Telangana

Telangana is a historically rich region of south-central India whose identity has been shaped by ancient kingdoms, medieval dynasties, princely-state administration, and a modern people’s movement that culminated in the formation of India’s 29th state in 2014. Its history is deeply connected to the Deccan Plateau, river systems like the Godavari and Krishna, and a long tradition of agrarian, cultural, and political life.

Ancient and early-historic foundations

Archaeological evidence shows that parts of present-day Telangana were inhabited from prehistoric times. During early historic periods, the region came under the influence of the Satavahanas, who ruled large parts of the Deccan between the 1st century BCE and 3rd century CE. They promoted trade, urban settlements, and Buddhist culture, leaving behind coins, inscriptions, and stupas in the wider Deccan region. After the Satavahanas, the area witnessed the rise of local powers such as the Vakatakas and early Chalukyas, reflecting the region’s strategic importance.

The Kakatiya golden age

Telangana’s most celebrated medieval chapter is associated with the Kakatiya dynasty (12th–14th centuries). Ruling from Warangal, the Kakatiyas built a strong, regionally rooted kingdom. They introduced effective tank-based irrigation systems, encouraged agriculture, and patronized distinctive temple architecture. Monuments like Warangal Fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple, and the Ramappa (Rudreshwara) Temple—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—symbolize this era. The Kakatiyas also promoted Telugu language and culture, giving the region a strong cultural foundation.

Sultanates and the Qutb Shahi period

After the fall of the Kakatiyas in the early 14th century, Telangana passed through the hands of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Bahmani Sultanate. In the 16th century, the Qutb Shahi dynasty established control, ruling from Golconda and founding Hyderabad in 1591. The Qutb Shahis developed Hyderabad as a planned city, encouraged trade (including diamonds from the Golconda region), and fostered a syncretic culture blending Persian, Telugu, and Deccani traditions.

The Nizams and Hyderabad State

In 1724, Asaf Jahi dynasty came to power, ruling Hyderabad State for over two centuries. Telangana formed the core of this princely state. Under the Nizams, railways, irrigation projects, educational institutions, and modern administration expanded, though economic and social inequalities also deepened—especially between Telangana and the coastal-Andhra regions after Independence.

Post-Independence and the Telangana movement

After 1948, Hyderabad State was integrated into India, and in 1956 Telangana was merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. Over time, concerns grew in Telangana regarding resource sharing, employment, irrigation, and regional identity. These grievances gave rise to a sustained political movement demanding a separate state.

Formation of Telangana (2014)

After decades of protests and negotiations, Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014 as India’s 29th state, with Hyderabad as its capital. This marked the culmination of a democratic struggle rooted in history, culture, and regional aspirations