Telangana, the youngest state in India, officially came into existence on June 2, 2014. This momentous event marked the culmination of a long and often tumultuous struggle for a separate identity. The history of Telangana is a rich tapestry woven with ancient civilizations, dynastic rule, cultural amalgamation, and a passionate movement for statehood.
The name “Telangana” has deep historical roots, originally derived from “Trilinga,” referring to the land of the three sacred Shiva lingas at Kaleshwaram, Srisailam, and Draksharamam. In ancient times, the region was known as Āndhra dēśa and Trilingadēśa, symbolizing the Telugu-speaking people’s land. Over time, “Trilinga” evolved into “Telinga” and eventually “Telangana.” The term “Telangana” was used to distinguish the Telugu-speaking part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State from the Marathi-speaking region of Marathwada. After the Asaf Jahi rulers ceded Seemandhra to the British, the remaining Telugu region continued to be called Telangana.
Ancient and Medieval History
Telangana’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements in the region as early as 1,500 BCE. It was home to the great Satavahana dynasty, which ruled from 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE, making it one of the earliest and most significant dynasties in Indian history. The region later came under the rule of the Ikshvakus, Vishnukundins, and the Chalukyas.
During the medieval period, Telangana saw the rise of the Kakatiya dynasty, with Warangal as its capital. The Kakatiyas were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and the promotion of Telugu culture. The famous Warangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple are enduring legacies of this era. After the fall of the Kakatiyas in the 14th century, Telangana became part of the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which established Hyderabad as its capital in 1591.
Colonial Era and Hyderabad State
In the 18th century, the region fell under the control of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, with the Nizams of Hyderabad ruling over a princely state under British suzerainty. The Nizams’ reign was marked by a feudal system, with large landholdings controlled by landlords, leading to widespread poverty and agrarian distress among the peasantry.
The region remained largely untouched by direct British rule, but the influence of colonial policies was felt in various aspects of administration and economy. The struggle for independence and social reform also touched Telangana, with several peasant movements emerging, most notably the Telangana Rebellion of 1946-1951, led by the Communist Party against oppressive landlordism and feudal practices.
Post-Independence and Merger with Andhra Pradesh
After India’s independence in 1947, the princely state of Hyderabad was annexed into the Indian Union in 1948. Telangana was merged with Andhra State, carved out of Madras Presidency, to form the state of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. This merger was met with resistance from the people of Telangana, who feared economic and political marginalization in a state dominated by the more developed Andhra region.
The Movement for Statehood
The demand for a separate Telangana state gained momentum over the decades, fueled by grievances over water resources, employment opportunities, and cultural identity. The movement saw various phases, with protests, political mobilization, and eventually, widespread public support.
In the 2000s, the movement for statehood reached its peak, with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) playing a crucial role in advocating for a separate state. The struggle was marked by strikes, protests, and even instances of violence, but it also saw massive participation from all sections of society, including students, intellectuals, and civil society groups.
Formation of Telangana
The relentless struggle finally bore fruit when the Indian government, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the creation of Telangana as a separate state in 2013. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act was passed in February 2014, and on June 2, 2014, Telangana was officially recognized as the 29th state of India, with Hyderabad as its capital.
Conclusion The history of Telangana is a story of resilience, cultural richness, and a relentless pursuit of self-identity. From ancient dynasties to the modern statehood movement, Telangana has always stood as a testament to the spirit of its people. Today, as the state continues to grow and develop, it carries forward the legacy of its rich history while carving out a new future for itself.