Telangana360

The Revolutionary Poet of Telangana Makhdoom Mohiuddin (1908-1969) or Abu Sayeed Mohammad Makhdoom Mohiuddin Khudri  was a renowned Urdu poet, a dedicated Marxist, and a political activist who became an iconic figure in the cultural and political landscape of South India, particularly Hyderabad. His life and work are a testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice, workers' rights, and the power of art as a tool for revolution. Makhdoom Mohiuddin was the poetic soul of the Telangana peasants' revolt. His life was a seamless fusion of art and activism, making him one of the most significant and beloved progressive writers of the 20th century. Early Life and Education Birth and Family : He was born on October 4, 1908, in the village of Tokapalli, part of the Medak district in the princely state of Hyderabad. He was named Abu Sayeed Mohammad Makhdoom Mohiuddin. Spiritual Upbringing : His family were Sufi Pirs (spiritual guides), and he was expected to follow this tradit...

The Paigah (c.1760 CE - 1948 CE) were the premier nobility of the Hyderabad State, a powerful coalition of families that formed a "state within a state." Second only to the Nizams themselves in power and prestige, they were the kingdom's kingmakers, military commanders, and chief administrators. The name "Paigah" (from the Persian Pāygāh meaning "stable" or "foundation") symbolized their role as the foundational pillar of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.  Founded by Shams-ul-Umra I (Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung), the Paigahs became semi-autonomous jagirdars who maintained private armies, administered large estates around Hyderabad, intermarried with the Nizam’s family, and left a rich architectural and cultural legacy across Telangana. 1. Origins and rise The Paigah's ascendancy began with Nawab Abul Fateh Khan Taig Jung (c. 1748-1822), a distinguished nobleman of Turkic ancestry in the Mughal court. His fortunes were irrevocably tied to the Asaf Jahi...

A Gastronomic Gem Hyderabadi Haleem is a cherished, slow-cooked meat delicacy deeply rooted in the traditions of Hyderabad, India. This rich, high-calorie stew, made with meat, broken wheat, lentils, and spices, holds a special place in the city's culinary landscape, particularly during the sacred Islamic month of Ramzan (Ramadan). It serves as a perfect, nutritious culmination to the day's fast, known as 'Iftar.' The dish is characterized by its smooth, paste-like consistency, achieved through meticulous preparation. The fundamental components of wheat, ghee, and meat are combined in equal proportions, with a medley of aromatic spices, nuts, and fragrant Basmati rice further elevating its flavor. The finishing touch of garnishing and a generous drizzle of clarified butter gives it a distinctive brownish, golden-yellow hue. History and Origin Hyderabadi Haleem originated in the Middle East, introduced to the region by the Arab diaspora during the rule of the Nizams. The...

The Fall of the Nizam: Hyderabad 1948 Chapter 1: The Kingdom of the Nizam The sun rose slowly over the sprawling lands of Hyderabad on a September morning in 1948. Once, it had been the jewel of the Deccan—a princely state ruled by the Nizam, Asaf Jah VII, a man whose wealth was legendary. Newspapers had called him the richest man in the world; his Jacob’s Diamond, worth $100 million, rested idly on his desk as a mere paperweight. His kingdom stretched over 215,339 square kilometers, covering present-day Telangana, Marathwada in Maharashtra, and parts of Karnataka, home to 16.34 million people, 85% of whom were Hindu. Despite the numbers, the Nizam ruled a minority, with feudal landlords, or doras, acting as his enforcers. Telugu, the language of the majority, was sidelined in favor of Urdu, making education and opportunity a luxury few could attain. In villages, peasants toiled under bonded labor, fearful of the landlords and the Nizam’s distant gaze. But cracks had appeared in the gi...

The Asaf Jahi dynasty (1724 CE - 1948 CE), also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad, was a Muslim dynasty that ruled the princely state of Hyderabad in southern India. Founded as a viceroyalty of the declining Mughal Empire, it swiftly evolved into one of the most powerful and wealthy sovereign states in the subcontinent. The dynasty is famed for its longevity, the immense wealth of its rulers (particularly the 7th Nizam, once considered the richest man in the world), its complex alliance with the British, and its administration of a vast, culturally diverse territory until its integration into the Indian Union in 1948. Key Historical Significance Filling the Mughal Power Vacuum: It provided stable governance in the Deccan after the collapse of central Mughal authority. Architect of Deccan Sovereignty: It established Hyderabad as a distinct and powerful political and cultural entity. The Subsidiary Alliance Model: Its long-standing and complex relationship with the British East India Comp...

The Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518 CE -1687 CE) was a prominent Shia Islamic kingdom that ruled the Golconda region in the Deccan plateau of southern India. Renowned for their immense wealth derived from legendary diamond mines, their enduring architectural legacy, and a remarkable policy of cultural synthesis, the Qutb Shahis played a pivotal role in shaping the history and identity of the Deccan. Emerging from the decline of the Bahmani Sultanate, the dynasty was founded by Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, a Turkoman noble from Persia. Over 170 years, their rule witnessed the evolution of a unique Deccani culture that seamlessly blended Persian, Turkic, and indigenous Telugu traditions. Their greatest legacy is the city of Hyderabad, founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, which stands today as a thriving metropolitan capital and a living testament to their vision. The dynasty is celebrated not only for its military fortifications, like the majestic Golconda Fort, and architectural marvels, l...

The Bahmani Kingdom or Bahmani Sultanate (1347 CE to 1527 CE) arose in the Deccan in the mid-14th century and became the first independent Muslim state with sustained power in the Deccan plateau and ruled Telangana from 1350 CE - 1518 CE. Founded by Zafar Khan (commonly known as Hasan Gangu, Alla-ud-Din Bahman Shah or Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah), it established Persianate court culture in south India, patronized Persian, Arabic and Deccani literature, introduced new administrative practices, and acted as the principal rival of Vijayanagara for over 150 years. Its later political fragmentation (early 16th century) produced the five Deccan sultanates — Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Golconda (Qutb Shahi) and Bidar/Barid which dominated later medieval Deccan politics. Significance: institutionalised Indo-Islamic rule in the Deccan, patronage of Deccani Urdu/Dakhini and Persian culture, innovations in administration and land revenue, and long-term geopolitical impact by spawning the five successo...

The Musunuri Nayaks (1325 CE - 1368 CE) were Telugu warrior-chiefs belonging to the Durjaya clan, who emerged as the first native resistance against the Delhi Sultanate after the fall of the Kakatiya Empire in 1323 CE. Rising from their base in Rekhapalli in the Bhadrachalam forests, they rallied the surviving Kakatiya Nayakas and reclaimed Warangal in 1336 CE under the leadership of Kapaya Nayaka. They played a decisive role in reviving Telugu power, defending Hindu traditions, and resisting northern and later Bahmani incursions until their decline in 1368 CE. Founder : Prolaya NayakaCapital (under Kakatiyas): Musunuru (Krishna district, Andhra) Telangana Base: Rekhapalli Fort (near Bhadrachalam, on Godavari) – used as a defense outpost. Later Capital (after 1325 CE): Warangal itself (Kapaya Nayaka). Father: Pochi / Pochaya Nayaka Brothers: Raja nayaka, Kamma nayaka and Deva nayaka Territory: Musunuru (Nuzvid, Krishna district) → extended into Rekhapalli (Bhadrachalam forests) and Tel...

Lacquer, or lac, bangles of Hyderabad are a traditional type of handcrafted bangle that originated in the city of Hyderabad, India. They are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and use of lacquer, a natural resin from the lac insect. In March 2024, the lac bangles of Hyderabad received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag is intended to help uphold quality standards and encourage innovation in design. The process of making lac bangles involves melting the lac into a soft dough, fitting it onto a metal ring, and then pressing and rolling it into the shape of a bangle. Women then embellish the bangles with stones. Lac bangles of Hyderabad date back to the era of the Qutb Shahis and the Nizams. Lac bangles are mainly found near Charminar at Laad Bazaar, an old market for bangles in Hyderabad known for their dazzling stonework. Laad Bazaar is located in the heart of Hyderabad’s old city, which is spread around the iconic Charminar. It is always colourful and bustl...