The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19th and 20th 2020 concluded! [4]

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19^th and 20^th 2020 concluded! [4]

When I presented my paper, Prof T. Manohar, HOD, History Depot, Kakatiya University, Warangal, was chairing the session

I started with the dolmen found at Nadigudem in Nalgonda District, as discovered and reported by M.L.K. Murthy,

Neolithic axes found at Nadigudem in Nalgonda District, as discovered and reported by M.L.K. Murthy,

Stone Art and Architecture: Manufacture of stone temples, houses, utensils, jars, tubs and others: The technology behind and the tools used: I presented my paper on this topic. I started with archaeological evidence found at Nadigudem and proceeded to cover other aspects. Nadigudem has been situated in a hilly area with Paleolithic cultural evidences. M.L.K. Murthy[1] has pointed out the presence of prehistoric men with the discovery of dolmen and Paleolithic axes at Nadigudem, Nalgonda district. The megalithic sites, burials and related details of the Telangana state have been tabulated in the Appendix-II. As Telangana has been naturally formed hilly area with mineral deposits, men had been exploiting stone and stone implements made thereof. It is not that usage of stone utensils, implements and gadgets that could be considered as megalithic, Neolithic or any lithic culture, but, even in modern culture, it is used for durable and preservative nature. About the availability of ironworking in Telangana, reports have already been published[2]. Therefore, naturally, Telangana people must have worked with stones to manufacture marvellous specimens with high tensile Ferroalloy tools. Thus, stone Art and Architecture, manufacture of stone temples, houses, utensils, jars, tubs and others,  the science and technology behind and the tools used, are studied in this paper with the available evidences of Telangana, Andhra and neighbouring states of Tamilnadu, and Karnataka. Telangana archaeologists have discovered many megalithic, neolithic sites [Pullur banda, Gondimalla, Peddamarur etc] with specimens that prove the stone working capabilities of men going back to c.2000 BCE[3]. After giving many examples, I concluded as follows.

I showed many examples stone utensils etc., to prove how the stone was worked with tools according to the requirements of men’s usage.

A huge capstone was used to cover a menhir-type prehistoric burial site in Neremetta. The crane from Hyderabad took four hours to lift the 40 ton capstone

The preference, uniqueness and usage of stone for all purposes (In lieu of conclusion): From the above discussion, the points are summarized as conclusion:

1. The Indian selection of stone for many purposes in the art and architecture has been unique. Researchers note that not only the historians, archaeologists and art experts differ in dating IVC, IVC artefacts, Vedic civilization and literature, but also in dating available stone art specimens of all forms.
2. Stone has been formed with the creation of earth as a part of Panchabhutas. As a human body with life has been made of Panchabhutas, the stone has been unique, pure and lasts forever. Thus, anything made of stone, preserved in stone, lived with stone would have a long life without degradation.
3. Sila was considered divine and ‘Salagrama’ is treated and worshipped as ‘stone-god,’ nature carved Idol of God manifested.
4. Thus, the Vedic people referred to live in forests and hilly areas, so that they could get all their requirements.
5. The Jains and the Buddhists differed, thus, they located their paces at remote places at the hilly places and viharas. They had to come to villages and cities for their requirements.
6. Thus, stone art developed and progressed in one way or the other, giving employment to thousands of people.
7. During their periods, the quarrying and deforestation were undertaken in a balanced way, so that there were no ecological imbalances. As the population increased, cities multiplied, imbalances had crept into.
8. Modern methods of exploitations, including quarrying and infrastructure development activities, make many monuments disturbed, displaced and disappeared.
9. The uniqueness of /Indian stone art expertise, skill in the carving, particularly rock-art architecture and other features has bee unparalleled. Whether the material evidences came first and the architectural manuals composed later or vice versa, both had been in existence definitely 2000 to 5000 YBP depending upon various experts, different theories and varied chronologies.
10. In any case, the Indians have been so fascinated with stones and rocks of all forms, used and benefited by their use, and lived with them, that they have not disturbed the ecological imbalances, as modern men do.

I showed many examples stone utensils etc., to prove how the stone was worked with tools according to the requirements of men’s usage.

Bell made of stone hanging in a stone chain – the technology and the tools used behind the manufacture should be considered, appreciated and understood

Stone trough, tub, tank could be found in many places. They were used for storing water, food etc., catering to the need of the travellers etc.

This tub with inlet, outlet etc., is found in the Big Temple, Tanjore, reportedly used by Rajaraja Chola.

This tub with inlet, outlet etc., is found in the Big Temple, Tanjore, reportedly used by Rajaraja Chola. Again the point is the ferroalloy tools used to cut, shape, polish and bring out such item made of stone.

A 15th century stone trough spotted on the right bank of the river Krishna at Tangeda village in Dachepalli mandal of Guntur district. The trough chiselled out in Palnadu lime stone measuring 15ft x 3ft x 3ft with a depth of one foot from the River Krishna to facilitate drinking water for elephants during 15th century

Christian Missionaries: John David resented a paper on the role of Christian missionaries for promoting education, health etc. His way of presentation and the concepts of the [paper show that it was of nature of propaganda. He was quoting biblical verses exhaustively to prove that Jesus Christ was a good healer and so on. Of course, Rekha Pande questioned him, after the presentation.

Importance of Nelakondapalli Buddhist site from Khammam district in Telangana state[4]: G.Chandra Reddy presented this paper. He gave the findings of Maga-stupa, Viharas, Votive stupa, throne, Buddha figures and concluded that Nelakondapalli Buddhist site could be developed into a Buddhist hub to attract international tourists. Therefore, the Telangana government should take steps for tourism development.

Return to Chennai: The paper-reading session was over and the General Secretary opined that paper presenter should be available to listen to other paper presenters also. One should not just read paper and go away. Such trend should not be encouraged. But, the day before, they themselves announced that those who wanted to go immediately, they could read their papers, as pointed out above.  After lunch, I decided to proceed to Suryapet, as /I had to vacate the room and proceed to Khammam to catch my train to Chennai. So I came out of the venue and stood on the road near the entrance to request any car that might go to the main road / NH.  After some time, I saw one car coming out and I requested them, the person inside was kind enough to agree to drop me on the NH. Thus, I reached the main road at Barkataguda. Then, I got a share-cab to reach Suryapet junction by 3.30pm. I went to the hotel to know that my room-mate and other friends had already checked out and gone. Therefore, I took rest, packed up my luggage and checked out by 4.45 pm. I proceeded to the main road, where I could get a bus to Khammam. By 7.00 pm, I reached khammam BS and then RS by 7.30 pm. As my train G. T. Express would come by 9.00 pm, I was sitting there watching the passengers and trains going to and fro. The train came by one hour late i,e, 10.00 pm. I got into the train to settle down. After few stations, I had the same problem of many passengers just getting inside and filling up space. Of course, this time, there was an objection from co-passengers also, therefore, we could control them. Definitely, I had the most tedious, wearisome and difficult journey to attend one conference with inherent and other difficulties, as explained and pointed out above, in my life time. As the organizers have been well experienced, highly knowledgeable and veterans in the field, they should see that their logistics would satisfy the minimum requirements of the delegates coming to attend the seminar / conference.  It is not that satisfying 10 and ignoring 90 out of 100, as all pay the delegates fees. Therefore, they may have a feeling,  why should spend thousands of rupees to undergo such treatment. Therefore, if these basics are not taken care of, days are near for the history  congress to wind up their activities.

How to strengthen History Congresses?: Having attended more than 700 national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and other academic meetings, gatherings etc., presented 700 papers, published 300 papers, and personally interacted with thousands of students, faculties, historians, archaeologists etc., I would like to submit the following to the organizers, conductors of the history congresses:

1. Plan systematically about the delegates reception, transport accommodation, food, kit with list of papers, academic sessions etc., in advance.
2. There is no meaning in forming so many committees with all A to Z names, but, with “do not care” towards delegates.
3. Take enough money, but, provide reasonable accommodation, food, transport etc.
4. With experience, I can tell with delegate fees, sponsorship, donation etc., the organizers get enough money and therefore, there is no problem in proving such facilities.
5. Satisfying coterie type people and harassing others is not the way of conduct of any congress, seminar or conference.
6. By sharing, cooking for 100s / 1000s, a lot of money can be saved, therefore, they should provide to the delegates back.
7. If they cannot or not able to do so, do not conduct, keep quite.
8. By getting delegates or crowd only, you can conduct and therefore, the organizers cannot ignore or harass delegates.
9. The delegates incur thousands of rupees by coming from distant places. The serious delegates would definitely feel and understand the mishandling of the proceedings.
10. Therefore, plan, take care of the delegates and conduct, otherwise forget the tamasha, jathra or get-together like gatherings.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

21-01-2020

[1] Murty, M. L. K., ed. Pre-and Protohistoric Andhra Pradesh up to 500 bc. Vol. 1. Orient Blackswan, 2003, p.89, 104.

[2] Juleff, G., Sharada Srinivasan, and S. Ranganathan. Pioneering Metallurgy: The origins of iron and steel making in the Southern Indian subcontinent Telangana Field Survey Interim Report 2011, National Institute of Advanced Studies, 2011.

[3] K.P. Rao, Iron Age Culture in South India: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in Akinori Uesugi (ed.), Iron Age in South Asia, Archaeological Research Institute, Kansai University, 2018, pp.129-144.

[4] His  paper – summary – has been printed in the Souvenir of the Telangana History Congress, the Annual Conference 2020, p.34.

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19th and 20th 2020 – after DACRI, THC started! [3]

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19^th and 20^th 2020 – after DACRI, THC started! [3]

Telangana Proceedings started by afternoon of 18-01-2020: The actual THC  proceedings started about 1.00 pm with the president’s speech about it and introducing the sectional presidents of different sections. After lunch, the sectional presidents started reading their papers as usual from the printed booklet, printed and distributed to the delegates. Of course, now, because of time, they briefed for 10-15 minutes.

Sl. No	Name Dr / Prof	Section	Topic / title of the paper read
1	K. P. Rao	Ancient	Telangana, the past and present duty
2	Rekha Pande	Medieval	Making history inclusive – rethinking women’s history and new categories = A case study of the temple girls in medieval Deccan.
3	Deepak Kumar	Modern	Why Histem?
4	Kurra Jitendra Babu	Local	The importance of local history

Though, these had been nominated / chosen by the EC for conducting the respective sessions, they could not perform their duties. The paper-presenters were allowed to read papers according to their convenience in the same place. The sectional presidents did not have any role in the proceedings. Then, those who wanted to leave might come and present papers, as announced by the organizers. That meant they could come, just read paper, get a certificate and went away without any active participation in the conference.

The concept of India: Thus, a person from Hyderabad presented the paper, “Concept of India”. He was trying to interpret that only Mohammedans through their language and literature mentioned about “India.” Hindavi language was spoken in and around Delhi. Amir Khusrow, who lived in the thirteenth century during the Delhi Sultanate period in North India, used these forms (which was the lingua franca of the period) in his writings and referred to it as Hindavi (Persian: ھندوی‎ literally “of Hindus or Indians”). The Delhi Sultanate, which comprised several Turkic and Afghan dynasties that ruled much of the subcontinent from Delhi, was succeeded by the Mughal Empire in 1526. He also quoted from Irfan Habib[1], “The first patriotic poem in which India is praised, India is loved, Indians are acclaimed is Amir Khusrau’s long poem in his Nuh Sipihir written in 1318”. Actually, Amir Khusrow’s poems were collected later, as his originals were not available. The Sufi literature influenced by the Bakti literature incorporated Krishna and Rama and even compared with Allah. Allah is compared with Ram, the Zam Zam water with the Ganges waters, Mecca with Kasi and so on. Really, I could not understand the purpose and purport of this paper read in this conference, because, without knowing India, none could have wanted to come to India. I did not know Nadigudem, but, somehow reached here from Chennai, then, I could not say how Nadigudem became a samasthanam, village, pargana and so on!

Kakatiya rulers and Mohammedans[2]: Then, Amarnath, a research student from Kakatiya university presented a paper in Telugu about the Kakatiya rulers and the Mohammedans and the encounters between them, particularly, how Musurnuru Kappayya Nayaka faced them. Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka (r. 1333–1368) led a larger rebellion against the Tughluq rule, driving it out of Warangal in 1336. According to the Kaluvacheru grant of Anithalli, a female member of the Panta Reddi clan in 1423, Kapaya Nayaka was assisted by 75 Nayakas. The grant also states that Prolaya Vema Reddi was one among these 75 Nayakas, but this is doubtful. Muhammad bin Tughluq, who became the Sultan of Delhi in 1324, witnessed numerous rebellions starting in 1330, first in the immediate vicinity in the Ganga-Yamuna doab, which caused a famine in Delhi, and rebellions within ranks in Ma’bar (Madurai) and Bengal. It is possible that Kapaya Nayaka advanced in the direction of Warangal in this period, acquiring some of its territories. Consequently, Telangana was also counted among the rebellious territories.

In 1334–35, the Sultan marched on Deccan in an attempt to quell the rebellions, but his army was struck by some kind of epidemic and the Sultan himself fell gravely ill. In the meantime, Ferishta narrates that Kapaya Nayaka approached the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala III for assistance in evicting the Sultanate from Warangal. After consideration, assistance was offered. Bilal Dew [Ballala], convened a meeting of his kinsmen and resolved, first, to secure the forts of his own country. and then to remove his seat of government among the mountains. Krishn Naig [Kapaya Nayak] promised, on his part also, that when their plans were ripe for execution, to raise all the Hindoos of Wurungole and Telingana and put himself at their head…. He (Bilal Dew) then raised an army and put part of it under the command of Krishn Naig, who reduced Wurungole and compelled Imad-ool-Moolk, the governor, to retreat to Dowlatabad [Daulatabad] — Ferishta, Tarikh-i-farishti (c. 1600). Historian R. C. Majumdar characterises it as a ‘national revolt’ backed up by a regular army. Malik Maqbul found himself unable to withstand the rebellion and fled to Delhi.

Ferishta states that Kapaya Nayaka and Ballala III then jointly marched on the newly declared Madurai Sultanate and divested it of its outlying territories in particular Tondaimandalam. Kapaya Nayaka ruled over Telangana until 1368. Upon his death, the allied Nayakas are said to have returned to their own towns. Despite his opposition to the Turks, Kapaya Nayaka continued using the Kush Mahal built by the Turks in Warangal and adopted the Persianised title “Sultan of the Andhra country”. In 1361, he gifted to the Bahmani Sultan Mohammed Shah I the Turquoise Throne as part of a treaty agreement. He took control of Warangal from Malik Maqbul in 1336 and thus also of a wider swathe of eastern Telangana that was governed from there. He also tried to support other rebels in the surrounding areas, although in the case of aid given to Alauddin Bahman Shah, the outcome was that his fellow rebel turned on him. Several military engagements with Bahaman Shah followed over a period of years, during which Kapaya Nayaka had to cede various forts and territories. His weakened position was exploited by the Reddis and the Recherla Nayaks, the latter of whom caused his death in battle at Bhimavaram and ended the period of the Musunuri family.

The second day 20-01-2020 proceedings of the THC: Unlike yesterday, the huge crowd gathered, today, I could see only about 60 delegates sitting there. They were trying to arrange PPT provision also. It was giving some problem. The projected images were also not clear and therefore, they were covering the side portions of the stage with a cloth. Here, also, no paper list was provided. The organizers accepted that they received only about 20 papers, that too, titles, summaries and a few full papers. Coming to my case, though, I sent my paper through e-mail and acknowledged, it was not listed. Incidentally, I could find in the “Souvenir” though, 16 papers were listed and printed, I could note only five papers were presented and other paper-papers did not turn up. Then, it was added to be presented in the second session after tea break.  Thus, it is evident that the person-in-charge of “papers” had failed in his duty by not including my paper, though I have sent full paper by e-mail. Really, I do not know why it has been happening in my case then and there. As e-mail system cannot make any mistake, definitely, the persons involved in handling such system have been manipulating.

Ellamma, Renuka Devi cult: A retd. Prof from Kuppam university tried to argue that the Ellamma / Renuka Devi cult started from the Telangana state. He even tried to attribute the sculptures at Alampur to such a cult. The headless body fell at a place called as “Mundavalli,” where, Mundavelli temple is there near Alampur. It is clear that he was exaggerating and interpreting with a stretched explanation to locate the story in the Telangana area. Really, I do not know why certain paper readers, researchers and others have been trying to narrow down and locate everything in the Telangana geography.  Actually, the Yogamba / Jogalamba Devi temple is regarded as one of the Sakti-peetha, where, Sati Devi’s upper teeth fell. The original temples were destroyed by the Muslims in 1390 and it was rebuilt after  615 years i.e, in 2005.

Manuscript Heritage on the borders of Telangana[3]: Bujangarao Bode presented his paper on the topic mentioned. He was narrating in general, where manuscripts are there, how they are preserved, kept and neglected also. He was al accusing that some mss are missing from National archives, New Delhi. He also listed out the institutions and places where mss are available.

Telangs – The Mons of Burma and Thailand[4]: S. Uday Bhanu based on the secondary sources, the books are written by the European researchers on the SEA, quoting verbatim of their paragraphs, tried to interpret that the “Telengs” were Telangana people and the Muns / Mons were south Indians settled there in Burma.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

21-01-2020

[1] Irfan Habib, Building the idea of India, Lecture delivered October 07, 2015 Kennedy Auditorium

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh.

 http://ia801207.us.archive.org/11/items/IdeaofIndiabyIrfanHabib/Building the Idea of India.pdf

[2] His paper – summary – has been printed in the Souvenir of the Telangana History Congress, the Annual Conference 2020, p.32.

[3] His full paper has been printed in the Souvenir of the Telangana History Congress, the Annual Conference 2020, pp.24-30.

[4] His paper – summary – has been printed in the Souvenir of the Telangana History Congress, the Annual Conference 2020, pp.35-36.

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19th and 20th 2020 – DACRI overtook THC! [2]

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19^th and 20^th 2020 – DACRI overtook THC! [2]

The contents of research should reach the public: Mandali Buddha Prasad started giving details of Nayani Venkat Rao as a Diwan, pointing out that it was just like a Sultan. He was using the expression, “Telugu jati / caste,” just like that of “Tamil inam / race” as that of the Dravidian politicians. He praised Jitendra Babu like anything and then explaining the activities of Nayani Rangarao about his contribution to Telugu promotion, attempt to collect inscriptions etc. He pointed out that the research done by the researchers are not reaching the public. The research papers should be translated into other languages so that the researched contents could reach others. Telugu people do not care for their language, unlike Tamil and Kannada people.

The concepts should be Indianized for easy understanding: On Saturday, the renovated fort / palace was inaugurated by Hampi Sri Virupaksha Vidyaranya Mahasamsthanam pontiff Sri Vidyaranya Bharathi Swami[1]. He elaborately explained how the British, through, Macaulay system, has spoiled the Indian society[2]. The educational system should be Indianized to suit Indian ethos and culture. He gave examples of how the teaching of numbers could be linked with Indian factors / concepts.

1.       God is one 2.      Two epics 3.      Trimurti 4.      Four Vedas

5.      Pancha Pandavas 6.      Shamata 7.      Sapta Rishis 8.     Asta Dik palakas

9.      Nine grahas / planets 10.  Dasavatara

The linguistic pride and love are required to protect the language speaking to survive[3]. In today’s society, people who have been seduced by Western culture are ignoring the mother tongue[4]. The country is evolving with all creatures doing good in creation[5]. People who say they are doing good to all deities are ignoring them today. As the history and culture of Telangana is narrowing, the Telangana History Congress wants to preserve and preserve them. In today’s society, people are suffering from serious illnesses and financial difficulties towards linguistic craze. It is urged to reduce such cravings. Ashtalakshmi is a constant place where the three mothers of the country, India, Gomata and Gayatriman are worshipped. Worshipping Gomata is like worshipping Goddesses. Some states in the country are trying to increase the number of toads. Brazil owns 90 per cent of the worlds. Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world’s largest spheres. Read the history .. Get the power said the same is Sriramaraksha for India. Today, education and medicine have gone to corporate level.

India – Indian Nation Declared In August is not INDIA: India is nor Bharath, as we respect Bharath as our mother, “Bharat Mata.” We have to respect three mothers[6] –

1. Bharatmata- Desa, nation
2. Gomata – the Cow
3. Gayathrimata – temples, schools etc.

These three mothers are important for Indians. The cow would not eat anything and everything, whatever is offered, first, it would smell it and if it is acceptable to it only, it would eat. Brazil has 90% breeds of famous cows. Saudi Arabia has big gosala, from where the ruling sheikhs get good cow milk they drink. Whereas, we Indians do not give importance to cow. For the medicinal value, foreign companies get patents for cow urine products.

Chennuri Ajaneya Reddy IPS pointed out that though Nizam followed Persian etc., the Sammasthanamas followed Telugu only. The Telugu script should be modified. Now, the news appearing in the dailies are taken up and mixed with the write-up of the proceedings of mine.

How the Munagala gadi has gone to DACRI: Once a fort of Raja Nayani Venkata Ranga Rao of Munagala Paragana (province), located at Nadigudi in Suryapet district, is now a research centre of the Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (DACRI). The DACRI was set up in the fort of Rajanayani Venkata Ranga Rao in Mungala mandal, which is familiarly known as “Nedigudem gadi”, on Saturday, 18-01-2020[7]. On the request of Director of DACRI Kurtra Jithendra Babu, the sons of late Ranga Rao came forward to give the ancient and historical structure for setting up the research centre. It houses over 2.5 lakh rare books and over one lakh palm-leaf manuscripts. The fort, built in 1870, was handed over to the DACRI six months ago [July 2019] after its director, Kurra Jitendra Babu, requested Santosh Reddy, the grandson of Nayani Venkata Ranga Rao, to do so to develop it into a research centre[8]. This implies that the work had been going on since July 2019.

The Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (DACRI) was given importance than THC: Though there was a demand from the local people to develop the structure as a historic tourism spot, the successive governments have not shown interest. With the initiative of DACRI, Nadigudem gadi was renovated at last. When Pingalai Venkaiah who was working in Nadigudem gadi, designed the flag for the Indian National Congress, which spearheaded the freedom movement. A two-day Telangana History Congress was being conducted by DACRI on its premises. Viroopaksha Vidhyaranya Peethan priest Jagdguru Vidhyaranya Bharatahi formally inaugurated the centre. Speaking on the occasion, Jithendra Babu said that their institute in Nadigudem gadi would facilitate as a reach centre for history and culture. About 2.5 lakh books would be made available in the centre. Telangana History Congress president Vaikuntam and historians were also attended the programme.

The speakers at the DACRI inauguration function: Among those who were present include Santosh Reddy, Veamana Peetham president Ch Anjaneya Reddy, Telangana History Congress president Vaikuntham, former MLC Mandali Buddha Prasad and others[9]. Speaking on the occasion, the DACRI director said it would take around 200 years to translate and print all the books that were at the research centre[10]. Meanwhile, the residents of Nadigudi expressed happiness over their village housing the research centre. The two-day meeting of the Telangana History Congress too began at the newly-inaugurated research centre on Saturday. As many as 10 books were released during the meeting. Thus, the press covered the event.

Temple architecture – Special lecture by Sivanagi Reddy[11]: After inauguration, there was a special lecture by Sivanagi Reddy, who delved upon the temple architecture, different types of temples etc. He started quoting from Swami Vivekananda, “The more you look behind, the more sakti you would get.” The architectural principles of Hindu temples in India are described in Shilpa Shastra. Shilpa Shastra mentions three main type of temple architecture – Nagara or the Northern style, the Dravida or the Southern style and the Vesara or Mixed style. The form and meanings of architectural elements in a Hindu temple are designed to function as the place where it is the link between man and the divine, to help his progress to spiritual knowledge and truth, his liberation it calls moksha. Temple architecture evolved slightly differently in a different region. Shilpa Shastras mentions three main type of temple architecture. Three main styles of temple architecture are the Nagara or the Northern style, the Dravida or the Southern style and the Vesara or Mixed style. But at the same time, there are also some regional styles.

1. Nagara (in North India) is associated with the land between the Himalayas and Vindhyas.
2. Dravida (in South India) is associated with the land between the Krishna and Kaveri rivers.
3. Vesara style as an independent style was created as a hybrid of Nagara and Dravida styles. It is associated with the land between the Vindhyas and the river Krishna

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-01-2020

[1] Indian Express, 150-year-old fort at Telangana’s Nadigudi springs back to life as research centre, Published: 19th January 2020 09:22 AM | Last Updated: 19th January 2020 09:22 AM

[2] Namaste Telangana, Racial [linguistic pride] existence requires history, Sun, January 19, 2020 02:00 AM

[3] http://ntnews.com/TelanganaNews-in-Telugu/telangana-history-congress-conferences-in-nadigudem-1-2-621434.html

[4] Andhrabhoomi, The source of racial instability is history, Published Sunday, 19 January 2020

[5] http://andhrabhoomi.net/content/satate-117

[6] SWAMIJI’S MESSAGE- 1. Respect parents, call them as mother and father buy not mummy and daddy. 2. Serve go-mata. 3. Serve bharatmata. 4. Serve gayatrimata i.e temples. http://hampividyaranyamutt.org/message.html

[7] TelanganaToday, Suryapet: DACRI centre set up in Nadigudem gadi, | Published: 19th Jan 2020 12:31 am.

[8] http://telanganatoday.com/suryapet-dacri-centre-set-up-in-nadigudem-gadi

[9] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2020/jan/19/150-year-old-fort-at-telanganas-nadigudi-springs-back-to-life-as-research-centre-2091508.html

[10] Enadu-Suryapeta, History should reach common people, January.21, 2020.

https://www.eenadu.net/districts/latestnews/Suryapet/693/120009179

[11] His full paper has been printed in the Souvenir of the Telangana History Congress, th Annual Conference 2020, pp.9-23.

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19th and 20th 2020! [1]

The Fifth Telangana History Congress held at Nadigudem, Suryapet, Telangana on January 19^th and 20^th 2020! [1]

The Ayyappa groups have been developed manifold in Andhra-Telangana and lakhs of devotees going and coming back through Tamilnadu

From Chennai to Nadigudem: After attending IHC at Kannur and APHC at Kurnool, then, I had to go to Nadigudem to attend THC session, as I had planned, papers prepared and tickets booked. The Fourth / Fifth Telangana History Congress [తెలంగాణ చరిత్ర కాంగ్రెస్] was held at Nadigudem, Suryapeta Mandal, Telangana. As I always book tickets, make confirmation about accommodation, after sending my paper, I used to proceed to attend any conference / seminar. This time also I did the same, as usual, to attend the Telangana conference held at Nadigudem, Suryapet. However, I did not receive any response from them. I sent a letter requesting for a room and the paper by e-mail and by post. Earlier, I rang up for the Local secretary, “9490663333” dozen times, there was no response. When I reminded again by e-mail on 13-01-2020, I received a mail from Veerender Mallam, “Thank you for showing interest in THC and also presenting s paper. As mentioned by you, when you reach Munagala or before reaching please contact us so that we can arrange somebody to receive you. My phone number is 9440747957. Best, Veerender Mallam.” Actually, I have been a life member of THC and attending the previous sessions held at Warangal and Hyderabad presenting papers. As I planned, I started from Chennai to Khammam by train. Here, I had to record the experience I had in the train with the Ayyappa baktas. When the Korba express came to central, the reserved compartments were full of Ayyappa baktas in hundreds. They were virtually blocking incoming passengers entering inside. They were occupying all seats without any order. After reaching the reserved berth also, they again swarmed us in dozens sitting and laying down o the floor without leaving any space. If at all, we had to go to the bathroom, we had to rummage and lurch through them, touching their bodies. Of course, they did not mind! I could not have proper sleep. At Vijayawada only, they had disappeared! Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!

Location of the venue, where the THC session was held

From Khammam to Godada to Munagala to Nadigudem: The train reached Khammam on 17-01-2020 by 8.00 am. Instead of Munagala, I was asked to go to Godada, as there was no bus from Khammam there to Muagala and also suggested by the organizers. So I caught a bus to reach Godada. After reaching Godada, I had to catch another bus to Munagala. Then, I had to get down at the police station stage, as there were four stages, as suggested by the organizers. When I got down there at “Police station” stage, I saw Dr Jai Kishan, whom I met earlier several times in different conferences. Last time, I met him at the “Iron in India” seminar held at the Dravidian University, Kuppam. He took me in his car going through paddy fields. At last, we reached the venue – Kalaprapurna Nayani Venkata Rangarao Bhawanam.” I recollected about the building, the deserted building complex known as “Munagala gadi, fort, palace,” and so on, as I saw two videos on the internet. It was almost a deserted building complex, known as “Munagala gadi,” as described in the video[1].

Nadigudem gada, fort, or  palace as looked before renovation

Wood has been used extensively for long life and aesthetic value with carved designs for supporting pillars, hand-rails, steps, rafter etc

The Nadigudem gadi: From the court cases[2], we can get a lot of information about the owners of the building / gadi / fort complex. Munagala Province was in longer existence than the other Samasthanams of Nizam State. It came into being as a part of the army officers who had displayed valour in the battlefield were given Estates as gifts. Munagala was one of them. The Munagala Zamindar existed as a subordinate to the Kakatiya rulers between 1262 and 1323; in 1300 it was under the rule of Cheruku Jagadadu Marayya Ganapathi. Reddy. From 1306 onwards Cheruku Jagadadu Annayya Reddy inherited the rule, according to Tadavai inscription. As per the historical evidence available, the region enjoyed provincial status during the reign of Rachakonda, Devara konda Velama Rayalu and Golkonda kings. At the time of Aurangazeb, it passed into the hands of Moghuls. The District of Kistna in which Munagala is situated forms part of the Northern Circars, which was at first under the Hindu Rajas, and then formed part of the Kingdom of Golconda which was conquered by Aurungazebe at the close of the seventeenth century.

The view from the top – the main building of the palace, horse stables can be seen. In other way, it was built in that way for observation.

From the French to the British to independence[3]: Subsequently, the Circars were included in the Subbah of the Deccan and were governed by the Nizam until the middle of the eighteenth century, when they passed for a time into the hands of the French. Then after Col. Forde’s successful operations, Lord Clive obtained a Sannad from the Imperial Court at Delhi assigning them to the East India Company. There is no reason to doubt that at the time the District or Pergunah of Munagala was in the possession of the last survivor of a very ancient Reddi family who held it as deshmuk or Chauduri under the ruling power. In 1759 AD Munagala was given to the East India Company. In 1802, East India Company adopted the method of “Permanent Settlement “ permanent “Sanad” was issued in the name of Keesara Vekata Narasimha Rao. From 1766 the proprietary right of the Zamindar of Munagala does not seem to have been questioned. From 1900 onwards, Raja Nayani venkata Ranga Rao was the ruler of the zamindari. there used to be 22 major villages including three Mukhasa Villages.There were a total of 17 hamlets for some major villages. Nayani lachamma‟s adopted son Ranga Rao was minor and the Estate passed into the Court of Wards. Venkata Ranga Rao ascended to the power in 1900 and continued ruling the Estate. The Zamindari System was abolished in 1948, thus bringing an end to Ranga Rao‟s regime. He died in 1958 and in 1959 the Province of Munagala was added to the Nalgonda District from Krishna District. Thus the History of Munagala Samsthanam crossed so many landmarks in the hands of Jamindar‟s and finally merged in Nalgonda Dist. of Andhra Pradesh. Now, it is in the Telangana State.

First floor where wooden chair can be seen.

From pre-independence date to independence and thereafter – reaching 2020: During 1925-1935, the Jamindar was reportedly occupied many fertile areas and exploited labour. He even prevented water flowing to other fields, but diverted to his lands. The issue had even gone to court. Now, it has been sprawling over 5.5 acres area with the two-storied buildings. Earlier a school was functioning in the buildings for about 10 years. Then, there was a proposal to establish a polytechnic, but, for some reasons, the idea was shelved and forgotten. Anyway, now, the heirs have leased the complex to the Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (DACRI) and they have renovated to hold the THC in 2020.

The horse stables or prion, incidentally, one of these rooms was allotted to me without any current connection!

View of the Darbar hall / Diwan’s main building.

I went to nearby streets to observe the condition of the Nadigudem village. This is LHS of the view of the street, where the palace stands.

Going still further in the street….one depilated old house and another house, its entrance has been whitewashed recently, can be seen.

View of the same from other side

Closer view of the house recently whitewashed

the other side of the road

An old house can be seen..

The room allotted to me at Nadigudem without electricity connection: He dropped me at the venue and also showed a room, where I could stay. A cot, bed, pillow etc., were provided. He told that by evening, they would provide current connection and fan. There had been hundreds of workers working at different places within the Fort complex. Actually, it was one of the horse stables, also used to keep the prisoners inside. It had only one door and window at the top about 20 feet from the ground. I was sitting and going here and there to spend time watching them. I had gone through the nearby streets taking photographs. Still, there have been many old houses in the dilapidated conditions. With urgent and haste, they were rushing through the processing of whitewashing, painting, levelling, cleaning, pandal constructing and so on. The work continued even in the evening and there was no sign of giving electrical connection to the room allotted to me. Slowly, delegates started coming. They were so busy with other work. The organizers had also definitely avoiding the delegates. Actually, they could have informed through mail about the prevailing condition, but, they did not do.

 

The outer compound wall leading to the entrance of Raja gadi / Munagala gadi, the fort or palace of Nayani Rangarao.

The entrance of Raja gadi / Munagala gadi, the fort or palace of Nayani Rangarao, just going inside

The reception building leading to the main building. It has very big doors of 20 x 10 feet dimension!

The reception building leading to the main building. It has very big doors of 20 x 10 feet dimension! The doors can be seen partially.

The Raja / Jamindar darbar hall, house getting facelift after renovation, here, not much difference noted, except whitewashing and painting.

Work going on, part of the entrance – reception building can be seen.

The stage / podium in between the reception and main buildings has been getting final touch-ups, painting etc.

Clearing and construction of toilets on LHS

The backyard of the gadi

The backyard of the gadi – corner

The horse stables / prison, as viewed from the backside

The horse stables / prison

 

Srinivasulu, Raakrishna, Veerender and others could be seen, 17-01-2020 evening before moving out to Suryapeta.

Moving to Suyapet: Therefore, I was thinking to decide to move out. When I saw S/Sri Ramakrishna and Srinivasulu, I requested them that I would also join them, if they wanted to move out. After some time, they came to me to inform that we would go to Suryapet and take a room. So somehow, we reached the main road / national high way to catch a bus to reach Suryapet. There was demand in getting a room, as local elections were held the next day i.e, 19-01-2020. Somehow, we got a room at the Tirumala Grant and settled down. Then, only, I could sleep to some extent, because of the last night disturbances on the train.

The first-day proceedings at Nadigudem on 19^th Jan.2020: Got up by morning, got ready and started going to Barkargudem by bus. Actually, as I was not familiar with the names etc., I just had gone with Srinivasulu. We got down there at Barkatgudem junction. Fortunately, a car was returning from the main road and we could get dropped at the venue. Took breakfast and sat at the pandal. We got registered ourselves paying the delegate fees of s 500/- per head. Inside the bag, one souvenir, booklet of papers of the sectional presidents, pen and badge were there. The list of papers was missing. First, there was the inaugural function of the Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (DACRI).

Registration done here…

The function was to start by 10 am, but, it started at 11.15 am. There was a lengthy list of VIPs,

SSS Jagadguru Vidyaranya Bharathi Swamili, Virupaksha Vidranya Mahasamasthanam, Hampi,

Sri Mandali Buddha Prasad, Former Dy speaker, Govt of AP,

Sri Chennuri Anjaneya Reddy[4] IPS, former Chairman, APTDC, Govt.of AP,

1. Rajendra Prasad, General President
2. P. Rao, sectional president – Ancient section
3. Rekha Pande, Medieval section
4. Deepak kumar, Modern section
5. Jitendra Babu, Local history

Swamiji lit the lamp by striking a match to matchbox – after many years. I saw this, as usual, a candle is used to lit lamp. In fact, when Swamiji asked for a matchbox, they could not provide and then, a person came running towards him with a matchbox. Sivanagi Freddy was compeering with his highly wordy Telugu flow of words. Others followed to complete the wicks of the lamp as usual.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-01-2020

 

[1] V6 News Telugu, “Munagala Gadi”, http://youtube.com/watch?v=QlAnW5MUqgY

[2] Madras High Court, Raja Keesara Venkatappayya Alias … vs Raja Nayani Venkataranga Rao And … on 1 May, 1919, Equivalent citations: (1920) 38 MLJ 149, Author: Wallis, JUDGMENT Wallis, C.J. http://indiankanoon.org/doc/1199541/

[3] P. Lingaiah, The History of Munagala Samasthanam, International Journal of multidisciplinary Empirical Research, Vol.VI, Issue 1 (1), January, 2013, pp.134-141.

[4] He resigned, as he was not given the DGP posting before retirement.