The name Telangana is believed to have originated from the phrase Trilinga Desa which means “Land of the Three Lingas.” This refers to the presence of three ancient Shiva temples in the region: Kaleshwaram, Srisailam, and Draksharamam. 

Another possible explanation for the name is that during the reign of the Nizams, the region was known as Telugu Angana, which means Telugu (language) Courtyard, to distinguish it from areas where Marathi was spoken.

Telangana, a state in south-central India, rests on the vast Deccan plateau. Two mighty rivers, the Krishna and the Godavari, nurture the land. Over the centuries, it has seen the rise and fall of many powerful rulers and dynasties.

Overview of Telangana History

Telangana has been home to several dynasties throughout its history, including the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Mughals, and Qutub Shahis, among others. The Satavahanas ruled over a vast area of the peninsula, including Telangana, from around 1000 BCE to 300 BCE. This period saw a flourishing of art and literature.

The Kakatiya dynasty ruled over the present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions for 240 years. Their reign brought about significant economic and cultural progress. Notably, Rudramadevi, a woman ruler ahead of her time, was a beloved monarch. The dynasty’s last ruler, Prataparudra II, was defeated by the forces of Muhammad bin Tughluq, leading to the dynasty’s collapse in 1323.

Following the victory of Quli Qutub Mulk, the region came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate. He established the Qutub Shahi dynasty in 1518, during which the present Golconda Fort was constructed. In 1687, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s siege of the Golconda Fort brought an end to the Golconda Sultanate.

These dynasties have left an indelible mark on Telangana’s history, shaping its culture, architecture, and traditions. The region’s rich heritage is a testament to the diverse rulers who have governed it over the centuries.

Pre and Post-Independence Era

In the late 18th century, the Asaf Jahi Nizams took control of the region. They aligned with the East India Company in their conflict with Tipu Sultan. In 1799, Nasir-ud-dawlah, Asaf Jah IV, was forced to sign a subsidiary alliance with the British, relinquishing control over the Rayalaseema regions and coastal Andhra, as well as ceding control of the state’s defence and foreign affairs to the British.

Following India’s independence, the Nizam of Hyderabad sought to maintain Hyderabad’s independence, but the Indian government rejected this demand. Operation Polo was launched to integrate the state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Upon the operation’s success, the Kannada-speaking regions were integrated into Karnataka, the Marathi-speaking regions joined Maharashtra, and the Telugu-speaking regions merged with Andhra Pradesh. In 1956, Hyderabad city was declared the capital of united Andhra Pradesh.

These developments left a profound impact on Telangana’s political landscape, shaping its relationship with the Indian Union and its neighbouring states. The region’s rich history continues to influence its identity and development today.

Telangana Formation Era

In 1969, a separate Telangana agitation was launched in response to unfulfilled promises regarding the region’s rights. Despite a subsequent Gentleman’s agreement, the grievances remained unaddressed, leading to renewed protests. In 2001, Shri. K Chandrasekhar Rao revitalised the Telangana movement by forming the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party.

For a long time, people wanted to have a new state called Telangana because they thought the government of Andhra Pradesh wasn’t paying enough attention to the area. In 2013, the Indian government decided to make Telangana its own state, and it officially started on June 2, 2014. Some people were not happy about it and showed their feelings through protests, but now, Telangana is more stable and is growing.