Telangana – The 29th State of India
Trilinga Desa | Land of Kakatiyas, Godavari & Krishna | Formed on 2 June 2014
33 Districts | 1,14,840 sq km | 3.52 Crore Population | Hyderabad Capital
About Telangana
Telangana State is India's 29th state, formed on June 2, 2014. The name "Telangana" refers to the word Trilinga Desa, earned due to the presence of three ancient Shiva Temples at Kaleshwaram, Srisailam, and Draksharamam. A more historical reasoning is that during the reign of Nizams, the region was known as Telugu Angana to differentiate it from the areas where Marathi was spoken.
Key Facts & Symbols
Created: June 2, 2014
Capital: Hyderabad
Districts: 33
Area: 1,14,840 sq. km (44,340 sq. mi)
Population: 3.52 crore or 3,52,86,757 (2011 census)
Languages: Telugu, Urdu
Literacy: 66.46%
Vehicle Registration: TS
Capital: Hyderabad
Districts: 33
Area: 1,14,840 sq. km (44,340 sq. mi)
Population: 3.52 crore or 3,52,86,757 (2011 census)
Languages: Telugu, Urdu
Literacy: 66.46%
Vehicle Registration: TS
Emblem: Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and Charminar
State Song: Jaya Jaya He Telangana Janani Jayakethanam (written by Andesri)
State Bird: Indian Roller or Blue jay (Palapitta)
State Animal: Spotted Deer (Jinka)
State Tree: Shami Tree or Prosopis Cineraria (Jammi chettu)
State Flower: Tangedu Flowers or Tanner’s Cassia or Senna Auriculata
State Fruit: Mango
State Sport: Kabaddi
State Song: Jaya Jaya He Telangana Janani Jayakethanam (written by Andesri)
State Bird: Indian Roller or Blue jay (Palapitta)
State Animal: Spotted Deer (Jinka)
State Tree: Shami Tree or Prosopis Cineraria (Jammi chettu)
State Flower: Tangedu Flowers or Tanner’s Cassia or Senna Auriculata
State Fruit: Mango
State Sport: Kabaddi
Geography & Borders
Telangana is a state in India situated on the centre-south stretch of the Indian peninsula on the high Deccan Plateau. The terrain consists mostly of hills, mountain ranges, and thick dense forests covering an area of 27,292 km² (10,538 sq mi).
State Borders
Telangana is bordered by:
– Maharashtra to the north and north west
– Chhattisgarh to the north
– Karnataka to the west
– Andhra Pradesh to the east and south
Telangana is bordered by:
– Maharashtra to the north and north west
– Chhattisgarh to the north
– Karnataka to the west
– Andhra Pradesh to the east and south
Highest Waterfall: Kuntala Waterfall – 45 metres (148 ft)
Highest Peak: Doli Gutta – 965 metres (3166 ft)
Highest Peak: Doli Gutta – 965 metres (3166 ft)
Districts of Telangana
Telangana is divided into 33 districts. The districts are divided into 70 revenue divisions which are further divided into 584 mandals. It is the twelfth largest state and the twelfth-most populated state in India.
Largest District (by area): Bhadradri – 8,062 km² (3,113 sq mi)
Smallest District (by area): Hyderabad – 217 km² (84 sq mi)
Most Populated District: Hyderabad – 35,269,257
Least Populated District: Rajanna Sircilla – 546,694
Smallest District (by area): Hyderabad – 217 km² (84 sq mi)
Most Populated District: Hyderabad – 35,269,257
Least Populated District: Rajanna Sircilla – 546,694
Rivers of Telangana
Godavari and Krishna are the two main rivers which flow through this region and are the main sources for irrigation. Other important rivers include Manjira and Musi.
History of Telangana
Ancient & Medieval Dynasties
Telangana has a very rich and ancient history. This region was ruled by the following major dynasties and powers (in chronological order):
- Asmakas (Assaka / Asmaka Mahajanapada)
- Mauryas
- Satavahanas
- Ikshvakus
- Abhiras or Abheeras
- Vakatakas
- Vishnukundins
- Durjaya
- Badami Chalukyas
- Rashtrakutas
- Vemulavada Chalukyas
- Mudigonda Chalukyas
- Western Chalukyas or Kalyani Chalukyas
- Polavasa chiefs
- Kanduru Cholas (Kanduri Chodas)
- Kakatiyas
- Gonds of Adilabad
- Khiljis (Delhi Sultanate)
- Musunuri Nayaks
- Recherla Padmanayakas
- Qutb Shahis
- Mughals
- Asaf Jahis (Nizams of Hyderabad)
After Indian independence, Telangana was part of Hyderabad State until 1956, then merged with Andhra Pradesh, and finally became a separate state on 2 June 2014.
Telangana Culture
The region’s vast exposure to Persian tradition has long been a meeting place for diverse cultures by acting as a link between North and South of India. Telangana’s culture is a blend of ancient Telugu heritage and Deccani Persian influences, reflected in its language, festivals, cuisine (notably Hyderabadi biryani), and arts such as Bonalu, Bathukamma, and the distinctive handicrafts (Pochampally Ikat, Nirmal toys, Cheriyal paintings, etc.).
Telangana Tourism & Geology
Tourism
Major attractions include: Hyderabad (Charminar, Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar), Warangal (Kakatiya ruins, Thousand Pillar Temple), Nagarjunakonda (Buddhist site), Bhadrachalam (Sri Rama temple), Basar (Saraswati temple), Kuntala Waterfall, Pochampally, and the rock art sites of Pandavula Gutta.
Major attractions include: Hyderabad (Charminar, Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar), Warangal (Kakatiya ruins, Thousand Pillar Temple), Nagarjunakonda (Buddhist site), Bhadrachalam (Sri Rama temple), Basar (Saraswati temple), Kuntala Waterfall, Pochampally, and the rock art sites of Pandavula Gutta.
Geology
Telangana lies on the Deccan Plateau, predominantly underlain by ancient Precambrian rocks (granites, gneisses, schists) and covered in large part by Deccan Traps (basaltic lava flows) in the northwest. The Godavari and Krishna rift valleys (grabens) are key geological features that shaped the state’s drainage system.
Telangana lies on the Deccan Plateau, predominantly underlain by ancient Precambrian rocks (granites, gneisses, schists) and covered in large part by Deccan Traps (basaltic lava flows) in the northwest. The Godavari and Krishna rift valleys (grabens) are key geological features that shaped the state’s drainage system.
Sources & Further Reading
- Government of Telangana – Official Portal
- Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC)
- Census of India 2011 – Telangana figures
- Telangana Tourism – Department of Tourism, Govt. of Telangana
- Geological Survey of India – Deccan Plateau and Rift Valleys
Telangana, born out of a long struggle for identity, stands today as a proud state with a glorious past, a vibrant present, and a future driven by technology, agriculture, and cultural renaissance. From the ancient Asmakas on the Godavari banks to the Kakatiya towers and the modern IT corridors of Hyderabad, the spirit of Telangana remains indomitable.