The National Seminar on Rural Society, Culture and Economy in Telangana – Historical Perspective – held at the Kakatiya University on March 14th and 15th 2020 [2]

The National Seminar on Rural Society, Culture and Economy in Telangana –  Historical Perspective – held at the Kakatiya University on March 14th and 15th 2020 [2] Keynote address by Adapa Sathyanarayana 11.07to 11.55 am: He started his presentation with “Namaskaram”! He praised Sudharshan Rao, remembered A. Bobbili and then touched upon his topic. S. Kesava Iyengar has studied the earlier Hyderabad state and brought out details of Telangana villages in his two volumes published in 1931. According to Adapa, the “Arya vartha” is different from that of the Telangana village / society / economy, because, here, there was no varna system. In “Aryavartha,” the lands were owned by the “dwijas” – Brahmins and Khatriyas, whereas, here, “Dora-Patel-Patwari-Komiti[10]” were controlling. In Telangana, no Khsatriya was there. The autonomy of Teangana villages were there and they continued up to 19th century. “Dora” as a political organization / status / excessive power / exploitation developed and was the reason for the 1915 armed struggle[11]. The 150 years “Dora” system survived as the integral institution of Telangana. The concept, “coercion and consent” worked faithfully in the Telangana “village republic”.  Islam, Sufism, Christianity have been here, but, anti-Islam was a different aspect in Telangana, because of Razak Khan atrocities. Kutub Shahis were not crusaders. The caturvarna is not here, but, “Dora-Patel-Patwari-Komuti” type system existed. V. Ramesh, Dean, Social Sciences: He had dealt with the issue in sociological angle. In fact, the sociological issues are only, now, discussed in “historical” façade. He pointed out that agricultural, industrial and IT revolutions have affected and changed society much. Murali Manohar, DDE to 12.20 pm: He responded specifically and briefed them into three points. 1.       Using the henchmen / private army to collect revenue: He pointed out that every tax-collector used henchmen to collect revenue. To establish control over the lands and land revenue, they used such power centres, and they were called as “Gadee.” 2.      Most of the rulers of Telangana had been coming from outside:  The dominant Reddy-Khamma-Velama were only ruling and collecting taxes using private armies. Thus, they had control over the economy by means of productive resources – hills, rivers, lands etc. They became “Doras” coming from outside and now the corporates have replaced them. Yet, it is well known how “Reddy families” have been controlling industries and business. Even in villages, they have control over fertilizer shops and others, keeping nearby places and making farmers to come to their places to buy.  Because of these dominance only, the Naxalite and Telengana armed struggle movements developed. 3.      Researchers and historians have to answer or find out as to “why these practices are continuing?” Indirectly, he was refuting the theory of Adapa and responding to the issues raised by him. David, Principal, Local Arts College 12.22 to 12.30 pm: As he is a science professor, he pointed out that Indian spirituality has been accommodative and hence treated everything divine. As Indians believed everything is divine, they could worship stone hills, trees, rivers, and so on as gods and goddesses. God is white in Europe, black in Africa and brown in India. Brahma is brown. Energy is there everywhere, it is there in the atom. Thus, the festivals are celebrated in all forms. “daitya-shudra” types of gods, goddesses and festivals are there to satisfy all. Therefore the SC-ST-BC-Minority unity should be preserved. Sudharshan Rao, Chief Guest 12.31 to 1.14 pm: In his presidential address, he was responding to his preceding speakers. He pointed out that the statistical data study in history cannot be accepted, as the data differ and all cannot be equated to form any theory to come to a conclusion. The British method of revenue collection as continued through the Dakkani Mohammedan rulers. Vinoba Bhave’s  “Bhudhan movement” was unique, as he tried to distribute lands to landless people. But, it is not know, how the lands were distributed. Had the lands been distributed, perhaps, there would not be any people without lands.

The first technical session was held in the mini-seminar hall, as the papers were with PPT. The [paper presenters were – Linga Panduranga Reddy, Anjaiah K. V. Ramakrishna Rao and  Kishan Rao.

Capt L Panduranga Reddy (retd), presented a paper on the significance of “Fazli year” followed by the Moghuls for the purpose of revenue collection.

Prof. Srinath presented a paper in Telugu, based on a novel in Telugu. The narratives given in a novel are taken for the social divisions and struggle for interpretation.

Dr G. Anjaiah detailed about the harmony of places of worship and certain festivals celebrated in Telangana.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao presented his paper on “Quarrying, granites and politics: Internal consumption for cultural development or export for economic exploitation?”

Prof V. Jaikishan presented a paper on wootz steel manufactured in Telangana for thousands of years.

After PPT presentation, the technical session continued at the seminar hall, where the second session was chaired by Prof Srinath and papers presented. As usual most of the papers had been of the repetitive nature, in the sense that such narratives, papers and books have already been available and the paper-readers tell nothing new.

1. Ironically, the paper-readers who talk about Muharram do not know which sect of Islam celebrate. Coming to Sufism, it is evident that they do not the fundamentals. Just by reading books or taking such narratives from others, they are reading papers and even try to conclude that such and such conclusions are applicable to entire Telangana, Telugu speaking people and even whole India.

2. Conversion to Islam – here also, the paper-readers do not the significance of caste and class as per the provisions of the constitution. Any person converting Islam, becomes a Muslim and he is strictly or supposed to follow the basic tenets of Islam without fail. However, what happens when a Hindu converts into Islam, what happens to his caste, they do not know.

3. Madigas becoming Mohammedans and becoming pir – One paper-reader claimed that the SC converting to Islam is elevated and even becomes Imam and Pir and they are respected.  When asked, in which denomination, the converted SC would get and the Jamat would issue a certificate, he could not answer.

4. I note that most of the papers on “kullayappa, kullayaswamy, topiwala sahib, turuka devadu, pir-sawmi ”etc., rely upon the local narratives and of course the book of Afsar Mohammed[12]. However, had the paper-readers read his book carefully, they would not have come to such conclusions.

5. First of all, historians cannot use the term “dalit,” like journalists or populist writers or politicians who talk on stages. I pointed out / have been pointing out for many years, as the National Commission for SC and ST long back issued instructions. Recently, the Communist government of Kerala also issued such instructions. Yet, the paper-readers use such expressions without understanding the Presidential Order, 1950 and many Supreme and High Court judgments.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

17-03-2020

[1] From the brochure sent by the organizers. He read from the brochure, as I could follow him carefully.

[2] : Tradition says that the velamas were in race of Khastriya, who ruled over the country to the north of Narmada river. As they vanquished by a mightier people Raja Pratapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty attracted by their physique and commanding features welcomed them to his Kingdom and conferred on them the command of 77 forts in his kingdom. They gradually became agriculturists and traders. In Telangana their main occupation is agriculture. Many of them held lands and worked as tenants. A few of the velamas were rich landlords and village officers.

[3] The social conditions of Jagirdari village are revealed round the Gadee in 19th, and first half of the 20th century. Gadee is the residue place of Dora, in which he lives with his family members, Adabapa and Dasis (slave girls) and their children and a large number of vetti workers and bhagelas This place is the centre of political, social and economical activities. What decision was taken in Gadee is implemented in Jagir village. These Gadees persisted in 19th century and first half of the 20th century.

[4] This system prevails in Telangana during 19 th century and first half of the 20th century. By the 18th century in deccan, political stabilisation was established by Asafjahs. They initiated various tenures to bring the land under cultivation. “Like most of the Deccan states, in Telangana too “bara balutadars” played an important role in colonising the region and setting up villages and developing agriculture”

[5] The deshmukhs in the process of becoming landlords with their own patta lands practically usurped the authority of the state and kept the whole countryside in their possession to establish their Rajyam. They established their authority over government property. They established their supremacy over wastelands, government lands, trees, tanks, steams in the village. They imposed restriction on peasants and shepherds grazing their cattle and on labourers collecting firewood from such common resource lands.

[6] From the brochure sent by the organizers. He read from the brochure, as I could follow him carefully

[7] From the brochure sent by the organizers. He read from the brochure, as I could follow him carefully

[8] From the brochure sent by the organizers. He read from the brochure, as I could follow him carefully

[9] From the brochure sent by the organizers. He read from the brochure, as I could follow him carefully

[10] Komatis are an integral part of the peasant society. This is the name for Telugu traders, shopkeepers and money lenders mostly found in Telangana. They played crucial role in agricultural finance and benefitted immensely. It is considered to be a wealthy and prosperous caste. They were mainly found in their traditional occupation i.e. trade, commerce and money lending. Very few of them worked as cultivators and agricultural labourers.

[11] During late nineteenth century the deshmukhs in the process of becoming land lords usurped the authority of the state and kept the whole country side in their possession and established Dorala rajyam. In Nalgonda District the most notorious, dora families were Rapaka, Janna Reddy, Nukala, Rama Sahayam, Pingali and Lingala. The number of families increased in last quarter of nineteenth century through the matrimonial relations established with the doras and following the doras practices. New Doras converted these services castes as “Vetti workers”. Untouchables and low caste peoples were converted as “bhagela”s. As the landlords owned large land fields due to reforms of Salarjung and they were forced to cultivate commercial crops like castor and groundnut by the British. These circumstances forced the landlords to introduce vetti and bhagela system.

[12] Afsar Mohammed, The Festival of Pirs – popular Islam and Shared Devotion in South India, Oxford University Press, USA, 2016.

The HSSF 2020 held at Sri Gurunanak College, Velacherry from January 28th to February 2020!

The HSSF 2020 held at Sri Gurunanak College, Velacherry from January 28^th to February 2020!

Why Hindu Spiritual and Services Fair?: “Services” means, generally, it would be attributed to others and Hindus are not thought of. However, Hindus have been doing service daily without any publicity. The idea of the fairs, besides showcasing the service activities of Hindu organisations, whether small or big, has been to encourage more and more such organisations to undertake service to the public[1]. The service activities undertaken by the Hindu spiritual and community organisations is not for any mean purpose of converting anyone from one’s belief system but founded on the belief that good deeds lead to be noble even afterlife. The theme of the HSS Fairs is founded on the Rig Vedic dictum “Athmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitayacha” meaning Service to Humanity as the Way to Attain Moksha.

The Fair-Theme for 2020 – “Revering Womanhood”, Respect and Honour the Womanhood: The fair has rightly showcased the charitable works rendered by Hindu spiritual organizations. Apart from that, the themes of the fair would educate the people about the importance of preserving forests and ecology for sustainable environment, promoting patriotism, and respecting parents, teachers and women. Significantly, this year, the Fair was inaugurated by Mata Amritanandamayi;  Kannagi, the first women revolutionary activist in Tamil Hindu history was the centre of attraction. For all the communities, Mother Goddess has been unique and worshipped by crores of Hindus. They have chosen the important theme in the right perspective, bringing out the positive talents of women. Many women attended exhibited their talents in inspiring youngsters.

Tables with some materials taken away by unknown persons!

Preparing for HSSF 2020: As usual, I received an e-mail from the HSSF organizers two days before the starting of the event, and I had to hurry up with the available materials[2]. Every year since 2017, I wanted to prepare some mathematical and geometrical models that cover the entire fundamentals of both the subjects. However, it involves money and space required to keep, so that they could be used for the subsequent years and other fairs also. But, now, I have been managing with the printed charts and posters on Indian history, chronology, science and technology and the research on Saraswati River Civilization. For “Saraswati River Civilization,” Dr S. Kalyanaraman[3] has given enough materials to display and explain. For me, the practical problem has been none to help, when I was alone, as I could not go to answer natural calls or drink water or take lunch. I used to sit there in the stall hours together, till my friends come. Of course, they too have their family and other obligations.

Preparing for SIHC held at Chidambaram: Last year [2019], actually, I did not want to attend IHC, as its standards have been coming down with its involvement with politics and other un-academic activities. As our friend, T. Mahendran[4] had been so enthusiastic and insisting, for Kannur – IHC[5], we, M.J. Nagarajan[6], T. Mahendran and I decided to go. Then, for SIHC also initially, we wanted to go together in car, so I did not book tickets. Then, I attended Andhra Pradesh History Congress[7] at Kurnool [first weekend] and Telangana History Congress at Nadigudem[8] [second weekend]. Meanwhile, I had to arrange and attend the HSSF 2020 at the Gurunanak College, Velacherry Chennai. Thus, one stage, I was in a dilemma to attend SIHC or not. As usual, Mahendran was contacting me daily about the booking tickets to Chidambaram. As Nagarajan backed out [to come to Chidambaram], I had to book tickets thereafter and hence, we could get railway reservation for onwards journey, but for return. Meanwhile, A Vijayakumar[9] from Madurai also assured to come and participate with his material, but, suddenly backed out, as his mother was hospitalized. For my absence at HSSF 2020, Nagarajan would take care of, thus, we planned.

January 28^th 2020, Tuesday – the stall was set-up: On January 28^th 2020, I kept the materials required for the fair. T. Mahendran came by 8.15 am and first, we went to CarrersGPS, as they wanted to provide stands and some distribution materials. After collecting the materials, we proceeded to Gurunanak College and we reached by 8.45 am. We got an allotment of two stalls nos. E2 and E3 i.e, 20’ x 10’ space. This, we have been receiving since 2017. We started slowly arranging the materials. By 10.00 am M.J.Nagarajan also came. Thus, within two hours, we could set up our stall with the exhibition materials. I left LHS for Vijayakumar, but, he did not respond, whenever, I tried his number. We took lunch there itself and it was good. But, I had to walk a long distance to go near to the college canteen, where a pandal was set up, where the food was supplied. We returned back to the stall to monitor the condition. We understood that the fair would be officially inaugurated only tomorrow. By 5.30 pm, we left for home. It was inaugurated on 28^thJanuary 2020 at Gurunanak College, by Her Holiness Maatha Amrithanandamayi.

January 29^th 2020, Wednesday –  the fair was inaugurated: We all the three reached the venue from our respective destinations. M.J.Nagarajan was there already. To my surprise and shock that all the four tables arranged on LHS and LHS in “L” shape with some display materials were missing i.e, somebody has taken away! As I could notice Sri Seshadri was standing nearby, I went to him and informed. He said he would take necessary action and provide the tables. When I asked the persons sitting in the next and opposite stalls, they could not tell. When went through that side, there had been new stalls occupied with similar tables. And some of such newly put up stalls had more than four tables. For one 10 x 10 stall, two ables and two chairs were available, but they were having 14 tables and many chairs, particularly, the last stall on our side. When I asked how they could have more, he was responding adamantly. He was telling let Seshadri talk with him! Then, Nagarajan brought four wooden tables and again we arranged them. As I brought the designed cloth, I covered the tables with them and then arranged the “Saraswati River Civilization,” laminated pictures.

Lemongrass evoked response just to get it!

January 30^th 2020 to February 2020: M. J. Nagarajan managed the stall. As usual, only subject-knowing, history-interested and similar persons visited our stalls to go through, even take photograph and discuss the issues involved. Most of them were just passing on and some of them, even not looking at our side. On Sunday, Sri Chandrasekhara Reddy was there. Sri T. Gopalan came and went away, as he was looking after “Reach” stall also. For the last three years, after observing many, I understood the following:

1. In the stall, some sound should be there, either mantra recited, song played or display of TV and so on. This year, two-three persons came asking whether we requirement of TV for rent for the purpose. So, indirectly, business is promoted in this way!
2. Some God or Goddess idol, picture, portrait etc., should be there with kumkum / vibuthi with such other paraphernalia, of course with the promise of getting something in return.
3. One should look like a Samiyar, Sanyasi or at least wear such coloured dress, then only, people look at us!
4. Something should be given free, as otherwise, they do not care for your stall. Or they may leave the materials of others in your stall.
5. Some printed paper, notice,… such publicity material or otherwise should be given, otherwise, you would be looked down with scorned looks.
6. The stall should be colourful with decoration, more people with movements, activities etc. they always go and come back, here and there.

Kali devotee……

Selling handbags, decoratives, lamp covers, all spiritual…….

The fair has been with other odd items also………..they were selling odd items, whether spiritual or otherwise…..

Selling rudrakhas, its malas, accessories etc………

Deer skin, etc., to convert into Sanayasi?…………………………..

Selling murals, paintings…………

Murals……….devotees difficult to buy…….

Come here immediately, we can buy………………………….

For her talking is important…..

The Minister of Tamil Development, Culture and Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu, Sri K. Pandia Rajan visited the stall of BISS on 03-02-2020 and noted the activities of the members taking place in historical research. As a token of respect, the book of Dr S. Kalyanaraman was given to him. Sri K. Pandia Rajan has B.E. (Hons.,), M.B.A (XLRI) degrees and highly professional to become Minister.

February 3^rd 2020 – Monday  Last Day: 9.30 am reached the venue. Nagarajn came and went away by 12.30 noon. I find one table and one chair were missing and the loth tied were also torn. In other words, somebody had again done such an act of aggression and taking away[10]. Only selected visitors, of course, VIPs[11]. Happy to note that the candidates[12] preparing for Civil Services had been so eager to go through all charts, take photographs and discuss. One of the organizers and brain behind, Sri S. Gurumurthhy came, smiled and went away, with his characteristic way. Then, Smt Rajalakshmi, Seshadri and others came to enquire. I responded that everything was nice and going on well. The Minister of Tamil Development, Culture and Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu, Sri K. Pandia Rajan visited the stall of BISS on 03-02-2020 and noted the activities of the members taking place in historical research. As a token of respect, the book of Dr S. Kalyanaraman was given to him. Sri K. Pandia Rajan has B.E. (Hons.,), M.B.A (XLRI) degrees and highly professional to become Minister. The right person for the right post! By 7.30 pm, I wound up. My friends Gopalan[13] and Ramu (Chandrasekhara Reddy’s friend) helped me to remove the charts.

My observations on the conduct of HSSF: The participants should be responsible, co-operative and mutually respecting the rights of other participants. Here, there has not been any race or competition or duel or battle to win over others by any means. Therefore, there is nothing to worry, as the stalls are given free. In fact, the persons, volunteers and others of nearby stalls can help each other, to carry on their daily routines in a better way.  The organizers cannot solve the problems of individuals.

1. The HSSF has become part of Chennai’s festival celebrations and lakhs of people involved in it.
2. For millions, it has become a symbol and opportunity of exhibiting their services done to society.
3. Free share auto service has made it convenient for the public to come to the exhibition and return to their location after visiting the exhibition. Share auto can be availed from 16 places including Guindy, Saidapet, Velachery, Perungudi and Ashok Nagar.
4. Thus, if December has been the month for music, dance and similar artistic talents, January has become the month of services and spirituality to showcase such skills and capabilities.
5. The organizers of the HSSF have been doing excellent services to the participants, visitors and the hundreds/thousands of workers involved.
6. The huge tent erected accommodating hundreds of stalls with lights and fans have been unique in all respects.
7. They provide place, food and wages for all workers, cleaning staff etc. Feeding lakhs of people for one week is a great work and they have been carrying on this for 11 years serving food in a typical traditional Indian way.
8. They provided water and other provisions at convenient places.
9. Every evening, there had been music, bhajan and other programs conducted in the halls nearby. Apart from this, on Wednesday, there were special performances by Karnataka Folk Arts, Gujarati community, Alap music academy, and a thematic homam by students of Arya Samaj Educational trust. One of the highlights was a stall set up by the Postal department, displaying different stamps celebrating women.
10. Last day, there was “Srinivasa Kalyanam” by TTD.

One should thank everyone behind such service and utilize the opportunity given. As this has been a collective effort, all should work consciously for further growth and participation to reach all parts of India.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

07-02-2020

[1] http://hssf.in/concepts-of-the-fairs

[2] I requested the organizers to give time at least one week, so that I could be ready with the prepared models etc., but, only one or two days notice was given for confirming the allotment of the stall.

[3]  Dr S. Kalyanaraman has been working and specializing o the “Saraswati river” for more than 30 years. He has written many books on it and uploading hundreds of research papers, daily, even today in the internet like academician.edu etc.

[4] Retired real Estate consultant and explorer. He has visited many prehistoric sites and discovered rock paintings etc., his reports have appeared in the vernacular media like Dinamalar etc. His papers have also been published.

[5] The 80^th session of Indian History Congress held at Kannur University – were the organizers not ready or decided to proceed in that way? In four parts –

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/09/the-80th-session-of-indian-history-congress-held-at-kannur-university-were-the-organizers-not-ready-or-decided-to-proceed-in-that-way/

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/10/the-80th-session-of-indian-history-congress-held-at-kannur-university-the-financial-transactions-are-worse-or-doubtful-2/

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/10/the-80th-session-of-indian-history-congress-held-at-kannur-university-can-historians-misbehave-students-disrespect-authority-and-women-delegates-violate-the-law-3/

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/12/the-80th-session-of-indian-history-congress-held-at-kannur-university-without-the-list-of-papers-the-paper-reading-sections-conducted-arbitrarily-and-without-any-order-4/

[6]  Retired LIC officer, interested in medicinal plants, came with me to attend two conferences and presented papers on the mss of the traditional medicinal system a Bangalore. His video talk has been in on the internet.

[7] The Proceedings of the 44^th session of Andhra Pradesh History Congress was held at KVR Government College for Women, Kurnool, on January 4^th and 5^th 2020.

https://aphistorycongress.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/the-proceedings-of-the-44th-session-of-andhra-pradesh-history-congress-was-held-at-kvr-government-college-for-women-kurnool-on-january-4th-and-5th-2020/

[8] https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/21/the-fifth-telangana-history-congress-held-at-nadigudem-suryapet-telangana-on-january-19th-and-20th-2020-1/

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/21/the-fifth-telangana-history-congress-held-at-nadigudem-suryapet-telangana-on-january-19th-and-20th-2020-dacri-overtook-thc-2/

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/22/the-fifth-telangana-history-congress-held-at-nadigudem-suryapet-telangana-on-january-19th-and-20th-2020-after-dacri-thc-started-3/

https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2020/01/22/the-fifth-telangana-history-congress-held-at-nadigudem-suryapet-telangana-on-january-19th-and-20th-2020-concluded-4/

[9]  He attended the first participation in the HSSF in 2017 and of course, his friend Smt Sathyabhama. However, they did not come for subsequent years.

[10] Now I felt a feeling to think about the nature of such persons, as it was happening for the second time. Many people were there, CCTV and onlookers were there, yet, they could do such acts. What made them to get emboldened to do so? Were they far superior to others or above every norms, rules and regulation?

[11] Since 2017, Dr R. Nagasamy, T. Sathamurthy, Kumari Ananthan, Sri Suryanarayana Rao, Smt Sushila Gopalakrishnan MLC and others have visited our stall.

[12] They are also attending coaching classes at Saidai Duraisamy Institute.

[13] P. Gopalan has been a retired Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, an active member of REACH associated with the renovation of old temples.