HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

1

SALIENT FEATURES OF TELANGANA SOCIETY

DEMOGRAPHIC FEATURES

Telangana is the 29th state of India, formed on the 2nd of June 2014. The state has an area of 1,14,840

Sq Km and has a population of 3,52,86,757. The Telangana region was part of the Hyderabad state

from 17th September 1948 to 1st November 1956, until it was merged with Andhra state to form the

Andhra Pradesh state.

After decades of movement for a separate State, Telangana was created by passing the AP State

Reorganization Bill in both houses of Parliament.

Telangana is surrounded by:

Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh in the North,

Karnataka in the West and

Andhra Pradesh in the South and East directions.

Major cities of the state include Hyderabad, Warangal, Nizamabad and Karimnagar.

The State comprises 10 districts covering an area of 1,14,840 sq. km (44,340 sq. mi). The largest

district is Mahabubnagar whereas Hyderabad is the smallest.

Ten districts of Telangana:

Adilabad

Hyderabad

Karimnagar

Khammam

Mahaboobnagar

Medak

Nizamabad

Rangareddy

Warangal

Telangana comprises of people belonging to different communities, religions and castes. Each caste is

again sub divided into a number of castes and sub castes. Many tribal communities also exist in

Telangana. Gonds, Koyas, Kolanlu, Paradhanulu, Thoti are important tribes inhabiting the surrounding

areas of river Godavari; Chenchus tribes are found around River Krishna and Lambadas are the

nomadic pastoral tribes of Telangana

Resources of Telangana

45% of the forest area in Andhra Pradesh state is in Telangana region, spread across five districts. 20%

of the coal deposits in the country are in Telangana region. The Singareni Collieries Company

excavates coal for industrial purposes and for thermal power stations. The power generated is supplied

to the entire of South India. There are limestone deposits in the region, which cater to cement

factories. Telangana has other resources such as bauxite and mica.

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

2

Telangana statistics

Capital City Hyderabad

Area 114,840 Sq. Kms

Districts 10

Revenue Divisions 42

Towns (as per Census, 2011) 158

Municipal Corporations 6

Municipalities 38

Nagara Panchayaths 25

Zilla Praja Parishads 9

Mandal Praja Parishads 443

Gram Panchayaths 8778

Revenue Mandals 464

Revenue Villages 10,761

Inhabited Villages 10,128

Un-inhabited Villages 633

Households 83.58 Lakhs

Household size 4

Population 351.94 Lakhs

Male 177.04 Lakhs

Female 174.90 Lakhs

Sex Ratio (Female per 1000 Males) 988 Ratio

Density of Population 307 per Sq. Km

Decadal Growth Rate (2001-2011) 13.58 Rate

Rural Population 215.85 Lakhs

Rural Population Male 107.97 Lakhs

Rural Population Female 107.88 Lakhs

Rural Population Sex Ratio (Female per 1000

Males)

999 Ratio

Rural to Total Population 61.33 %

Urban Population 136.09 Lakhs

Urban Population Male 69.07 Lakhs

Urban Population Female 67.02 Lakhs

Urban Population Sex Ratio (Female per 1000

Males)

970 Ratio

Urban to Total Population 38.64 %

SC Population 54.33 Lakhs

SC Population Male 27.05 Lakhs

SC Population Female 27.28 Lakhs

ST Population 32.87 Lakhs

ST Population Male 16.60 Lakhs

ST Population Female 16.27

Child Population (0-6 years) 39.20 Lakhs

Child Population (0-6 years) Male 20.28 Lakhs

Child Population (0-6 years) Female 18.92 Lakhs

Child to Total Population 11.14 %

Child Sex Ratio (Female per 1000 Males) 933 Ratio

Literates 207.84 Lakhs

12 t h t h

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

4

3. Village Deity:

Every village has one village deity (Grama Devatha). Popular grama devathas of Telangana are:

1. Ooradamma – protects the village

2. Yellamma – provides security to the village

3. Laxmamma – protects the wealth of the village

4. Paudalamma – protects the boundaries of the village

5. Maisamma – ensures the safety of dams and bridges over lakes

6. Poochamma – protects the village burial grounds from evil spirits

These deities are considered as an incarnation of one of the seven goddesses – Bramhi, Maheshwari,

Kaumari, Vishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi - popularly known as Saptamatrulu or seven

mothers. Potharaju is believed to be their brother.

5. Voori Panduga:

Whenever any adversity (eg - spread of contagious diseases) befalls the villages, the villagers tie

Turmeric, Rice and kukuma as an offering to the diety. As soon as the rainy season starts, the village

fest is held. From the day the offering is tied, nobody in the village eats non vegetarian. Also no one

leaves the village and no outsider visits the village.

The ceremony involving the sacrifice of goats and hen by Pootharaju during the village fest is called

Gavupattadam.

6. Art Forms

Some classical art forms received the royal patronage and attained finesse. However, the art forms of

the innumerable communities spread across the length and breadth of the State give Telangana its

distinct identity.

While the Kakatiya rule led to evolution of dance forms such as Perini Sivatandavam, also known as

‘dance of warriors’, the commoners, faced with the challenges of daily life developed traditions of

story-telling coupled with solutions to tide over them through Golla Suddulu, Oggu Kathalu and

Gotralu etc.

Several art forms like above mingled and new forms emerged. The ubiquitous ‘Dhoom Dham’ is one

such evolved and composite art form. They generally were about the struggle and exploitation. People

adopted the old sensibilities of theatre and art changing the content as per the case and place.

A variant of Yakshagana, Chindu Bhagavatham is performed widely across Telangana. It is a theater

art form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique

style and form. The word ‘Chindu’ in Telugu means ‘jump’. As their presentation is interspersed with

leaps and jumps, it gained the name of Chindu Bhagavatam. Most of the stories narrated are from

‘Bhagavatam’.

Qawali, Ghazals and Mushairas evolved under the patronage of Qutub Shahi and the Asafjahi rulers in

and around the capital city of Hyderabad.

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

5

Koya Dance (Permakok ata) - Koyas perform a robust colourful dance called

(Permakok ata) Bison Horn dance during festive and marriage ceremonies. The men

put on Bison Horns on head and wear colourful dress. Koya dance is performed mainly

by the Koya tribes of Orissa and A.P. Usually both boys and girls take part in this

dance but the girls are more prominent. The girls engage in beating sticks on the

ground, which are fitted with small bells. They form complicated zig-zag and

unwinding circles and it is the most attractive part of the dance. This dance is

performed by Koyas inhabiting the scheduled areas of Khammam and Warangal.

Kurru Dance - Kurru dance is performed by Koyas of Warangal district. Only male

members of Koya tribe perform this dance. They dance according to the tune played by

six musicians i.e. three persons playing flute and three persons playing drums. They

perform this dance after harvesting of crops, dibbling of seeds and during festival and

marriage occasions. Most importantly, they perform this dance during Sammakka

Saralamma Jathara which is an important festival of Koyas. Even during certain

inauspicious occasions also, they perform this dance.

Gussadi Dance - Gussadi or Dandari is a robust dance performed by only Gond males.

This folk dance is performed in the month of Ashada (June-July) on the full moon day

(Purnami). The Gussadi dancers wear loin cloth and smear the entire body with ash or

white lime. They decorate their bodies with black and red spots. The dancers carry a

staff called ‘Gussadi Rokali’ (Rokali is a pestle). All the Gussadi dancers perform

rhythmic and robust dance waving their hands systematically to the melodious tunes.

Demsa Dance - Demsa, a folk dance of Raj Gonds is performed by both males and

females. Sometimes the young boys attire themselves as females and perform the

dance. This dance is performed independently by the male and female members to the

accompaniment of music during the festive and marriage occasions. The musical

instruments used during Demsa dance are ‘Pepre’, ‘Dhol’ and ‘Khalikhom’. During the

marriage ceremony the dance is performed by both males and females. On the

concluding day of the grand festival in honour of the ‘Persa Pen’ (Supreme deity)

during the month of ‘Vaisak’ (April-May), the males perform the Demsa dance before

the house of the ‘Katoda’, the clan priest. The Demsa dance is also performed by male

members on the occasion of celebrations of the marriage of Chenchi Bhimanna, the

God who protects the crops during the month of Chaitra (March-April) before the

house of Devari, the village priest.

Lambada Dance - During festival and marriage occasions the womenfolk of this tribe

perform dance in tune with the musical instruments played by men. During Holi

festival womenfolk form into a circle around the fire and perform dance by holding

each other’s hands. Sometimes they raise hands and dance in tune with the music

played by musicians.

Chench Naatakam (Play) - The play takes place in front of the temple of the village

during festival period and at the house of the sponsorer during marriage and religious

ceremonies of Chenchus. Before starting of the play, they invocate goddess

‘chenchamma’. During the play, the singer sings while the women dance rhythmically.

The actors perform the play by charging some money on the sponsorer. At the end of

the play the troupe goes to the house of the sponsorer sing the concluding song and

receive their due payment.

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

6

7. Festivals

The Hindu festivals like Ugadi, Srirama Navami, Bonalu, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Dasara,

Deepavali, Sankranti, Holi, Mahashivaratri are celebrated with pomp, gaiety and devotion.

Dasara is the main festival with the epithet ‘pedda panduga.’

While Ramzan is the main festival of Muslims, Moharram too is celebrated on a large scale in

Telangana. It is known famously as ‘peerla panduga.’ Pir means Master. Many Hindus take

part in the festival.

Christians, mainly in and around Hyderabad celebrate Christmas and Good Friday with great fervor

and religiosity.

Major Festivals of Telangana

Bathukamma

It is floral festival celebrated by the Hindu women of Telangana. Every year this festival is

celebrated in the Bhadrapada Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, usually in

September–October of Gregorian calendar. Bathukamma is celebrated for nine days during

Durga Navratri. It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and the 9-day festivities will

culminate on "Saddula Bathukamma" or "Pedda Bathukamma" festival on Ashwayuja

Ashtami, popularly known as Durgashtami which is two days before Dussehra.

A part of Dasara festivities, is unique to Telangana. This colourful festival has historic,

ecological, societal and religious significance. Women clad in glittering costumes and

jewellery carry beautifully stacked Bathukammas with flowers like Tangedu, Gunugu,

Chamanti and others to the village or street’s meeting point.

Making circles around the assembled Bathukammas, womenfolk recite songs in a group. The

songs have their roots in Puranas, History and even in the recent political and social

developments of the particular region. The fete culminates in Saddula Bathukamma where the

villagers immerse the flower stacks in the nearby tanks and lakes.

First Day:- Engili paddaka

Second Day - Atukula Batukamma

Third Day - Thadi biyyam

Forth Day:-Nana Biyyam

Fifth Day:-Atla Batukamma

Sixth Day:-Aligina Batukamma

Seventh Day:-Vepakayala Batukamma

Eighth Day:-Venna Muddala Batukamma

Ninth Day:-Saddula Batukamma

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamia calendar

The food taken before fasting in the morning is called Sahar and the food taken after breaking the fast in

the evening is called Iftar.

Itikāf is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of retreat in a mosque for a certain number of days in

accordance with the believer's own wish. It is usually observed from 21st day to the last day of the month

of Ramadan.

Shab e qadr – the night of the 27th day of Ramazan, believed to be the day when the holy Quran came

into existence is observed as shab-e-qadr, popularly known as jagne ki raat. Muslims spend the whole

night reciting the holy Quran and offering prayers.

Zakat al-Fitr - is charity given to the poor at the end of the fasting in the Islamic holy

month of Ramadan

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

7

Bonalu

It is a Hindu Festival, celebrated during the Telugu month of Ashadam (translates to June/ July

of Gregorian calendar) wherein Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. The festival is also considered

as thanksgiving to the Goddess for fulfilling the desires of devotees. As part of the festival,

Bojanam or Meal is offered to the presiding Mother Goddess. Women prepare rice cooked with

Milk, Jaggery in a Brass or Earthen Pot adorned with Neem Leaves, Turmeric, Vermilion

putting a Lighted Diya on top of the Ghatam.

An important part of the festival is Rangam (prophecy). Women standing atop of an earthen

pot ‘invokes’ goddess Mahankali onto her and turns an Oracle.

Next is Ghattam. A copper pot is decorated in the form of Mother Goddess. The Ghattam is

carried by a priest and is taken in procession accompanied by ‘Pothurajus’ and musical

instruments like trumpets and drums for the immersion. Pothurajus are considered the brother

of Mother Goddess and are represented by well-built, bare-bodied men, wearing a small tightly

draped red dhoti and bells on ankles with turmeric on bodies and vermilion on the foreheads.

Samakka-saralamma Jatara (Medaram Jatara)

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara is a tribal festival of honouring the goddesses.

The Jatra begins at Medaram in Tadvai Mandal in Warangal district. It commemorates the fight

of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, with the reigning rulers against an

unjust law. It is believed that after Kumbha Mela, the Medaram jatara attracts the largest

number of devotees in the country.

It is celebrated in Medaram during the time the goddesses of the tribals is believed to visit

them. Medaram is a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a part

of Dandakaranya, the largest surviving forest belt in the Deccan.

According to a tribal story, in the 13th century, some Koya tribal leaders who went for a

hunting found a new born girl (Sammakka) emitting enormous light playing amidst tigers. The

head of the tribe adopted her and brought up as a chieftain. She was married to Pagididda Raju

a feudatory tribal chief of Kakatiyas and was blessed with 2 daughters and one son namely

Sarakka, Nagulamma and Jampanna respectively. After sometime, there was a severe drought

that lasted for years and as a result the mighty Godavari River dried up. Pagedde Raju didn't

pay tribute to King Pratapa Rudra. In turn king Pratapa rudra sent his army to subdue the

tribals and collect the tribute. Then a War was fought between tribal chief Pagidde Raju and

Kakatiya army on the banks of "Sampenga Vagu" (Jampanna Vagu). The Koya army fought

valiantly but could not with stand the well equipped Kakatiya army. Though fought valiantly

Pagididda Raju, his daughters Sarakka, Nagulamma, son in law Govinda Raju lost lives in the

battle. Later Jampanna also died in Sampenga Vagu (later renamed as Jampanna Vagu in his

memory). Upon hearing this news Sammakka also enters war and fights and causes lot of

damage to kakatiya army. Surprised by her Bravery And Valour the Kakatiya Prime Minister

visited war ravaged Koya kingdom with proposal of peace which Samakka turned down the

offer and resolved to continue the fight to avenge the dead. The battle continued and

Sammakka was seriously wounded . Samakka told her people that as long as they remembered

her, she would protect them. Then, she cursed the Kaktiya dynasty to perish and with that

wounded body proceeded towards Chilakala gutta and disappeared in the forest. The grieving

Koyas searched for their queen all they found were a red ochre box(a container of vermilion),

her bangles and the pug marks of a huge full grown tigress, exactly the same place where she

was found as a infant by the koyas. Koyas, Waddaras and other Indian tribes and castes have

been holding festivals in memory of Sammakka and Sarakka regularly once in two years.

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

8

Edupayala Jatara

This place is in Nagsanpalli, Medak District and is a sacred spot, where the seven tributaries of

the Manjira join and flow together. In February (Magha) a three-day fair or Jatara is held at

Yedupayala Durga temple on occasion of Shivaratri

Nagoba Jatara

Nagoba jatara is among the most important religious events for the Adivasi Gond tribe, which

had ruled Central India for centuries. The Gonds consider Nagoba or Nagendra its ‘mul

purush’ or progenitor. It is held in Keslapur village, Inderavelly Mandal Adilabad district. The

rituals associated with pacification and offering prayers to the serpent God forms the essence

of the five or six-day event. Before the start of the pujas, the Gonds continue to ‘purify’ the

temple with Ganga jal or water from Godavari drawn at a spot called ‘hastinamadugu’ where

Nagoba is believed to have quenched his thirst after partaking the ‘naivedyam’. The event also

includes a ceremony called ‘bheting’, which incorporates new brides into the clan. It was the

legendary anthropologist, Christopher von Furer-Haimendorf, who had recognised the

importance of the Nagoba jatara and tried to make it an event for addressing the grievances of

the Gond and other Adivasi tribes of Adilabad. He started the darbar at the jatara for the

Adivasis to air their grievances in 1944.

Kondagattu Anjanna Jatara

Kondagattu is a temple about 35 km from Karimnagar, dedicated to Lord Anjaneya Swamy.

According to the folklore, the temple was constructed by a cowherd some 300 years ago. The

present day temple has been built 160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh.

Kotavatancha Jatara

Is celebrated on Phalguna Sudha Ekadasi is the Laxminarasimha Swamy temple located in

Regonda mandal, Warangal.

Velala Jatara

Velala Jatara is celebrated during Shivaratri,the Lord Shiva Temple is located in Chennur

Mandal of Adilabad District.

Bejjanki Jatara

The Festival of Laxminarasimha swamy temple located in Bejjanki,Karimnagar is celebrated

every year on Chaitra sudha dashami. According to some historians this temple was built

during the Kakatiya rule. Billock cart races are speciality of this festival.

Mannemkonda Jatara

Mannemkonda located in Mahaboobnagar is famous for the Venkateshwara temple believed to

have been constructed 600 years back. Many people who could not visit Tirupati visit this

temple. This temple’s festival celebrated every year in Magha and Phalguna months.

Pedda Golla Gattu Jatara

This festival is celebrated in Lingamuthula Swamy temple located in Deragpally, Nalgonda by

the Yadavas once in two years. The temple is believed to be built by the Chota Chalukyas

(Yadava Kings). The diety Lingamuthulo Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, along with his

sister Chodamma Thalli worshipped in the temple.

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

9

Komarelly Mallanna Jatara - Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple popularly known

as Komuravelli Mallanna Temple is located on a hill called Indrakeeladri in Komuravelli

village, Warangal District. The main deity is Mallanna or Mallikarjuna Swamy who is an

incarnation of Lord Shiva, also called as Khandoba by the Maharashtrian people. The Mallanna

(Lord Shiva) deity along with his consorts Golla Kethamma and Medalamma is at the main

temple. The Oggu Katha singers from the Yadava caste sing the tale of Mallanna here. The

festive season, called as Jatara begins from Sankranti and lasts till Ugadi. Large number of

devotees offer prayers to the deity on all Sundays which fall in between Sankranti to Ugadi.

Devotees also visit the Mallanna temple in large number during Maha Shivaratri when the

Pedda Patnam is celebrated and also during the Agni Gundalu which is celebrated on Sunday

falling before Ugadi.

Ramappa Jatara - Ramappa Temple also known as the Ramalingeswara temple, is located

77 km from Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. It lies in a valley at

Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal, in erstwhile Mulug Taluq of Warangal district. An

inscription in the temple dates it to the year 1213 and said to have been built by a General

Recherla Rudra, during the period of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva. Every year on the eve

of Shivaratri a three days jatara is held in the temple.

Nishani Devatha Jatara – Nishani Devata is the Village deity of Scheduled area tribes of

Khammam. When they celebrate Chaitra Festival which corresponds to the New year festival

(Ugadi) of Telugu speaking caste groups, they worship the village deity of Nisani Devatha. It is

also popularly known as Etikala panduga or Eetela panduga. The village priest (Desari) selects

one young boy. The boy takes bow and arrow and runs into the forest in the same direction as

shown by village priest accompanied by beating drums. Other boys of the village also join him

in mock hunting expeditions. If they succeed in getting a catch, they first make their offer to

the village deity Nishani Devatha.

Pedda Devudu - A festival in honour of Pedda Devudu or Bod Devatha is celebrated by tribes

of Telangana in general in the month of ‘Vaisakha’ on any fixed day for the general welfare of

the village. The deity is represented by a triangular stone fixed in the ground. The day is fixed

by the village head in consultation with the village priest. One intrusting feature of the

sacrificial rites is the offering of a bird called ParigiPitta (quail) in addition to the usual goat

and red fowl sacrifice as ParigiPitta is considered to be a favorite bird of the deity. One week

before the celebration of the festival, the ‘Barika’ (messenger) informs the villagers through

tom-tom about the day celebration of the festival. On the day the pujari gives bath to the idol

and cleans the spot before the deity. He decorates the cleaned spot with Chodi flour designs

and cooks food with milk, jaggery, rice and green plantains. While chanting hymns, the pujari

sacrifices the goat and two birds to the deity and the blood of the sacrificed animals /birds is

collected in a pot and kept in the shrine of the deity. They believe that the deity accepts the

blood of the sacrificed animals in the form of a rat. The villagers celebrate this festival on the

eve of starting the pre-ploughing and ploughing operations in full swing in anticipation of the

first rains of the monsoon at the fag end of May or in the first week of June.

Seethla - Seetla is an important annual festival of Lambadas performed in the month of

Ashadha. This festival also called festival of sacrifices as it involves too many animal

sacrifices and free flow of blood. Mere offering of coconuts and burning of incense does not

satisfy the blood thirsty deities of the Seethla festival. A day earlier, all the elders of the

Thanda meet and discuss about the celebration of the festival. They jointly buy a goat by

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

10

contributing equal amounts. On the fixed day all the people take bath in their respective houses

and wear new or washed clothes and traditional ornaments. The Naik of the Thanda along with

some virile men goes to the outskirts of the Thanda and select the spot to perform the

ceremony. The Naik erects seven stones representing the seven deities of the cult in the order

of birth, starting with Seethla under a Bauhenia spicata (Raavi) tree along with Seethla

Bhavaani. The Lambadas also propitiate the other six sisters malevolent deities. It is believed

that if these deities are not propitiated in a proper manner along with Seethla they may cause

cattle epidemics to their cattle.

Teej Festival - Lambadas celebrate the fertility festival of ‘Teej’ in the month of Sravana when

the monsoon rains drench the parched earth after the trying months of sizzling heat. This

festival is celebrated for 9 days with elaborate rituals and vigorous ritual dances performed to

the tune of melodious religious songs showing day to day variations in the intensity of ritual

performances. The festival of fertility is exclusively the festival of maidens, who are

considered to be free from pollution of birth and other unclean sexual activities. The married

men, women and the widows are tabooed from performing rites during the celebration of Teej.

Barren women are forbidden even to approach the Teej baskets. On the final day of the

festival, sweet rice and ghee are offered as oblation to god Shevabhaya. A goat is sacrificed in

the name of Meramma which is a unique feature of this ceremony. The Naik of the Thanda

necessarily observes fast on this day. The final stage of the festival is marked for exchange of

banter between cross cousins of opposite sex and between sisters-in-law and their younger

brothers-in-law and for the maidens of the Tanda. It is a movement of grief and melancholy as

the tender saplings reared with care are to be distributed and the sacred Teej baskets are to be

thrown in to the waters. Throughout the performance of the rituals, the maidens invariably

observe certain food taboos. The girls are forbidden to taste chillies and salt. The maidens are

further tabooed from eating mutton during the ceremony as it is considered as a sort of

pollution to the male deity shevabhaya. They are served with food specially cooked in their

houses with dal or tamarind sauce.

8. Crafts, Cuisine and Handlooms

Telangana is a great place for arts and crafts with many astounding handicrafts.

1. Bidri Craft - The unique art of silver engraved on metal. Black, gold and silver coatings are applied

on this. It involves various several stages like casting, engraving, inlaying and oxidizing. The name of

this art form is derived from a town called Bidar (currently part of Karnataka) of the erstwhile

Hyderabad state.

2. Banjara Needle Crafts - Banjara Needle Crafts are the traditional handmade fabrics made by

Banjaras (the tribal Gypsies) in Telangana. It is a form of embroidery and mirror work on fabrics

employing the needlecraft.

3. Dokra Metal Crafts - Dhokra or Dokra is also known as bell metal craft and is widely seen in

Jainoor Mandal, Ushegaon and Chittalbori in Adilabad district. The tribal craft produces objects like

figurines, tribal gods, etc. The work consists of folk motifs, peacocks, elephants, horses, measuring

bowl, lamp caskets and other simple art forms and traditional designs.

4. Hyderabadi bangles - the famous Hyderabadi Bangles are molded out of pure lac and studded with

glittering and beautifully cut glass pieces of various colors. Chudi Bazaar or Laad Bazaar named after

Ladli Begum, the wife of Hyderabad VI Nizam, Mir Mehboob khan is famous for these bangles

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

11

5. Bronze Castings - Telangana is famous world-wide for its amazing Bronze castings. While using

solid casting of icons, the mould is created using several coatings of different clays on a finished wax

model. This process then imparts fine curves to the cast image.

6. Pochampally Ikat - Handicraft (GI Tag)- Pochampally Saree or Pochampalli Ikat is a saree made

in Bhoodan Pochampally, Nalgonda district, Telangana State, India. They are popular for their

traditional geometric patterns in Ikat style of dyeing.

7. Silver Filigree of Karimnagar (GI Tag) - Handicraft - It is an ancient art of Karimnagar

8. Nirmal Furniture Handicraft (GI Tag) is furniture made in Nirmal, Adilabad, AP, India.

9. Nirmal Paintings Handicraft (GI Tag) are a popular form of paintings done in Nirmal in Adilabad

district, Telangana, India. The paintings are famous all over the world. They even form the small scale

industry in the town.[1] The paintings have golden hues

10. Gadwal sari (GI Tag) is a traditional sari made in Gadwal, Mahbubnagar district, India.[1] They are

popular for their Zari saris.

11. Hyderabadi Haleem (GI Tag) food stuff is a stew composed of meat, lentils and pounded wheat

made into a thick paste. It is originally an Arabic dish and was introduced to the Hyderabad Stateby

the Arab diaspora during the rule of the Nizams (the former rulers of Hyderabad State).

12. Cheriyal Scroll Painting (GI Tag) is a stylized version of Nakashi art, rich in the local motifs

peculiar to the Telangana. They are at present made only in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.[1] Cheriyal

painting artist D.Vaikuntam nakash, Cheriyal (or Cherial) is a village and a mandal in Warangal

district i

13. Pembarthi Metal Craft (GI Tag) is a metal handicraft made in Pembarthi, Warangal district,

Telangana State, India. They are popular for their exquisite BRONZE art works.[2]

14. Gollabhama sari (GI Tag) also Siddipet Gollabhama are saris made in Siddipet, AP, India. These

cotton saris are popular for their inlay figure work and motifs

15. Narayanpet Handloom Sarees (GI Tag) - Narayanpet is a Municipal town

and Revenue Division in Mahbubnagar district of the Indian state of Telangana.[1] It is located 165 km

from the state capital Hyderabad

16. Gold and silver phirni – is a very thin and delicate sheet of gold and silver manufactured in the Old

city of Hyderabad and used to garnish sweets.

17. Hyderabadi Biryani - is Hyderabad's most famous meat-and-rice dish; the Nizams served some 26

varieties of biryanis for their guests. An authentic Hyderabad meal invariably includes

a mutton biryani. Hyderabadi Biryanis incorporating chicken, lamb, beef or vegetables instead of

mutton are also popular.

18. Qubani ka meetha – made of apricot fruit, is an Indian dessert made from dried apricots originating

from Hyderabad.

19. Korutla Paper – Korutla, Karimnagar is well known for Its Paper production, which is believed to

be first plant in state

20. Bronze work of Chanduru, Adilabad is famous in entire south India

21. Zardozi embroidery - is beautiful metal embroidery, which once used to embellish the attire of the

Kings and the royals in India and Old city of Hyderabad is famous of this work

22. Hyderabadi Pearls – the entire old city is famous for the Hyderabadi pearls. In the village

of Chandanpet just outside Hyderabad, almost the entire population is engaged in the delicate art of

drilling pearls.

23. Metpally, Karimnagar – is famous for Khadi textiles.

24. Masks of Naikpods - Naikpods worship various masks representing Laxmi Devara (Horse Deity),

Lord Krishna, five brother Pandavas and their own other deities like pig god, Pota Raju (dog god),

Gorrapotu (Sheep god) etc., Naikpods who are also known as Nayaks in the agency areas get these

masks manufactured by local carpenters at their guidance and prescriptions

HANDOUT 12 - SOCIAL ISSUES

12

TELANGANA STATE ICONS

The Telangana government has announced the following four icons for the new State:

The State Bird - Palapitta (Indian Roller or Blue Jay).

The State Animal - Jinka (Deer).

The State Tree - Jammi Chettu (Prosopis Cineraria).

The State Flower - Tangedu (Tanner’s Cassia).

These icons reflect the culture and tradition of Telangana state and three of them - Tangedu flowers,

Blue Jay and Jammi Chettu - are associated with the popular festivals of Batukamma and Dasara.

While Tangedu flowers are used in stacking of Batukammas, spotting the Blue Jay on Dasara is

considered a good omen and people worship Jammi Chettu on that day.

Palapitta

Lord Rama spotted the Palapitta before invading Lanka and vanquished Ravana. Palapitta has been

chosen to put Telangana on the path of victory

Jinka

Deer is deeply associated with Indian history and a reference to this graceful animal was there in the

great epic Ramayana. It can survive in the smallest forests also. It reflects the mindset of the people

of Telangana as it is very sensitive and innocent.

Jammi Chettu

Pandavas had vanquished a large army of Kauravas only after performing worshipping the Jammi

Chettu. They had hidden their weapons on a Jammi Chettu when they had been forced into exile in

the forests. Now, Telangana requires the blessings of the Jammi Chettu.

Tangedu Flower

Tangedu flower which is used during the Batukamma festival by women folk is the most

appropriate choice as the state flower.

Hyderabadi Marag - A thin mutton soup

Garle - A Hyderabadi snack. Spicy kheema balls dipped in besan batter and deep fried

Tootak- A delicacy made out of spicy kheema wrapped up in rava-butter mixture and baked

Ande ki pakodi- Slices of boiled eggs, dipped in besan batter and deep fried

Kheeme ke samose- samosas with kheema stuffing

Baghara baingan - Stuffed eggplants, a delicacy where tender and fresh brinjals are stuffed

with grounded peanut-coconut mixture and cooked in a rich and creamy paste.

Dalcha - Mutton and Lentil delicacy.

Paaya - Bone soup

Tamate ka Kut- Thick tomato gravy served with pieces of boiled eggs

Churri- Thick yogurt raita with chopped onions, green chillies and coriander

Chakna - A dish made out of Goat intestines and tripes cooked with flour and other spices.

Pathar-ka-Gosht - Mutton/lamb seared on a stone slab found in Hyderabad.

Maghaz Masala (Beja Fry) - A goat's brain deep fried delicacy.

Dopiaza - A curry made from lamb, onions, butter etc.

Hyderabadi Nihari - A breakfast dish made of Goat's feet and tongue.

Kulcha/Naan Ki Roti - It is a type of wheat bread cooked in Tandoor type oven