fort gateway (Torana), Seated Nandi in Ramappa Temple (Palampeta), Madanikas (dancers) in the same temple.
Nandi at Ramappa – sculpted so wonderfully that it appears the same from any direction.

6. Painting

Satavahanas patronized painting – concentrated at Ajanta caves.
Kakatiyas contributed – paintings seen in Tripurantakam, Pillalamarri, Nagulapadu.

5. Location, Geographical Features: Importance and Influences

Formed an integral part of the Indian Peninsula – called Dakshinapatha in ancient period and Deccan in medieval and later periods.
Location: 15°55' to 19°55' North Latitudes and 77°22'35" to 81°2'23" Eastern Longitudes.
Even though tagged with Andhra from prehistoric period to 2014, Telangana has its own distinct geographical, political, economic, social, and cultural identity.

Rivers and Mountains

North: Godavari and Pranahita rivers.
South: Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
Natural boundaries from Dindi river (Nalgonda) to Kandikal (Khammam) separate Telangana from Maharashtra (north) and Karnataka (west).
Nallamala hills (Eastern Ghats) – present in Mahaboobnagar district.
Sahyadri range (Western Ghats) – enters Telangana from South-West in Adilabad district.
Local names: Nirmal Guttalu, Rakhi Guttalu (Karimnagar), Kandikal Guttalu (Khammam and Warangal).

Perennial Rivers

Godavari: Total 720 km (combined) – 79% in Telangana.
Krishna: Total 450 km (combined) – 68.5% in Telangana. Enters near Siddeswaram.
Both rivers make the New State rich in agricultural crops.

Tributaries and Tanks

Tributaries: Tungabhadra, Bhima, Manjira, Pranahita, Musi, Dindi, Paler, Munner, Penganga, Wardha.
Tanks: Kakatiyas built Ramappa, Pakhala, Laknavaram, Ghanapur (Warangal district).
At the time of integration, about 20,000 tanks existed. After formation, 'Mission Kakatiya' started for restoration.

6. Climate

Hot and humid: March to September; temperate: remaining months.
Four seasons: Winter (Dec–Feb), Summer (Mar–May), South-west monsoon (Jun–Sep), Post-monsoon (Oct–Nov).
Hilly regions and areas near Godavari and Pranahita – unhealthy malaria atmosphere; central plains – healthy.
Humidity: 65–80% in June; drops to 25% in summer.
Dry weather lower in Telangana than Marathwada due to tanks, reservoirs, and forests.
Cyclones from Bay of Bengal cause heavy rains and strong winds.
Thunder showers in summer and southwest monsoon; dusty winds in summer afternoons.

7. Temperature

Rises from end of February, peaks in May.
Hanumakonda, Khammam, Bhadrachalam, Ramagundam – touch 47°C (116°F).
Decreases from second week of June with northwest monsoon.
By first week of October, monsoon ends; temperatures fall rapidly.
December: Night temperatures as low as 9°C.
Winds: Westerly (Jun–Sep), Easterly (Oct–Feb), Northwesterly (Mar–May).

8. Mineral Resources – Importance, Impact

Coal deposits: Tandur, Adilabad, Singareni, Kothagudem, Khammam – first in the country. Supply to railways and Ramagundam Thermal Power Station.
Iron ore: Khammam, Adilabad, Warangal.
Other minerals: Asbestos, byrites, limestone, slab stone.
Mineral-rich districts: Khammam (Illendu), Mahaboobnagar, Adilabad, Rangareddy, Nalgonda.
Cement industry centered in Nalgonda district.
Granite: Available in different colours; used in buildings (e.g., Osmania University Arts College). Powdered granite mixed in cement as sand substitute. Buddha statue amidst Hussain Sagar sculpted from granite.
Besides black gold (coal), granite deposits are great gifts of nature to Telangana.

9. Race, Social Structure

People belonged to Dravidian race – black and brown complexion.
Mother tongue: Telugu; due to 433 years of Sultan and Nizam rule, Urdu influenced education and accent.
Telangana Socio-Economic Survey 2015:
- 61.33% rural, 38.67% urban.
- Population rise came down from 18.77% – progressive trend.
- Urban population growth: 38.12% (previous decade: 25.13%).
Density: Lowest – Adilabad (170/sq.km); Highest – Hyderabad (18,172/sq.km).
Females higher than national average; males higher in Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam. Average: 988 females per 1000 males.
Scheduled Castes: 15.44%; Scheduled Tribes: 9.34% – ST population higher than national average.
About 80% from backward, scheduled classes, and scheduled tribes.
Literacy: 66.46% (national average: 75.99%) – lower than Odisha, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh. Government focus needed.

10. Economy – Main Features

Sectors: Agriculture, Industry, Services.
2014–15: Services growth 9.7%; Industries 4.1%; Agriculture –10.3%.
Telangana attracting foreign investors.
Per capita income: Rs. 1,03,889 (previous year: Rs. 95,361).
Trends healthy; first socio-economic survey highlights challenges ahead.

11. Foundations of Telangana Cultural System

Distinct culture and heritage developed in ancient and medieval ages.

Batukamma Festival

Chief part of Telangana culture.
Sivalinga of Raja Rajeshwara Temple (Tanjore) belongs to Vemulavada – shifted by Chola King Raja Raja.
People consoled Parvati Devi by arranging flowers like Meru Mountain, keeping Gauri image in turmeric, praying during Dussera, and immersing in water – this is Batukamma.

Other Festivals

Sammakka and Sarakka Jatara – from Kakatiya times.
Bonalu – Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad Lashkar; gained popularity since Sikander Jah; in Aashada month; Potu Raju and Rangam are main events.

Dance Forms and Folklore Arts

Perini Siva Tandavam – Veerasaiva soldiers of Kakatiyas.
Dinsa dance, Gusadi dance, Garagala dance, Jangamas folklore, Dussera and Aasadha songs, Gangireddulata, Pichchakuntla songs, Budabukkalu, Kappa talli, Oggu Kathalu.

Literature, Architecture, and Sculpture

Development from Satavahanas to Kakatiyas, Qutubshahis, and Asafjahis.
Examples: Amaravati Stupa, Orugallu Torana, Charminar, Golconda Fort, Osmania University Arts College, Osmania Hospital, Legislative Assembly, Jubilee Hall.
Styles: Gandhara, Chalukyan, Indo-Saracenic.
Telangana culture = secular and composite culture – contributes to popular development with religious harmony.

Need for Awareness

Research on Telangana history and culture could not take place scientifically in composite Andhra Pradesh.
Present work attempts to fill this deficiency – first comprehensive attempt from Prehistoric age to new State.
Divided into three parts: Ancient, Medieval, Modern – covering political, administrative, economic, social, and cultural development.
Includes maps and exhibits of architecture and sculpture.

Summary Table – Telangana at a Glance

Topic	Key Points
Formation	29^th State, 6 decades of struggle, discrimination in posts, employment, funds
Origin of Word	From 'Trilinga', Godavari valley, Ptolemy, Kakatiya inscriptions
Historical Significance	Paleolithic to contemporary, Asmaka, Satavahanas, Vishnukunds, Kakatiyas
Sources	Literary (native, foreign), Archaeological (inscriptions, coins, monuments)
Location	15°55'–19°55'N, 77°22'–81°2'E, Godavari 79%, Krishna 68.5%
Climate	Hot & humid March–Sept, 4 seasons, malaria in hilly areas
Temperature	Peak in May (47°C), lowest in Dec (9°C)
Minerals	Coal, iron ore, granite, cement in Nalgonda
Society	Dravidian, 61.33% rural, SC 15.44%, ST 9.34%, literacy 66.46%
Economy	Services 9.7% growth, agriculture –10.3%, per capita Rs.1,03,889
Culture	Batukamma, Bonalu, Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara, Perini Siva Tandavam

📌 Note: These lecture notes are prepared for educational purposes. For detailed study, refer to the original sources and official publications. Stay tuned for more unit-wise Telangana History notes.

— End of Lecture Notes —

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO TELANGANA – HISTORY & CULTURE