Telangana
| Telangana | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Land of Telangana |
| Capital | Hyderabad |
| Largest City | Hyderabad |
| Country | India |
| Official Language | Telugu, Urdu |
| Area | 1,12,077 km² |
| Population | 3.5 crore (approx.) |
| Districts | 33 |
| Founded | 2 June 2014 |
Telangana is a state located in southern India, formed on 2 June 2014 as India's 29th state following its bifurcation from the combined Andhra Pradesh state. The formation of Telangana fulfilled a long-standing demand of the people of the Telangana region for a separate state. Hyderabad serves as the capital and largest city of Telangana and is one of India's major metropolitan cities — renowned as a global hub for information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Telangana is known for its rich historical heritage, vibrant culture, distinctive cuisine, ancient temples and the legacy of the Nizams of Hyderabad.
Geography
Telangana is bordered by Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east and south, and Karnataka to the west. The state lies on the Deccan Plateau and is predominantly drained by the Krishna and Godavari rivers — two of South India's most important river systems. The state has a diverse landscape comprising plains, forests, hills and river valleys.
The Nagarjunasagar Dam on the Krishna River and the Srisailam Dam are among the largest dams in India and are located in Telangana — providing irrigation and hydroelectric power to the region.
History
Telangana has a rich and ancient history spanning several millennia. The region was part of several powerful ancient kingdoms including the Satavahanas, Kakatiyas, Bahmanis and the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The Kakatiya dynasty — which ruled from Warangal between the 12th and 14th centuries — left a magnificent architectural legacy including the famous Warangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple.
The region came under the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad from 1724, who governed as one of the most powerful princely states in British India. The Nizam's Hyderabad was known for its wealth, culture and architectural splendour — including the iconic Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Falaknuma Palace.
After Indian independence in 1947, Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union in 1948. The combined Andhra Pradesh state was formed in 1956. Following decades of agitation for a separate Telangana state, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) led movement culminated in the formation of Telangana as India's 29th state on 2 June 2014.
Economy
Telangana has one of the fastest growing economies among Indian states. Key sectors include:
- Information Technology — Hyderabad is one of India's top IT hubs, home to major global technology companies including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook, as well as thousands of Indian IT companies; HITEC City (Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy City) is the heart of the IT industry
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology — Hyderabad is known as the Pharma City of India and is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs
- Agriculture — Rice, cotton, sugarcane and maize are major crops; the state is also a significant producer of turmeric and red chillies
- Mining — Telangana has significant deposits of coal, limestone, bauxite and fluorite
- Tourism — Heritage tourism, religious tourism and nature tourism contribute to the growing tourism economy
Tourism
Telangana is home to several significant historical, religious and natural attractions:
- Charminar — The iconic 16th-century mosque and monument in Hyderabad, the most recognised symbol of the city
- Golconda Fort — A magnificent medieval fort and former capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom
- Ramoji Film City — One of the world's largest integrated film studio complexes, located in Hyderabad
- Warangal Fort — The historic capital of the Kakatiya dynasty
- Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal — A magnificent 12th-century Kakatiya temple
- Nagarjunasagar — A major dam and historical Buddhist site
- Pochampally — A UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, known for its distinctive Ikat silk weaving
- Hussain Sagar Lake — A large artificial lake in the heart of Hyderabad with a monolithic Buddha statue at its centre
Culture
Telangana has a rich and distinctive cultural identity rooted in Telugu language, literature and folk traditions. The state is known for its vibrant folk arts including Perini Sivatandavam (a classical dance form), Bonalu festival, Bathukamma (a floral festival celebrating womanhood) and the famous Hyderabadi biryani — one of the most celebrated culinary traditions in India.
The Deccan Festival and the Hyderabad Literary Festival are important cultural events that celebrate the state's diverse heritage. Telangana is also home to the distinctive Bidriware craft — a form of metal handicraft that originated in Bidar and is widely practised in the region.
Education
Telangana has several prominent educational institutions:
- University of Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Hyderabad
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Telangana University, Nizamabad
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Transport
Telangana has a well-connected transport network:
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad — One of India's busiest and most modern international airports
- Hyderabad Metro — One of India's most extensive metro rail networks
- Railways — Hyderabad is a major railway junction on the South Central Railway network
- Roads — The state has an extensive network of national and state highways; the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road is one of India's finest urban expressways