Telangana General Knowledge - History Geography Transport

History of Telangana
Telangana was once ruled by Satavahana dynasty followed by Vishnukundina, Vakataka, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya and Western Chalukya. Telangana area had its golden era during the reign of Kakatiya dynasty. In 14th century Delhi Sultanate ruled this area, followed by Bahmani Sultanate. Hyderabad state was annexed in Indian Union on 17th September 1948, after a military operation, Operation Polo. Telangana Rebellion was a peasant revolt, originated in the Telangana regions of the Hyderabad state between 1946 and 1951. After reorganization Telangana was merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. After many issues and committees, Telangana was officially formed on 2nd June 2014.

Also See : Telangana GK Objective Questions and Answers


Geography of Telangana
Telangana is situated on the Deccan Plateau. Telangana shares the borders with Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa states. Krishna and Godavari along with many minor rivers passes through the state. It has an area of 114840 sq kms making it the 12th largest state in the country.

Government and Administration of Telangana
Hyderabad is the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for not more than ten years. Telangana is divided into 10 districts. Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Telugu Desam Party and Indian National Congress are the major political parties in the state. Telangana legislative assembly consists of 119 seats. Telangana contributes 17 members to the Indian Assembly.

Language and Culture of Telangana
Telangana culture combines cultural customs from Persian traditions and south Indian traditions and customs. Perini Sivatandavam or Perini Thandavam, also known as 'Dance of Warriors' is performed by warriors before leaving to battlefield. Perini is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also one of the famous dance form in the state. Telangana folk songs left a profound impact on the Statehood movement. Oggu Katha or Oggukatha is a traditional folklore singing praising and narrating the stories of Hindu gods. Nirmal paintings are one of the popular painting forms in the state. Telugu and Hyderabadi cuisines are two cuisines in the state. Telugu cuisine is spicy whereas Hyderabadi cuisine contains more of millet and roti. Telugu is widely spoken, followed by Urdu, Hindi and English.

Education Status in Telangana
Telangana houses Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT) which caters the educational needs of rural youth in Telangana. University of Hyderabad, International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Indian School of Business, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Hyderabad, Kakatiya University Warangal, Osmania University Hyderabad, Telugu University Hyderabad, NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad, Urdu University Hyderabad are some of the famous universities in the state. Telangana has research centers like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Hyderabad, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.

Economy of Telangana
Telangana’s economy is mainly driven by agriculture. Rice is the major food corp. Gherkins, mangoes and grapes are majorly exported. Hyderabad contributes 15% of IT exports in India. Many manufacturing and services industries are located in and around Hyderabad. Automobiles and auto components industry, mines and minerals, spices, pharmaceutical, horticulture, textiles and apparels, poultry farming are the main industries in Telangana. There are 68 Special Economic Zones in Telangana.

Tourism in Telangana
Telangana's tourist attractions include historical places, monuments, forts, waterfalls, forests and temples. Charminar, Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, Bhongir Fort, Paigah Tombs are some of the famous monuments in the state. Yadagirigutta, Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrachalam Temple, Sri Raja Rajeshwara temple, Ramappa Temple, Birla Mandir, Basara, Nelakondapalli, Mecca Masjid, Medak Church are some of the religious destinations in the state. Pocharam wildlife sanctuary is spread in 130sq kms and houses several quadrupeds. Kuntula waterfalls in Adilabad are highest waterfalls in the state at height of 147 meters amidst dense forest and sahayadri mountain range. Adventurous tourism can be experienced in Bhuvanagiri. Telangana is well connected by air, road and rail.

Festivals Celebrated in Telangana
Bathukamma is a colorful and vibrant festival celebrated by women, during the latter half of monsoon, before the onset of winter. The women of neighborhood gather in large number and they start singing songs by circling it repeatedly, building a beautiful human circle of unity, love, sisterhood. Batukamma celebrates the inherent relationship between earth, water and the human beings. Bonalu is celebrated during Ashada Masam by worshipping Goddess Mahakali. The festival is a form of thanksgiving to the Goddess after the fulfillment of vows. The Sammakka Saralamma shrine area in Warangal is built during the 12th century in the memory of two tribal women. This festival is considered as the largest tribe festival of the world. Apart from these all the major festivals in India are celebrated.