Telangana360

Rani Rudrama Devi The Warrior Queen of the Kakatiya Dynasty (1261–1289 CE) 📅 1223–1289 CE | 👑 First Woman to Ascend a Throne in South India | 🏛️ Raya-Gaja-Kesari | 🎤 Immortalised in "Maa Telugu Talliki" | 🐘 Completed Warangal Fort Rani Rudrama Devi (or Rudradeva Maharaja) was one of the most remarkable rulers in Indian history. As the first woman to ascend the throne of the Kakatiya dynasty, she defied social norms and ruled with exceptional courage, administrative skill, and military acumen. Born as Rudramba, she was formally designated as a son through the ancient Putrika ceremony and given the male name of Rudradeva. She ruled the Kakatiya kingdom from 1261 to 1289 CE from its capital Orugallu (present-day Warangal), leaving behind a legacy of justice, prosperity, and cultural patronage. This article traces her complete life – from her birth to her death – based on historical and epigraphical evidence. ...

Prof. Biruduraju Ramaraju Godfather of Telugu Folklore Studies | First PhD in Folklore in South India 📜 National Research Professor (1995) | 🧠 Folklore Pioneer | 📚 40+ books | 🎓 Emeritus Professor, Osmania University Prof. Biruduraju Ramaraju (16 April 1925 – 8 February 2010) was a legendary scholar, folklorist, and literary historian from Telangana. He was the first PhD scholar in folklore studies in South India and the first from Osmania University to receive a doctorate in Telugu folklore. In 1995, the Government of India honoured him with the rare distinction of ‘National Research Professor’ — a title shared with luminaries like Prof. Yash Pal, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, and M.S. Subbulakshmi. His authority spanned both the pan-Indian Sanskritic tradition and the vibrant local folk traditions with equal felicity. I. Early Life & Formative Years Born in Devanoor village (Dha...

Kaloji Narayana Rao The People's Poet (Praja Kavi) of Telangana | Freedom Fighter & Social Reformer 📖 Praja Kavi | ✊ Anti‑Razakar Movement | 🖋️ “Na Godava” | 🏅 Padma Vibhushan Kaloji Narayana Rao (9 September 1914 – 13 November 2002), lovingly called Kaloji or Kalanna , was a colossal figure in Telugu literature, a fearless freedom fighter, and a political activist whose life embodied truth, justice, and compassion. Born in Madikonda village, Warangal district (then Hyderabad State, now Telangana), his full name was Raghuveer Narayan Lakshmikanth Srinivasa Ramraja Kaloji. He witnessed India’s journey from colonial rule to democracy and used his words as a weapon of awakening. Described as the “Praja Kavi” (People’s Poet) , Kaloji wrote in the everyday idiom of Telangana Telugu, making poetry a mirror of the masses. ✒️ The Living Poem “Kaloji was not just a poet of words, but of conscience. His life it...

Warangal Durries: The Geometric Rugs of Kakatiya Land GI Tagged March 2018 | Mughal Era Heritage | Pit & Frame Looms | National Award Winner Pitta Ramulu Warangal Cluster, Telangana — A rugged, flat-woven textile that carries the memory of Mughal camps and the rhythm of Deccan looms. The Warangal Durry is a handwoven cotton rug distinguished by bold geometric patterns, horizontal stripes, and vegetable-dyed hues . Its origins trace to the arrival of the Mughal army in the Deccan, when accompanying artisans introduced carpet weaving; local weavers adapted the craft, passing skills through generations. Today, these durries are prized in domestic and international markets, with 80% of India’s handwoven durry exports originating from the region. The craft received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2018 (Application No. 589), protecting the unique identity of Warangal durries. Despite global accla...