Telangana360

Prof. Biruduraju Ramaraju Godfather of Telugu Folklore Studies | First PhD in Folklore in South India 📜 National Research Professor (1995) | 🧠 Folklore Pioneer | 📚 40+ books | 🎓 Emeritus Professor, Osmania University Prof. Biruduraju Ramaraju (16 April 1925 – 8 February 2010) was a legendary scholar, folklorist, and literary historian from Telangana. He was the first PhD scholar in folklore studies in South India and the first from Osmania University to receive a doctorate in Telugu folklore. In 1995, the Government of India honoured him with the rare distinction of ‘National Research Professor’ — a title shared with luminaries like Prof. Yash Pal, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, and M.S. Subbulakshmi. His authority spanned both the pan-Indian Sanskritic tradition and the vibrant local folk traditions with equal felicity. I. Early Life & Formative Years Born in Devanoor village (Dha...

Kaloji Narayana Rao The People's Poet (Praja Kavi) of Telangana | Freedom Fighter & Social Reformer 📖 Praja Kavi | ✊ Anti‑Razakar Movement | 🖋️ “Na Godava” | 🏅 Padma Vibhushan Kaloji Narayana Rao (9 September 1914 – 13 November 2002), lovingly called Kaloji or Kalanna , was a colossal figure in Telugu literature, a fearless freedom fighter, and a political activist whose life embodied truth, justice, and compassion. Born in Madikonda village, Warangal district (then Hyderabad State, now Telangana), his full name was Raghuveer Narayan Lakshmikanth Srinivasa Ramraja Kaloji. He witnessed India’s journey from colonial rule to democracy and used his words as a weapon of awakening. Described as the “Praja Kavi” (People’s Poet) , Kaloji wrote in the everyday idiom of Telangana Telugu, making poetry a mirror of the masses. ✒️ The Living Poem “Kaloji was not just a poet of words, but of conscience. His life it...

Warangal Durries: The Geometric Rugs of Kakatiya Land GI Tagged March 2018 | Mughal Era Heritage | Pit & Frame Looms | National Award Winner Pitta Ramulu Warangal Cluster, Telangana — A rugged, flat-woven textile that carries the memory of Mughal camps and the rhythm of Deccan looms. The Warangal Durry is a handwoven cotton rug distinguished by bold geometric patterns, horizontal stripes, and vegetable-dyed hues . Its origins trace to the arrival of the Mughal army in the Deccan, when accompanying artisans introduced carpet weaving; local weavers adapted the craft, passing skills through generations. Today, these durries are prized in domestic and international markets, with 80% of India’s handwoven durry exports originating from the region. The craft received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2018 (Application No. 589), protecting the unique identity of Warangal durries. Despite global accla...

Kakatiya Dynasty c. 895 CE / 1151 CE – 1323 CE | Lords of Ekasilanagara | Golden Age of Telugu History Over 400 Years of Heritage | UNESCO Ramappa Temple | Koh-i-Noor | Nayankara System The Kakatiya dynasty (c. 895 CE / 1151 CE - 1323 CE) was a powerful South Indian dynasty that ruled over most of the eastern Deccan, comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha between the 12th and 14th centuries. They are descendants of the Karikala Chola King of the Durjaya clan and also traced their ancestry to the Solar dynasty (Suryavamsa) of the Ikshvaku Kshatriyas. Initially starting as vassals of the Rashtrakutas and later the Western Chalukyas, they emerged as a sovereign power. Their capital was initially at Anmakonda (Hanumakonda) and later shifted to Orugallu / Ekasilanagara (Warangal). The Kakatiya period is rightly called the brightest period of Telugu history, known for valor, archite...