Telangana India

Telangana: The Newly Formed State with a Rich Heritage

Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telangana

Wikipedia Excerpt: "Telangana (/ˌtɛlənˈɡɑːnə/ (listen)) is a state in India situated on the south-central stretch of the Indian Peninsula on the high Deccan Plateau. It is the eleventh-largest state and the twelfth-most populous state in India with a geographical area of 112,077 km2 (43,273 sq mi) and 35,193,978 residents as per 2011 census. On 2 June 2014, Telangana became the 29th state of India, formed from the north-western part of Andhra Pradesh."

History

Telangana's history is deeply intertwined with the larger Deccan region. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the area dating back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. The region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Satavahanas, who established a powerful empire with Kotilingala as one of their early capitals. The Kakatiya dynasty, with its capital at Warangal, marked a golden age for the region from the 12th to the 14th centuries, known for its patronage of art, literature, and the construction of impressive tanks and temples.

In the 14th century, the Delhi Sultanate gained control, followed by the Bahmani Sultanate and its successor, the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which made Golconda and later Hyderabad their capital. The Qutb Shahis were known for their cosmopolitan culture and architectural achievements, including the Charminar and the Golconda Fort.

The Mughals briefly held sway before Asaf Jahi, the Mughal governor, declared independence in 1724, establishing the Hyderabad State. The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled for over two centuries and were known for their wealth and cultural contributions. After India's independence in 1947, Hyderabad initially remained an independent princely state. However, following a period of political turmoil and a police action by the Indian government in 1948, Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union.

For several decades, the Telangana region was part of the larger state of Andhra Pradesh, formed in 1956. However, persistent movements for a separate statehood, citing historical, cultural, and economic disparities, continued. After years of political struggle, Telangana was finally granted statehood on June 2, 2014, becoming India's 29th state.

Culture

Telangana boasts a rich and unique cultural heritage, distinct from its neighboring regions.¹¹ The influence of the Kakatiya, Qutb Shahi, and Nizam dynasties is evident in its traditions, art forms, and festivals. Telugu is the primary language spoken in the state, with its own distinct dialect and literary traditions.

Festivals are celebrated with great fervor. Bathukamma, a unique floral festival celebrating womanhood, and Bonalu, a festival dedicated to the goddess Mahakali, are iconic to Telangana. Other major festivals include Ugadi (Telugu New Year), Sri Rama Navami, and Dussehra.

Traditional music and dance forms are vibrant. Perini Sivatandavam, a dance form that flourished during the Kakatiya dynasty, is being revived. Other folk dances include Burrakatha, Oggu Katha, and Lambadi dance. The Urdu language also has a significant cultural presence, particularly in Hyderabad, reflecting the influence of the Nizam era.

Art and Architecture

Telangana's art and architecture showcase a blend of indigenous styles and influences from various ruling dynasties. The Kakatiya period is known for its distinctive temple architecture, characterized by star-shaped bases, intricately carved pillars, and pyramidal shikharas. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal is a prime example.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty left an indelible mark with its grand structures in Hyderabad, such as the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, showcasing a fusion of Persian, Pathan, and Hindu architectural styles. The Nizam era further contributed to Hyderabad's architectural landscape with palaces like the Chowmahalla Palace and the Falaknuma Palace, blending European and Indian styles.

Traditional Telangana art includes Bidri work (metal handicraft with intricate silver inlay), Nirmal paintings (inspired by Ajanta murals), and Cheriyal scroll paintings (narrative folk art).

Major Cities

• Hyderabad: The capital and largest city of Telangana, a major metropolitan hub and a center for technology, commerce, and culture. As per the 2011 census, the population of the Hyderabad metropolitan region was around 7.75 million.
• Warangal: A historical city that served as the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, known for its ancient temples and fort. Its population was approximately 811,844 in 2011.
• Nizamabad: A major agricultural and commercial center in northern Telangana. Its population was around 311,152 in 2011.
• Khammam: An important town in eastern Telangana, known for its agricultural produce and mining activities. Its population was around 313,504 in 2011.
• Karimnagar: A significant urban center in northern Telangana. Its population was around 297,546 in 2011.

Temples and Palaces

Telangana is home to numerous ancient and significant temples, reflecting its rich religious history. Some prominent temples include:

• Bhadrachalam Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
• Yadadri Temple (Lakshmi Narasimha Temple): A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
• Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal: A Kakatiya-era architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya.
• Ramappa Temple (Rudreshwara Temple), Palampet: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique Kakatiya architecture and floating bricks.
• Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basar: A famous temple dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati.

Telangana also boasts several magnificent palaces, remnants of its royal past, particularly in Hyderabad:

• Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad: The seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, known for its elegant architecture.
• Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad: A grand palace built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, now a luxury hotel.
• Purani Haveli, Hyderabad: Another historical palace of the Nizams.
• King Kothi Palace, Hyderabad: The residence of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Geography

Telangana is located on the Deccan Plateau and is characterized by a rocky terrain with hills, valleys, and forests. The state is drained by two major river systems, the Godavari and the Krishna, along with their tributaries. The climate is predominantly hot and semi-arid, with distinct summer, monsoon, and winter seasons. The vegetation ranges from scrub forests to deciduous forests. The state is rich in mineral resources, including coal, limestone, and iron ore.

People and Ethnicity

According to the 2011 Census, the population of Telangana is 35,193,978. The majority of the population are Telugu speakers. There is a significant Urdu-speaking minority, particularly in Hyderabad. Other linguistic groups also reside in the state. The tribal population of Telangana includes groups like the Gonds, Lambadis (Banjara), Koya, and Chenchu, each with their own distinct languages and cultural traditions.

Cuisine

Telangana's cuisine is known for its spicy and flavorful dishes, influenced by its history and geography. Rice is the staple food. Some popular Telangana dishes include:

• Hyderabadi Biryani: A world-renowned rice dish with meat and aromatic spices, a legacy of the Nizam era.
• Haleem: A rich stew of meat, lentils, and pounded wheat, traditionally prepared during Ramadan.
• Bagara Baingan: Eggplant cooked in a spicy peanut and sesame seed-based gravy.
• Sarva Pindi: A savory pancake made with rice flour, lentils, and spices.
• Jonna Roti: Flatbread made from sorghum flour.
• Potlakaya Kura: Snake gourd curry.

Healthcare

The healthcare infrastructure in Telangana is a mix of government and private hospitals, primary health centers, and community health centers. Hyderabad is a major medical hub, with numerous advanced hospitals and research institutions. The state government is focusing on improving healthcare access and affordability, especially in rural areas, through initiatives like Arogyasri (a health insurance scheme). Major government hospitals include Osmania General Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad.

Religions

Hinduism is the predominant religion in Telangana, with a large majority of the population identifying as Hindu. Islam is the second-largest religion, with a significant population, particularly in Hyderabad. There are also smaller communities of Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.

Tourism

Telangana offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, including historical monuments, religious sites, natural landscapes, and modern urban experiences. Key tourist destinations include:

• Hyderabad: With its iconic Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, and Ramoji Film City.
• Warangal: Known for its Kakatiya-era temples and fort.
• Yadadri: A major Hindu pilgrimage center.
• Bhadrachalam: Another significant temple town dedicated to Lord Rama.
• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: One of the world's largest masonry dams with historical sites on an island in the reservoir.
• Kuntala Falls: A scenic waterfall in Adilabad district.

Politics and Government

Telangana has a parliamentary system of government. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India. The Chief Minister is the head of the elected government and leads the Council of Ministers. The state has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and the Telangana Legislative Council. Telangana sends 17 members to the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament) and 7 members to the Rajya Sabha (upper house). Regional political parties have played a dominant role in the state's politics since its formation.

Transportation

Telangana has a well-developed transportation network, including roads, railways, and airways.

Roads

Telangana has an extensive road network connecting all major cities, towns, and villages. National Highways and state highways are well-maintained, facilitating smooth travel across the state.

Airports

Telangana has one major international airport:

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD): A modern and well-connected airport serving both domestic and international flights.

There are also smaller airports and airstrips in other parts of the state, primarily for domestic travel and aviation training.

Rail Services

Hyderabad is a major railway hub, serving as the headquarters of the South Central Railway zone. The state has a comprehensive railway network connecting it to all parts of India. Major railway stations are located in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Warangal, Nizamabad, and Khammam.

Major Train Stations

Some of the major train stations in Telangana include:

• Secunderabad Junction (SC)
• Hyderabad Deccan Nampally (HYB)
• Kachiguda Railway Station (KCG)
• Warangal Railway Station (WL)
• Nizamabad Junction (NZB)
• Khammam Railway Station (KMT)

Bridges

Telangana has numerous bridges across its rivers and reservoirs, facilitating transportation. Notable bridges include those over the Godavari and Krishna rivers, as well as bridges across the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir.

IT Industry

Hyderabad has emerged as a major IT hub in India, often referred to as "Cyberabad." The city is home to numerous multinational technology companies and a thriving startup ecosystem. The IT industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy, providing employment to a large number of people. Key IT clusters include HITEC City, Gachibowli, and Madhapur.

Colleges and Universities

Telangana has a large number of educational institutions, including universities and colleges offering a wide range of programs:

• Osmania University, Hyderabad: One of the oldest and largest universities in the state.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (JNTUH).
• University of Hyderabad.
• Kakatiya University, Warangal.
• Telangana University, Nizamabad.
• Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad.
• Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad).
• International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad).

Education System

The education system in Telangana follows the 10+2+3 pattern. School education is overseen by the Directorate of School Education, Telangana. The state has a large number of government and private schools. Efforts are ongoing to improve literacy rates and the quality of education across the state.

Dams

Telangana has several major dams and irrigation projects, primarily built across the Godavari and Krishna rivers:

• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: One of the largest masonry dams in the world, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power.
• Srisailam Dam: Another major dam on the Krishna River.
• Kaddam Dam (Nizam Sagar Project): An important irrigation project on the Manjira River (a tributary of Godavari).
• Singur Dam: Built on the Manjira River, serving irrigation and drinking water needs.

Fishing

Fishing is an important activity in Telangana's rivers, reservoirs, and tanks, providing livelihoods for many communities. The state government supports fisheries through various schemes and infrastructure development.

Cattle Farming

Cattle farming is an integral part of the agricultural sector in Telangana, primarily for milk production and agricultural purposes. The state has various indigenous breeds of cattle.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a significant sector of Telangana's economy. Major crops include rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane, and pulses. The state benefits from the irrigation provided by the Godavari and Krishna river systems.

Industries

Telangana has a diverse industrial sector, including:

• Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITES): Hyderabad is a major global hub.
• Pharmaceuticals: Hyderabad is also a significant center for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Manufacturing: Including engineering goods, electrical equipment, and machinery.
• Food processing: Based on the state's agricultural output.
• Textiles: Including cotton ginning and weaving units.

Food Industry

The food processing industry in Telangana is growing, focusing on processing rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables. There is potential for further expansion in value-added food processing.

Milk Industry

The milk industry in Telangana is developing, with cooperatives and private dairies involved in milk collection, processing, and distribution. Efforts are being made to increase milk production and improve the dairy sector.

Automobile Industry

Hyderabad and its surrounding areas have a growing presence in the automobile and auto components manufacturing sector, with several national and international companies having established facilities.

Textile Industry

Telangana has a significant textile industry, with traditional handloom weaving, power looms, and garment manufacturing units. Pochampally Ikat sarees are a famous handloom product from the state, known for their unique dyeing and weaving techniques.