Saga of United Andhra

I’m not attempting to teach a History lesson here. It is  just the recall about 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.