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We are not attempting to teach a History
lesson here. We are just recalling our rulers from Srimukha Satakarni to Rosiah
and their intentions. Many among you may be well aware of all this. But still,
being Telugus, spend a few moments to read our own pride and unity.
‘The identity of Telugus on the canvass of recorded Indian History goes back to
Srimukha Satakarni, the founder of Satavahana Kingdom, who ruled Andhradesa with
Dharanikota (in present Guntur District) as his capital between 271 BC and 248
BC. His successors extended the empire. The capital cities were shifted to
Dharmapuri in present Karimnagar district and Pratishtanpura (Paithan in present
Aurangabad) in various subsequent years. Goutami Putra Satakarni, considered to
be popular and valiant king, was 23rd in the dynasty. He restored the glory of
Satavahanas by extending the kingdom from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal.
Satavahana Kingdom has seen 29 rulers for about 400 years and the empire came to
an end by 200 AD. With the motive of extending their kingdom, all Satavahana
kings struggled to keep Telugus intact.
With the downfall of Satavahanas, other small dynasties like Ikshvakus,
Brihatpalayanas, Salankayanas, Vishnukundins, Vaakaatakas, Pallavas,
Anandagotras, Kalingas and others ruled over the Andhradesa with their small
kingdoms till Eastern Chalukyas came into picture. No ruler, small or big,
ever thought of separating Telugus.
Eastern Chalukya king Rajaraja Narendra in 10-11th century brought bigger glory
to Telugu literature by making his court poet Nannnaya translate Sanskrit
Mahabharata into Telugu. His father Vimaladitya proclaimed that it was always
detrimental for any dynasty and culture, when brothers fight each other and
separate. Raja Raja Narendra also believed in the same maxim and hence showered
his love even on his step brother Vijayaditya. The concept of unity and
brotherhood among Telugus was spread in this era.
The reign of Kakatiyas was golden period for sculpture and heritage. Warangal
was their capital. Rudrama Devi, the most popular among Kakatiya rulers, was a
shining example for valor. She ruled Andhradesa between 1292 and 1294 AD. Her
grandson Prataparudra took over from her. No Kakatiya ruler ever thought of
separating Telugus.
In 1303 AD Andhradesa has seen first Muslim invader Allauddin Khilji. Ghiazuddin
Tughlaq took over in 1321 AD. Nayakas and Reddy Kings have ruled the Telugus
between 1333 AD and 1448 AD. Pothana, the poet from Bammera in Warangal
district, wrote Andhra Mahabhagavatam in this era. No Muslim invader and no
successive king thought of separating Telugus.
Srikrishnadeva Raya of 15th century brought Golden Era to Telugu literature. His
Ashta Diggajas, the eight Telugu poet-stalwarts, stand high in the history of
Telugu literature. Though a non-Telugu (he was Kanandiga), he united Telugus
with a bond of linguistic pride.
Bahamanis, Qutub shahis and Nizams eventually established their kingdoms in
Andhradesa. Kancherla Gopanna, popularly known as Ramadas, wrote thousands of
Telugu songs on Lord Rama in Tanisha’s reign in 16th century. That was the
religious, cultural and linguistic tolerance maintained by Muslim rulers in
Andhra Desa. No ruler among them thought of separating Telugus.
Telugus have witnessed the subsequent invasion by British and took part in
Freedom Struggle. Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu from Coatal Andhra was the first
Telugu king who revolted against company rule and British Raj in India.
Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy from Rayalaseema was the first Telugu freedom fighter
of India. The fearless Kaneganti Hanumanthu from Telengana revolted against
British/Nizam. Tanguturi Prakasam, Pingali Venkayya, Bhogaraju Pattabhi
Sitaramayya, Bazawaada Gopal Reddy, Prof. N.G. Ranga, are only a few among great
Telugu non-violent freedom Fighters. No freedom fighter dreamt of dividing
Telugus but united with national spirit.
The sacrifice of Potti Sreeramulu is the epitome of Telugu self-respect and
which culminated into carving of Andhra State. The eventual formation of Andhra
Pradesh on linguistic basis and Hyderabad as its capital upheld the pride of
Telugus with separate entity and identity. No Chief Minister right from Neelam
Sanjeeva Reddy to Rosiah (not even Chenna Reddy who fought on separatist plank
when he was out of power) has thought of separating the Telugus’.
From 271 BC to 2009 AD, for about 2280 years, Telugus are united and
struggled to be together, and tried to solve problems together. Now, in 2009, be
it for valid reasons or for political gains, the question of separation has come
to forefront. While the year 2009 is going to conclude in 2 days, let us see
what is in store for united Telugus in 2010.
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