Telangana360

A Legacy of Art and Gloss The vibrant art of Nirmal paintings is a captivating blend of Indian and Mughal artistic traditions, originating from the town of Nirmal, which serves as the district headquarters in the Nirmal District of northern Telangana, India. Nestled amidst the hills of the Sahyadri mountain range, this art form is famed for its glossy sheen, intricate detailing, and rich color palette. These paintings are a testament to centuries of skilled craftsmanship by the Naqash community. History: A Royal Patronage and Artistic Evolution 🎨 The story of Nirmal paintings is a tale of enduring artistic tradition fostered by royal support. Ancient Roots and Influences : The craft's origins date back to the 14th century, initially thriving under the Kakatiya dynasty. During this period, the art was heavily influenced by the murals of the Ajanta Caves. Mughal and Nizam Patronage: The art received significant support from the Mughals and later the Nizam of Hyderabad from the 17th...

Dokra (also spelled Dhokra) metal craft is one of the most fascinating tribal art forms of India, and it holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Telangana. This ancient art, renowned for its rustic beauty and timeless charm, is especially practiced in the tribal regions of Adilabad district. The craft derives its name from the Dhokra Damar tribes, traditional metal-smiths who create exquisite artifacts using the unique lost wax casting technique — a method that has remained unchanged for centuries. GI Tag (Geographical Indication) The Adilabad Dokra craft has received official international recognition by being awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. GI Tag Status : Awarded Year of Award : 2018 (specifically, the GI tag was accorded on March 28, 2018). Significance: The GI tag certifies that the product originates from the Adilabad region of Telangana and possesses a quality, reputation, or characteristic unique to that geographical area. This legal protection prevents ...

Pembarthi: The Village Where Brass Sings the Song of Kakatiyas Nestled within the Jangaon district of Telangana, the village of Pembarthi—often spelled Permbarti—is a humble locale with a towering reputation. It is a place where tradition is not merely preserved but actively forged, quite literally, in gleaming brass. World-famous for its intricate and exquisite brassware craftsmanship, Pembarthi is a testament to the enduring power of hereditary skill. The air here vibrates with the rhythmic clink and tap of mallets, as artisans transform dull brass sheets into fascinating and wonderful objects of art and utility, ranging from idols and figurines to utilitarian utensils and decorative pieces. In 2023, the village was celebrated for its sustainable development and tourism appeal, earning the Best Tourism Village award in the Silver Category. History and Heritage The craftsmanship of Pembarthi is a direct link to the glorious past of the region, specifically the Kakatiya dynasty. The fo...

Nirmal Painted Furniture is a celebrated, unique form of handmade wooden furniture originating from Nirmal town in the Adilabad district of Telangana, India. It is recognized for its fine quality, exceptional durability, and outstanding look, combining traditional woodcraft with beautiful painting artistry. The craft's importance and heritage were officially recognized when it received Geographical Indication (GI) rights in 2009. Definition and Recognition Location and Product : Nirmal Furniture is handmade wooden furniture created in Nirmal, Adilabad, Telangana, India. Official Recognition : It received Geographical Indication (GI) rights in 2009, establishing it as a distinct brand. Artistic Identity: It is a unique art form from Nirmal town, known for its outstanding local arts and crafts tradition. Historical Roots and Artistic Influences Origin: The roots of Nirmal art and craft are traced back to the Kakatiya era. Influences: The works were shaped by major Indian Schools o...

Nirmal toys are world-famous traditional wooden toys originating from the historic town of Nirmal in Telangana, India. This 400-year-old craft, known as Naqashi Art, is a rich tradition encompassing finely carved soft wood toys, attractive paintings, and furniture. The art form is deeply rooted in the region's history, tracing its origins back to the Kakatiya era and flourishing under the patronage of the 17th-century ruler Nimma Naidu. The craft is kept alive by a cluster of approximately 60 families and holds a position of pride in Indian handicrafts, recognized internationally, and protected by its Geographic Indication (GI) status awarded in 2009. Historical Origin and Patronage Nomenclature: The town and the craft derive their name from the 17th-century ruler, Nimma Naidu, who had a great interest in art. Founding: Nimma Naidu established the industry by collecting around 80 artists. Ancient Roots: The craft is an age-old tradition dating back to the Kakatiya era with a record...

Cheriyal Scroll Painting is a highly stylized version of Nakashi art, characterized by local motifs peculiar to the Telangana region. The art form gets its name from the village of Cheriyal in the Siddipet district, an hour's drive from Hyderabad, which serves as its last outpost. Historical and Sociological Significance  The tradition originated several hundred years ago and was traditionally practiced by the Nakashi artists. The scrolls were used by the Kaki Podagollu, a traveling community of storytellers and balladeers. This team of performers (usually five people) would travel through Telangana, using the painted scrolls as a visual aid (akin to a comic strip or a film roll) to narrate stories, ballads, and epics to illiterate villagers. This made the Cheriyal scrolls once sociologically and culturally significant as a tool for mass education and entertainment. Traditional Format and Technique Material: Canvas scrolls made from Khadi cloth. Dimensions: A traditional scroll was...

The Karimnagar Silver Filigree is a celebrated ancient art form from Karimnagar, India, renowned for its exquisite silver artifacts and ornaments crafted from fine, twisted silver wire. This delicate technique, known locally in Telugu as vendi teega pani (work done with silver wire), has a rich history spanning at least two centuries and received official recognition with a Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007. Initially gaining popularity and patronage during the Nizam era, the craft is currently undergoing a revitalization, notably through the involvement of women artisans, which is helping to make these traditionally elite items more accessible to the common market. History and Evolution of the Craft The silver filigree tradition in the region is said to have been adopted about 200 years ago in the town of Elgandal, near present-day Karimnagar in Telangana. It later migrated to Karimnagar town in the early 20th century. Historical accounts credit a widely traveled professiona...

Warangal Durries are a celebrated craft from the Deccan region of India, with a tradition tracing back to the Mughal era. These geometric-patterned rugs are a hallmark of the country's rich handloom practice and are highly sought after in both national and international markets. The craft is centered in Warangal, Telangana, and was officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2018, protecting its unique identity. Despite their renown and the skill of the artisans, the industry faces challenges related to branding, marketing, and ensuring the craft's continuation. The Craft and Its Heritage History and Significance The tradition of durry-making in Warangal dates back to the Mughal army's arrival in the Deccan region. Artists and craftsmen accompanying the army began making carpets, and the local population soon adopted it as a source of income, passing the skill down through generations. Today, it remains a highly labour-intensive, rural-based cottage ind...

The Narayanpet saree is a celebrated Indian textile, woven from either cotton or silk. It exemplifies the beautiful merger of cultures within the Indian Subcontinent, particularly notable for its unique design and rich history. These sarees have enjoyed significant acclaim, including royal Maratha patronage, and were historically regarded as the garment of the Gods, used to drape idols and worn by the aristocracy. Today, they are known for being an easily affordable silk garment, increasing their popularity globally and benefiting the weaving community in Narayanpet. Historical Origins and Royal Patronage The history of the Narayanpet saree is strongly linked to the Maratha kingdom and Chatrapati Shivaji. Maratha Connection: One popular account suggests that in 1630 AD, during Shivaji Maharaj's campaign in the Deccan, he was impressed by the brightly colored saris of the local women, leading to the saree gaining Royal Maratha Patronage. Weavers' Migration: Another version, sup...

Gollabhama sarees, hailing from Siddipet in Telangana, are a globally recognized textile art form, distinguished by their unique woven motifs and protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These sarees derive their name from the intricate "Gollabhama" (milkmaid) motifs inspired by the lore of Lord Krishna and the Golla community. Despite their international fame and cultural significance, the weavers behind these masterpieces face significant challenges, with sales remaining discouraging and their numbers dwindling dramatically. This document delves into the art, process, and current state of the Siddipet Gollabhama handloom tradition, exploring its rich heritage and the urgent need for its preservation. The Art and Motifs of Gollabhama Sarees This section covers the defining visual and thematic characteristics of the sarees. The Iconic Motif: The sarees are named after the "Gollabhama" or milkmaid motif, which depicts the bewitching silhouette of women from ...

The Gadwal Saree is a handcrafted woven sari originating from Gadwal in the Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana, India. Renowned for its unique structure and artistry, it is a significant part of India's textile heritage. A true Gadwal saree is characterized by its lightweight cotton body intricately woven with a heavy silk pallu (the decorative end piece) and borders, often featuring elaborate Zari work (metallic thread). This distinctive "interlocking weft" technique results in a saree so finely woven that it can be packed into a matchbox. In 2010, its uniqueness and cultural importance were formally recognized when it was registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. Section 1: Materials and Production Process Materials: Gadwal sarees are traditionally woven using a combination of cotton for the body and silk (typically tussar or mulberry) for the border and pallu. This blend gives rise to the name "Sico...

The Pochampally Ikkat: A Woven Legacy of Telangana Nestled in the heart of Telangana, the Bhoodan Pochampally region, a cluster of about 80-100 villages in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, is renowned globally as the "Silk City." This is the home of the illustrious Pochampally saree, a symbol of India's rich textile heritage. More than just a garment, each Pochampally saree is a masterpiece of geometry and color, born from a unique and painstaking dyeing and weaving technique known as Ikat. Recognized for its exceptional artistry, it holds the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status, awarded in 2005, protecting its identity and linking it inextricably to its place of origin. The Uniqueness of Ikat: The Art of Pre-Dyed Weaving What sets Pochampally apart is its specific use of the double Ikat technique. The term 'Ikat' comes from the Malay-Indonesian word 'mengikat,' meaning 'to tie.' This is the essence of the process. The Process: Instead...

Chandlapur is a village in Chinna Koduru mandal, Siddipet district, Telangana State, India. Located at a latitude of 17.72692 and a longitude of 78.00892, is renowned for its rich heritage of producing intricate handlooms, particularly Gollabama Sarees . Weaving has become the primary occupation of many villagers, with these exquisite sarees finding recognition both nationally and internationally. The village boasts a cultural legacy rooted in the traditional art of handloom weaving, preserving ancient techniques and utilizing traditional materials. The primary theme of tourism in Chandlapur is centered around promoting and showcasing its exceptional Handloom Craftsmanship, with a particular focus on Gollabama Sarees. Chandlapur has been recognized as Best Tourism Village 2023 in Bronze category. Chandlapur stands as a living testament to the timeless art of handloom weaving and this enchanting village is a treasure trove of intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Chandlapur...

Banjara needle craft is a needle craft embroidery in the state of Telangana. The craft has evolved through centuries across generations. It is an embroidery and mirror work on tapestry. The work pieces are bright-coloured. Banjara needle craft is unique to the region of Telangana. It involves use of simple needles, embroidery thread, original fabrics (cotton or woolen), and needs high proficiency in the craft. Combined together, they create splendid pieces of art. Needle work is the mainstay of this craft and the combination of certain patterns such as geometric shapes - squares, tracings and diamonds are widely used. The colourful threads used on the basic cloth along with tiny mirrors, beads and cowrie shells impart a vibrant look to the piece of cloth. The mirrors, beads and shells diverse style of stitching - herringbone, simple chain stitching, long and short stitch. Generally diverse colours such as pink, white, yellow and blue coloured clothes are used. In many instances, blu...

The Ramoji Film City located in Anaspur Village, Hayathnagar Mandal, Rangareddy, India. At 1633 acres, it is the largest integrated film city in the world. It is also a popular tourism and recreation centre, containing natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park.  The Outer Ring Road Phase 2 has acquired lands at the entrance and is set to intersect the city. Ramoji Film City is spread at over 2,000 acres of lands and it includes amusement parks, recreation centers, film sets and contains both natural and artificial attractions.  Ramoji Film City is located just 25 km drive towards South-East of the Hyderabad city, near the under construction outer ring road, it has the entrance of this privately held company.  The Ramoji Film city has been declared as the world’s largest film studio by Guinness World Records. Ramoji Rao the film producer is the head of Ramoji Group who is the founder of Ramoji Film City.  In 1996 RFC opene...

The historic Hyderabad Mecca Masjid or Makkah Masjid is located adjacent to Charminar in a south-west direction in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India and is a state-protected monument. Built with local granite, it finds place among largest mosques in India and is the most important and largest one in the city. The construction of this mosque started in the year 1614 by Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and was completed in 1693 by Aurangzeb. The mosque has a length of 225 feet and is 180 feet wide with a height of 75 feet. The roof is rested on 15 arches.” Seventeenth-century French traveler, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) , was in Hyderabad when the magnificent Mecca Masjid was undergoing construction. Awestruck by the magnificence of the architecture, he had noted in his travelogue that “it is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed.” The mosque was finally constructed in 1693. The mosque con...