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Sirpur (Tandur) Samsthanam

Sirpur (often written Sirpur (T) or Sirpur-Tandur) is an ancient town and former feudal estate in the Deccan that later became part of the Nizam’s dominions. The settlement grew around a historic fort and was an administrative sub-unit (taluk/sub-district) in Nizam-era revenue arrangements; in later British/Nizam administration Sirpur-Tandur appears as a carved-out sub-district and taluk. The area was initially carved out as a sub-district called Sirpur-Tandur in 1872 during the Asaf Jahi rule, which included taluks like Edlabad (Adilabad), Rajura, and Sirpur. This administrative name is why the Samsthanam is often referred to as "Sirpur (Tandur)." Modern Location: The town of Sirpur (T) is now a mandal in the Komaram Bheem district of Telangana. The name Kaghaznagar is often associated with the area due to the Sirpur Paper Mills established during the Nizam's time. 1. Origins and Rise The local Gond lineage in Sirpur continued to hold the status of Tutelary Rajas (Zamin...
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Biography of Komaram Bheem (Kumram Bheem) : 1901–1940

Name: Komaram Bheem or Kumram Bheem (October 22, 1901 – October 27, 1940) Born: October 22, 1901 into a Gondi family in Hyderabad State, British India — present-day Sankepally village, Asifabad Mandal, Komaram Bheem District. Died: October 27, 1940. However, the Gondi people consider April 8, 1940 as the death date of Komaram Bheem in Jodeghat village, Hyderabad State — now Jodeghat, Kerameri Mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad District. Father: Komaram Chinnu Spouse: Som Bai Siblings: Younger Brother: Kumra Jangu; Sister-in-law: Kumram Tuljabai Early Life Komaram Bheem was a revolutionary tribal leader who fought against the Asaf Jahi Dynasty for the freedom and rights of Adivasis. He gave the slogan “Jal, Jungle, Jameen” (Water, Forest, Land) — symbolizing that forest dwellers have rights over the resources of their land. Bheem remains an icon of the Adivasi struggle and the heart of the Gond tribes whose lives were deeply tied to the forests of present-day Asifabad. Pers...

The Babejheri Revolt of 1940: Kumaram Bheem and the Gond Rebellion (1935–1940)

On October 5, 1940 , a tragic event unfolded in the forests of Adilabad that would change the course of tribal resistance in India. The Babejheri Revolt , led by Gond tribal leader Kumaram Bheem, ended in a brutal massacre at Jodeghat, marking a turning point in the relationship between the tribal communities and the Nizam's government. Between 1935 and 1940 , the Forest Conservancy Policy threatened the very survival of the Gonds, and their grievances finally found expression in a spontaneous outbreak of armed resistance under the leadership of Komaram Bheem. The rebellion reflected the strained relations between the tribal population and the authorities of the Nizam’s regime. This uprising, known as the Babejheri Revolt —named after the village where it began—was not a sudden occurrence. It was the culmination of decades of oppression, exploitation, and land alienation faced by the Gonds under Nizam’s rule. Though brutally suppressed, the revolt forced the government to reconsid...

Indravelli Firing Incident (April 20, 1981)

Another Turning Point in Telangana’s Tribal History The Indravelli Firing Incident , also known as the Indravelli Massacre , occurred on April 20, 1981 , in Indravelli village of Adilabad district (now part of Telangana state). During this event, police opened fire on thousands of Gond Adivasis who had gathered for a peaceful rally organized to demand land rights and protection from exploitation. The tragedy marked one of the most significant and controversial episodes in post-independence Telangana, symbolizing both the assertion of tribal identity and the state’s repressive response to people’s movements. Date: April 20, 1981 Location: Indravelli (Indervelly) village, Adilabad District of Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana). Victims: Gond Adivasis Estimated Death Toll: 60–250 (official 13 Gonds and 1 police constable, eyewitnesses 60+, EPW ~250) Key Figures: Tanguturi Anjaiah (Chief Minister), K. Venkata Reddy (Home Minister), R. Bhaskar Rao (SP, Adilabad), M. V. S. Subba ...

The Rise and Fall of Naxalism in Telangana

Naxalism, the Maoist-inspired insurgency that spread across India, found one of its earliest and most significant strongholds in Telangana. Emerging as a radical response to entrenched socio-economic inequalities, landlessness, and the oppression of marginalized communities, the movement sought to challenge the state through armed struggle. In Telangana, its ideology drew from Marxist-Leninist-Maoist thought, while remaining deeply rooted in the region’s distinct historical, social, and agrarian conditions. The movement was sustained not only through armed actions but also through cultural mobilization—poetry, songs, and intellectual activism played a key role in spreading its ideas. Over decades, it caused considerable loss of life, displacement, and fear among rural populations. Undivided Andhra Pradesh served as a cradle for India’s radical left, but in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Naxalism has long since faded into the background. Nevertheless, reports of security forces ...

Saka Calendar (Saka Samvat) – Indian National Calendar

The Saka Era , also known as Shalivahana Era or Sakabda , is used in Hindu calendars, the Indian National Calendar, and the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. It has been an important system for measuring years and religious dates in India for centuries. Origin and History The Saka Era began in 78 A.D. , which is widely accepted by historians as the foundation year. The Saka Era was initiated by the Saka ruler Chastana, founder of a new dynasty known as the Bhadramukhas or Kardamaka dynasty. This dynasty was named after Kardhaman, the son of Raja Dhaj. While earlier sources often attributed the start of the era to the Satavahana king, evidence from coins and inscriptions shows that Chastana and his descendants used the Saka era, beginning with his accession, which is widely believed to have occurred in 78 CE. This makes Chastana the true founder of the Saka calendar, Satavahana victories over Sakas, occurring independently of its origin. Introduction into Indian Civil Calendar The...

Muthyam Dhara (Muthyala Dhara) Waterfalls

Travel Guide Location: Veerabhadravaram Village, Venkatapuram Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana, India Muthyam Dhara Waterfalls, also known as Mutyala Jalapatham, is a breathtaking cascade set amid dense forests along the Kadam River, a tributary of the Godavari. The falls feature a milky white gush producing a soothing, roaring sound, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will enjoy the drizzling water shower that adds to the magic of the location. Trekking & Access Approx. 10 km walk from Veerabhadravaram Village . Base village: Veerabhadravaram , 5 km past Venkatapuram. Local guides are available for hire. Limited parking space at the trail start. Moderate trekking through lush forests and stream crossings. Bathing in the waterfall is believed to be therapeutic due to medicinal herbs. Nearby Waterfalls Gaddalasari Waterfalls (Jin Thogu) – Second highest in Telangana (~700 ft) Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Waterfalls ...