Manjira River

Origin : Gaurwadi in Balaghat Hills,  Ahemednagar District, Maharashtra State, India.

Elevation : 823 metres (2,700 ft)
Length : 724 km (450 mi)

Drainage : 30,844 km2 (11,909 sq mi)
Outflow : Godavari River
States : Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana.

Length in Telangana : Around 290 km
Start : Goudgaon (Janwada) village, Nagalgidda Mandal, Narayankhed revenue division of Sangareddy district in Telangana, India.
End : Kandakurthy village, Renjal Mandal, Nizamabad district
Districts : Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy, Nizamabad

Sangareddy District: Nagalgidda,  Manoor of Narayankhed revenue division, Raikode of Zaheerabad revenue division, Vatpally, Munipally, Pulkal, Sadasivpet, Sangareddy, Hathnoora, Andole

Medak District Mandals: Chillipched, Kulcharam, Medak, Papannapet, Shankarampet_A,

Kamareddy District Mandals: Nagireddypet, Nizamsagar, Pitlam, Banswada, Birkoor, Bichkunda, Madnur

Nizamabad District Mandals: Kotgiri, Bodhan, Renjal

Manjira River also spelled Manjeera also called the Manjara river in Maharashtra is a tributary of Godavari River. Manjira River flows through Latur District of Maharashtra and Bidar District of Karnataka before entering Sangareddy District in Telangana.

Manjira, Haridra River or Haldi vagu or Pasupu vagu  rivers joins Godavari and forms Triveni Sangamam in Kandakurthy Nizamabad district, Telangana State.

Manjira River tributaries in Telangana

Dabba vagu

Length: Around 30 kms

Start: Siddapur village, Jharasangam Mandal, Sangareddy district.

End : Kesaram Village near Singur Dam, Dharpally mandal, Nizamabad district

Gundla vagu

Start: Nagulapalle, Alladurg mandal, Medak District of Telangana State, India.

End: Manjira river near Yelkurthi Village in Tekmal Mandal in Medak District of Telangana State, India.

Kusangi vagu

Start: Palvatla village, Alladurg Mandal, Medak District 
End: Manjira river near Dhannaram Village in Tekmal Mandal in Medak District

Haldi vagu

Start: Near Turkapalli village, Shamirpet Mandal of Medchal-Malkajgiri district

End: Manjira river near Podchenpally village, Papannapet Mandal, Medak district

Tributaries : Pusphal vagu

Nakka vagu

Start: Near Siddapur village, Rajampet Mandal, Kamareddy district.

End: Manjira river near Golingal village

Gandhari vagu / Ai Yeru

Start: Near Chedmal village, Gandhari Mandal, Kamareddy district.

End: Manjira river near Golilingal village, Nagareddipet Mandal, Kamareddy district and Sardhana village in Medak districts. 

Tributaries: Pedda vagu, Bhimashevari vagu

Nalla vagu 

Starts in Telangana: Nagger, Kangti Mandal, Sangareddy district.

End: Manjira river near Achampet village, Nizamsagar Mandal, Kamareddy district.

Tributaries: Samla vagu, Kakai vagu joins to become Pedda vagu which joins Nalla vagu

Kaulus vagu

Start: Near Khandikeri village is located in Aurad taluka of Bidar district in Karnataka

Start in Telangana: Sopur village, Jukkal Mandal, Kamareddy district.

End: Manjira river near Hasgul, Bichkunda Mandal, Kamareddy, Telangana

Haridra stream / Haldi vagu / Pasupu vagu 

Length: Around 50kms

Start: Sayeedpur village, Varni Mandal, Nizamabad district.

End: Manjira river, Hangarga village, Renjal Mandal, Nizamabad district

Ash mounds recently discovered at a remote village in Telangana’s Medak district could well be remains of lava ash from the Toba supervolcano eruption that occurred about 75,000 years ago in Indonesia, say history enthusiasts and field explorers with the Kotha Telangana Charitha Brundam (KTCB).

The white powder mounds were discovered by the group’s field researcher B V Bhadragirish near Haridra stream, a tributary of the Manjeera river, at Hastalapur village in Narsapur. The local residents were using this powder for chalk.

After learning about the ash pits on the outskirts of the village, Bhadragirish inspected the ash mounds which are locally called sudda gutta. The ash bed, located about one kilometre away to the southeast of Narasimhaswamigutta on the village outskirts, is spread over a radius of about half a kilometre and two feet in depth. He had gone to visit the prehistoric rock art paintings site on Pandavulagutta. It was believed that the ash came from iron-smelting furnaces.

Lendi River originates in Udgir taluka and flowing through the Ahmadpur taluka joins the Manjira River at Shelgaon in Nanded district, Maharashtra.

Near humnapur village, kotgiri mandal in Nizamabad district Telangana.

Malar River joins Manjira at Daulatpur village in Maharashtra.

Near Mandharna village, Bodhan Mandal, Nizamabad district, Telangana.

Nizam Sagar was constructed across the Manjira River between Achampeta and Banjapalle villages of the Nizamabad district in Telangana, India. The most outstanding feature of the project is the gigantic masonry dam sprawling across the river for 3 kilometers with a motorable road of 14 feet width.

The Singur Reservoir on Manjira River in Medak District is the main drinking water source for the Medak and Nizamabad districts as well as the adjoining twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Moyatummeda, a tributary to Manner, Peddavagu and Chinnavagu are the other rivulets, which sustained ancient cultures in this region. 

The River is used for water transport between Sironcha(MH) and Kaleswaram(TS). It is also a part of the 12 rivers in the Pushkaram list which is a festival in Hindu traditions. 

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/telangana-ash-mound-volcanic-remains-indonesias-toba-supervolcano-8416972/

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Pakhal Lake

Pakhal lake is situated amidst unspoiled forest in Pakhal wildlife sanctuary near Pakhalashoknagar Village, Khanapur Mandal, Warangal District, Telangana State, India. 'Pakhal' literally means 'a large container of water' and is a Sanskrit derivative. According to the inscription set up on the bund , it was constructed during Ganapatideva by Jagadalu Mummadi, son of the minister Bayyana Nayaka and Bachana nayaka around1213 AD, Maudgalya tirtha close to the temple of Siva-Ramanatha. By the side of the tank he built a splendid city called Ganapura and granted a mansion and five martula of land to Kavichakravarti. The Pakhal Lake is an eloquent testimony to the engineering expertise of the Kakatiyas. Many artificial lakes were constructed during the Kakatiya period. The average depth of the lake is from 30 to 40 ft. The lake is a reservoir created by dam across Pakhal river, tributary of the River Musi.It was built to serve as source of water for irrigational purpose. 

Shitab Khan had the Pakhala tank repaired which still serves many farmlands in the area and is now a picturesque tourist spot. It is the largest artificial piece of water in the State, the length and breadth being 8000 and 6000 yards, while the dam is more than 2000 yards long, and the water covers an area of nearly 13 square miles. Bayyana Nayaka wife was Bachamamba and their sons were Peddana - Ganapati , Nalia - Ganapa and Jagadala - Mummadi .

Pakhal lake is situated about 32 miles East of Warangal and 7 miles North - East of Narsampet , the Taluq Head Quarters and 19 miles from Nechonda Railway Station.

The wildlife and recreation is popular retreat for tourists. The lake is attracting large number of tourists. Moonlights and shores of this lake are simply heavenly. 

Explore the 3.7-mile out-and-back trail near Khanapur, Telangana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 20 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

About 10 km from Narsampet town and 57 km from Warangal city, Pakhal lake is one of the few unpolluted lakes in India.  The best time to visit the lake is during first three or four months of the year.

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Gundala Waterfalls

Gundala Waterfalls is located near Gundala Village in Tiryani Mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Telangana, India. The scenic and lesser known nature wonder snuggles in the dense forests of remote Gundala village in Tiryani Mandal of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district.

The spot is located around 300 kilometers from Hyderabad.

A few hardcore nature lovers would tend to visit the spot by trekking treacherous rocky path for over 10 kilometers and wading flooding streams. 

There are two routes to go, from Mancherial district. The route via Dandepally will lead you directly to a kilometer nearby to the waterfall. People who don't have much time and yet wanted to watch over the beauty of the waterfall has to choose this route. But the people who love to walk amidst of forest and cherish the beautiful green sceneries have to take the route to the waterfall via Thiryani. By this route, one has to stop their vehicles at rompapally village and has to walk ahead through the forest. It's an on-foot journey of around 7-8kms to reach the waterfall by climbing over two hills and crossing two valleys of flowing water. The path isn't much steep and is filled with huge rocks, that lets you cherish the greenery in the forest, inch by inch. The sounds of various birds singing in rhythm to the water flowing through the curves of the valley will absolutely boost your energy levels. In between the walk, you'll encounter local tribal people whose 'thriving without technology' lifestyle will truly inspire you. (At least in some aspects of life, Their lives are the perfect example of a minimalistic lifestyle). The whole journey may burn a lot of calories in your body but you'll find that the beauty of this journey will definitely recharge your soul. 

Apart from all this narration, this is a journey of a walk, climb, get tired, get boosted by nature, get down the hill, and forget the whole journey looking at the amazing waterfall, Gundala. It's worth a visit and the joy cherished isn't comparable!

You need to hire local guides for this trekking.

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Gundala-waterfall/td-p/2852365

https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-gundala-waterfall-comes-alive-goes-viral-on-social-media-platforms

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Savatula Gundam Waterfalls

Savatula Gundam or Samthula Gundam or Samthulagundam Waterfalls is located around 3 kms from Venkatapur and Balhanpur Villages, Asifabad Mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad District, Telangana, India.

You need to hire local guides for this trekking.

Directions from Asifabad

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Jodheghat Valley / Museum

Komaram Bheem memorial, Smriti Vanam and a Museum is located in Jodeghat, Kerameri Mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad District, Telangana, India. Bears witness to the culture of the indigenous people that live there. Legend has it that it was the same hillock where Kumram Bheem and his associates died fighting with the Nizam’s forces.
This Kumram Bheem Memorial is a modern architectural structure inaugurated in October 2016. The museum exhibits photographs and paintings that show the day-to-day life of tribes.

The tribal museum, part of the ₹ 25 crore complex mainly has exhibits, photographs and paintings depicting the day-to-day life of the different ethnic denominations in old Adilabad district.

One can reach the museum on Kerameri highlands in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district by road through Kamareddy and Nizamabad. Along the drive that will stretch over seven and a half hours, you will find scenic valleys full of lush green trees.

Apart from the museum, old waterfalls in the depths of forests and apple farms are other attractions. The Babezhari waterfall there comes down from a 70 feet hillock that makes it look magnificent, especially between June and December.

With beautiful surroundings that will take you closer to nature, it is a perfect weekend getaway that will also help you understand the rich heritage of tribes in our region.

For the Adivasis, the memorial with its large statue of Kumram Bheem, is a pilgrimage. For others, it is an ideal place for selfies.

This #IndigenousDay let me introduce you to Adivasi warrior Sri Komuram Bheem’s beautiful village JodenGhat #Telangana Govt has built a beautiful museum in memory of Sri Komuram Bheem at his native pic.twitter.com/owKQz6Oozv

— KTR (@KTRTRS) August 9, 2022

https://telanganatoday.com/watch-the-rich-heritage-of-jodeghat-the-home-of-tribal-warrior-kumram-bheem

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/kumram-bheem-memorial-sees-more-footfalls/article24195828.ece

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Muthyam / Mutyala Dhara Waterfalls

Muthyam Dhara or Muthyala Dhara Waterfalls is located near Veerabhadravaram village of Venkatapuram Mandal, Mulugu District in Telangana State, India.

The roaring water sound is pleasant to hear as the cascading falls, flow with a heavy gush, milky white texture. The water here come from Kadam river, which is a tributary of river Godavari. These falls are attractive as they reside themselves in the arms of dense forest, with lush green atmosphere and the drizzling water pecking on your cheeks which automatically brings a smile on your face.

Although the lack of basic facilities at the site makes it unfavorable for trekking, tourists and nature enthusiasts flock to the area, as they can take around 10 kilometer walk from Veerabadravaram village, among nature to reach the waterfall.

Veerabhadram which is the base village for falls is 5kms past venkatapuram. Once you reach the village ask locals , they will show you the trekking path. You can hire the guide from village if you want . In the starting of the trail there is some parking space for vehicles also.

As per local traditions, it is believed that bathing in the waterfall can be therapeutic as the water mixes with rare medicinal herbs on its journey.

The local residents of Tippaiguda, Mutharam and Seetarampur call this group of 5 waterfalls as Gaddalasari Waterfalls. 

1. Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Waterfalls  
2. Jin Thogu or Gaddalasari Waterfalls 
3. Tadapala Vagu
4. Chalamala Vagu 
5. Ingel Thogu

Muthyam Dhara and Gaddalasari are 2 different waterfalls. Gaddalasari is approachable from Alubaka and Mutyala Dhara OR Muthyam Dhara is approachable from Veerabhadravaram. 

As per Indaram Nageshwar Rao, a passionate explorer of Telangana’s waterfalls, Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Waterfalls has a huge plunge of 298 m or 977 feet giving a magnificent view with a patch of lush green environment and rocky background,” which makes it highest waterfall in Telangana.

Gaddalasari Waterfalls is Telangana's 2nd highest waterfalls around 700 feet at Gaddalasari according to Dr Dyavanapalli Satyanarayana, an explorer. This waterfall is actually known as Jin Thogu Waterfall. One has to trek 12-8.7 mi from Alubaka to reach the waterfall. 1.9 mi to reach the village either Tippaiguda, Mutharam or Seetarampur. 5.0 mi of dense forest trek and Final 1 - 1.9 mi to reach thewaterfall crossing streams and boulders.

Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Waterfalls and Gaddalasari Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in India after Nohkalikai falls (1,100 feet in Meghalaya) and Jog falls (Karnataka, 830 feet). 

Best time to visit waterfalls is during the Monsoon season from July - September.

Other Waterfalls near Muthyala Dhara

1. Bavansari Waterfalls
2. Bogatha Waterfalls (30 km away)
3. Kongala Waterfalls (24 km away)
4. Ontimamidi Loddhi Waterfalls
5. Tappala Loddhi Waterfalls
6. Gaddelasari Waterfalls
7. Zin-Thogu-Zin Waterfalls
8. Aten Thogu Waterfalls
9. Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Waterfalls
10. Seethamma Dhara Waterfalls

Places of interest:

1. Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary ( 40km away)
2. Laknavaram Lake ( 90 km)
3. Bhadrachalam ( 90 km)

If you are starting from Hyderabad, you can visit Heritage city Warangal and Ramappa temple.
If you are starting from Vijayawada, you can visit Bhadrachalam temple and stay at Godavari River Islands.

Directions

Before 6Kms from Bogatha Waterfalls you will find a Right turn to Venkatapuram Village
From Highway to Venkatapuram village, it is around 20Kms and from their drive Exactly 5Kms. 
You will find one small village, can ask any local people about the waterfalls Mutyala Jalapatham or mutyam dhara or Veerabadhram Waterfalls. 
For simple route from highway take road to venkatapuram village, go straight till 25.3Kms and you will find small sign board of waterfalls on your left.(Can confirm from local people)  

Road condition is very good till Venkatapuram village.

Places to Stay

Laknavaram Lake – 4 Cottages & Couple of rooms available, we have to do advance booking.
Tadvai Forest Camp : 6 Cottages available, We have to do advance booking. 
If you are not able to book any cottages or rooms in the above mention place, then you will find one lodge in Mulugu Town(Warangal) AC & non AC.

From Mulugu – Laknavaram Lake is 20kms approximately 

From Laknawaram Lake - Tadvai Huts is 30Kms approximately

Directions from Mulugu

Jul 27, 2023 - Telangana Floods

A group of 80 tourists visiting the picturesque Mutyaladhara waterfalls in Mulugu district found themselves in a perilous situation when the stream they had crossed earlier suddenly overflowed, leaving them stranded on their way back. The tourists were unable to cross the rapidly rising river and were forced to seek shelter in the nearby forest and were rescued by NDRF Team in the wee hours of Jul 27, 2023, Thursday. 

An alert was sounded to the authorities after which superintendent of police (SP) Gaush Alam sought the assistance of the district disaster response force (DRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police.

A team of 50 personnel from the DRF, NDRF, and the police were pressed into the rescue operations.
Officials tracked the location of the tourists through their mobile signals, ensuring an accurate and efficient rescue operation.

“No one was injured in the incident. However, one person did require medical attention. The rescued tourists were provided with food and medical assistance,” the SP said.

https://bcfblogs.com/2020/08/03/travel-guide-to-muthyamdhara-falls/

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telangana-records-highest-ever-rainfall-with-mulugu-district-receiving-649-8mm-in-a-single-day-101690435892006.html

https://discover.events.com/in/telangana/hyderabad/e/food/falls-sky-mutyala-dhara-waterfalls-315734504

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/110722/rains-bring-to-life-warangals-famous-waterfalls.html

https://www.trifod.com/topic/623-hyderabad-to-mutyala-jalapatham-waterfalls-warangal/

https://goadventure.in/trips/muthyamdhara-falls-and-kongala-falls#

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Kaloji Narayana Rao

A giant of Telugu letters Kaloji Narayana Rao (9 September 1914 – 13 November 2002) born in Madikonda village of Warangal district Telangana. Real name is Raghuveer Narayan Lakshmikanth Srinivasa Ramraja Kaloji popularly known as Kaloji or Kalanna is a well known freedom fighter of India and a political activist of Telangana. He is known for his contributions in the social and literary. 

Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1992, the second highest civilian honour in India for his excellent service in the literary and social, Kaloji brings grace and distinction to the award. He is a recipient of Tamrapatra in 1972. He received the award for the best translation of the 'Jeevana Gita' work in 1968 and Ramakrishna Rao Burgula first posthumous tribute was congratulated in 1981. He was honored with 'Praja Kavi' title.The Telangana government honored kaloji birthday September 9 as Telangana Language Day

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Bidri Craft

Bidriware is a renowned metal handicraft that derives its name from Bidar, presently in Karnataka. It was believed to have originated in 14th century AD during the reign of Bahamani Sultans.

The term 'Bidriware' therefore represents the manufacture of a unique metalware that is named after

the region of Bidar. The Bahamani sultans had ruled Bidar in the 14th–15th centuries. Bidriware was first practised in ancient Persia and then it was brought to India by Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti’s followers. The art form developed due to a mix of Persian and Arabic cultures and after the fusion with local style, a new and unique style of its own was created. The Nizam of Hyderabad introduced the art form in Aurangabad, which was part of Nizam’s Hyderabad state before 1947.

Bidriware is an eight-stage process. Those are moulding, smoothening by file and the process of designing by chisels. It is then followed by engraving using chisel and hammer where pure silver inlaying is done. It is subjected to smoothening again, followed by buffing and finally oxidising by making use of soil and ammonium chloride. Bidriware is therefore manufactured from an alloy of copper and zinc metals, in the ratio 1:16 by means of casting.

Initially the presence of zinc ushers alloy a deep black color. Firstly, a mould is created using soil and this is made malleable by adding castor oil and resin. The molten metal is later poured to create a cast piece followed by smoothened through filing. The casting is further coated with a strong copper sulphate solution to gain a temporary black coating. Then the designs are etched freehand over this using a metal stylus.This is eventually secured in a vise and the Bidri craftsmen make use of small chisels to engrave the designs over this freehand etching. Fine wire or even flattened strips of pure silver are clearly hammered into the grooves.The item is then filed and buffed, as well as smoothed to remove the temporary black coating. This results in a silver inlay that is not that clearly distinguishable compared to the gleaming metallic surface, which is now completely silvery white.

The Bidriware item is now completely set for a final blackening process. Here, makers use a special variety of soil that is available only in select places. This is mixed with ammonium chloride and water for producing a paste. The mixture is further rubbed onto a heated Bidri surface that darkens the body without affecting the silver inlay.The paste is clearly rinsed, revealing a shiny silver design looking stunning and resplendent against the rest of black surface. The oil is applied as a finishing touch for the product to strengthen the matt coating. The finished product is now shining black with a brilliant silver inlay.

The makers of Bidriware create designs like flowers, leaves and also geometric designs, stylized poppy plants, human figures etc. In some countries there is a great demand for the design of Persian roses and also the passages from the Holy Quran in the Arabic script.Bidriware was also used for making paanholders, hookahs, and vases as well as bowls, ornament boxes, earrings, trays and other jewelry and showpiece items.

The world famous artistic metallic Work which was on a decline few decades ago is currently on the revival path following the introduction of several innovative designs and new patterns.The designs represent Indian to international themes in tune with latest home and lifestyle needs and interior spaces. Bidar in Karnataka state and Hyderabad in Telangana are the popular centres for Bidriware in India and it is also practised in some of the other centres across India. Due to the striking inlay artWorks, Bidriware is considered an important export handicraft item from India’s handicraft market and seen as a prized symbol of wealth. This native art form has also gained the Geographical Indications (GI) registry.

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/about/arts-crafts/bidri-craft.html

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Palakuriki Somantha

Name: Palakuriki Somantha or Palakurti Somanatha (1160 AD to 1240 AD)
Birth Place and Residence : Palakurthi Village, Palakurthi Mandal, Jangaon District in Telangana State.
Parents: His father was Siva and his mother Parvati.
Teacher : Ivatuuri Somana
Books : Basava Purana and Panditaradhya Charitamu.

In his first book Anubhavasara in Telugu and even in his other Telugu work Basavapurana he mentions his mother is Parvati and father is Siva. 

Somanatha mentions in his Basava Purana Avatarika that he was a disciple of Kattakuri Potidevara. In the Introductory passages of his Panditaradhya Charitra, Somanatha mentions that he was the disciple of grand son of Balideva Vemaradhya.Somanatha's literary guru was Karasthali Viswanatha.

Life Period of Somantha

Maha Kavi Palkuriki Somanatha lived in Palakurthi between 1160 AD to 1240 AD. He was one of the most noted Telugu language writers of the 13th century. He was also an accomplished writer in Kannada and Sanskrit languages and penned several classics in those languages.

The main historical evidence for determining the date of Somanatha, remains his literary works and the works of his disciples like Pidaparti Somanatha, and others.
Basava Purana is a 13th-century Telugu epic poem. It was written by Palkuriki Somanatha. It is a sacred text of Lingayat. The epic poem narrates the life story of philosopher and social reformer Basava or Basavaṇṇa (c.1106–67/8), the founder of Lingayatism. Basaveswara was the Prime Minister in the court of Kalachuri Bijjala (1130–1167 CE) who ruled Kalyana Kataka. Bijjala in turn was originally a subordinate officer in the court of Kumara Tailapa III (1151 - 1156 AD) during the reign of Someswara III (1126 - 1138 AD) of Chalukya dynasty who was defeated and captured in 1137 A.D and later released by Prola II (1116 - 1158) of Kakatiya dynasty. This is clearly known from the Hanumakonda inscription. Therefore It Is evident that Sijjala and Basaveswara, Tailapa and Prola were contemporaries in 1137 A.D Ganapatideva (1199 - 1262) mentioned Somanatha in his "Sivayogasara".

Basava Puranam: In fact, Somanatha was a rebel poet and wrote literary works in original Telugu (Janu Telugu) neglecting the grammatical rules prescribed by Nannaya, the ‘Aadikavi’, during his days. Janu Telugu is Telugu that has the least Sanskrit diction and can be easily understood by commoners. Before Somana, there was no single poetic work in Telugu on contemporary social events. He wrote ‘Basava Puranam’ which was in ‘Janu Telugu’ in Dwipada (two lined verse) with the inspiration of Veera Saivism. It was a masterpiece appreciated by all poets and was translated into Kannada.

Panditaradhya Charitamu: Telugu book written by famous Saiva Poet Palakurki Somantha. This is a biography of saiva preacher Panditaradhya. This book gives some religious perspective during that period.

The presence of the samadhi at Palkuriki indicates that Somanatha led his last days in his native place and after his death a samadhi was constructed and a temple was made on it. Inside this temple a linga and nandi are installed. This linga is known as Somanatha linga.

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Samudra lingapur waterfalls

Samudralingapur waterfalls is located near samudralingapur Village in Yellareddipet Mandal in Rajanna Sircilla District of Telangana State, India.

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Vontimamidi or Ontimamidi lodhi waterfall

Vontimamidi lodhi or Ontimamidi lodhi waterfall is located in Mangavaigudem village, Venkatapuram mandal of Mulugu district in Telangana State.

“People who want to visit this waterfall must take the help of the local tribals as they are aware of the paths in the forest. The tourists must also be prepared to walk in knee-deep slush and through the slippery boulders carefully to reach to this ‘heaven on earth’,”






https://telanganatoday.com/one-more-stunning-waterfall-comes-to-light-in-mulugu-district

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Parkal Massacre - September 2, 1947

On September 2, 1947, a patriotic desire to hoist national flag in

Parkal, then a small village in Warangal district, had ended a brutal massacre committed by Razakars.

Nizam’s men pumped bullets into people who had gathered in the town to hoist the tri-colour

The memories of the carnage are still remembered by the elders who witnessed the incident at that time. The incident has been referred to as the ‘Jallianwala Bagh’ of the south by former Premier P V Narasimha Rao.

It may be recalled that after Indian Independence on August 15, 1947, erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad denied joining Indian Union and also enforced suppression against hoisting the tri-colour employing tyrannical army of Razakars. Anguished at not being allowed to hoist the national flag, the residents of Parkal and surrounding villages planned to raise the flag on September 2 to celebrate the Independence and gathered near a ground in Parkal. But an official of Nizams’ regime Ziauallah Khan cautioned the public to disperse.

But the public charged with patriotic fervour went ahead to hoist the flag. Then the Nizam’s police resorted to lathi charge and then opened fire killing people indiscriminately, explained nonagenarians Basani Murari and Reguri Chandra Reddy who witnessed the incident. “The Razakars ambushed those who wanted to hoist the flag and fired at them killing about 13 persons at Parkal and nine persons at other places,” they told The Hans India recalling the tales of dictatorial rule of Nizams.

“Everyone wanted to be liberated from Nizam’s tyranny as they are not allowed to hoist the national flag though the country was liberated from the rule of the British,” said freedom fighters P Veeraswamy and P Vaikuntam. According to Vaikuntam, Razakars tied three people to a tree and shot them brutally at Rangapuram village and they looted gold and money and molested women at Laxmipuram and set the village on fire.

“The history of Parkal massacre and other such incidents has to be included in the school text books and Telangana Liberation Day should be celebrated officially. The State government should take initiative in this direction,” they urged. “Successive governments have failed to acknowledge the Telangana Liberation Movement and honour the martyrs by officially celebrating Telangana Liberation Day. It is sad that even in separate Telangana it is not happening,” they lamented.

In 2003, former Union minister and present Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao had built a memorial called ‘Amaradhamam’ at Parkal paying tributes to the massacre victims. The memorial was built in memory of his mother by Chennamaneni Chandramma Trust of Karimnagar. Incidentally, the back cover of the book titled ‘Uniki’ authored by Vidyasagar Rao and released by President Pranab Mukherjee some time back, features a picture of ‘Amaradhamam’ as a mark of respect to those who laid down their lives to fulfil their desire to hoist the national flag.






http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Commoner/2016-09-02/Nizams-tyranny-recalled/251862
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/when-razakars-unleashed-terror/article5087486.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/elders-recount-parkal-massacre/article611312.ece

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Gollavagu River

Origin : Mamidighat, Mandamarri Mandal, Mancherial District in Telangana
Outflow : Godavari River

Length : Around 40 Km
District : Mancherial

Mandals : Mandamarri, Naspur, Bheemaram, Chennur, Nennel

Start : Mamidighat

End : Konampet Village

Gollavagu river is in Mancherial District and it flows through below Villages. It also has several streams as tributaries.

• Mandamarri
• Mamidighat
• Naspur Mandal
• Singapur
• Bheemaram / Bhimaram Mandal
• Reddipalle
• Dampur
• Burugupalle
• Bheemaram / Bhimaram
• Ankushapur
• Maddikal
• Kothapalle
• Chennur Mandal
• Suddal
• Kachanpalle
• Angarajpalle
• Raipet
• Nennel Mandal
• Konampet

GOLLAVAGU PROJECT
This is a Medium Irrigation project constructed across Gollavagu near Bheemaram Village & Mandal, Mancherial district under G basin. The main objective of the Project is to irrigate 9,500 Acres of ayacut in Bheemaram and Chennur mandals.

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Durjaya Dynasty

c.500 AD - c.611 AD : Durjaya Dynasty
Founder : Rana Durjaya was a descendant of Karikala, the great Chola monarch who started as vassals to Vishnukundins. 

Capital : Pistapura (Identified as modern Pithapuram)

The Durjayas were a brach of early cholas.The Garvapadu grant of Ganapati states that Ranadurjaya, the founder of Durjaya dynasty, was a descendant of Karikala, the great Chola Monarch.

Many ruling dynasties in Andhra and Telangana, such as the Kakatiyas , Malyalas, Viryalas, the Konakandravadis, the Ivani Kandravadis, the Kondapadumatis, the Paricchedis and the Chagis, are claimed to be his descendants.

It is likely that Maharaja Ranadurjaya, the first ruler of this SriramakaSyapa family , was a contemporary of Vishnukundin Madhavavarman II (456-503 A.D.) and his subordinate for some time. 

Tandivada grant reveals that he was able to establish himself as a paramount king at Pistapura Vasista king Anantavarman who had issued his Srungavarapukota inscription from Pistapura 

Vikramendra 

565 AD  - 615 AD : Prithvi Maharaja ruled over a vast kingdom extending from Jajpur (Vaitarani) to the river Godavari in the south. 

569 AD : This King defeated Vishnukundin king Vikramendra Varma II (555-569).
592 AD : In his 27th year he extended his sway unto the river vaitarani in the north defeating the eastern Ganga, Sailodbhava and the Mudgals kings.

611 D : Tandivada Grant of Prithivi Maharaja - 46th Year - The object of the record is to register a grant of the agrahara village Tandivada in Pagupara-vishaya made from Pishtapura by Prithivi-Maharaja of the Kasyapa-gotra who bore the biruda Srirama, son of Vikramendra and grandson of Maharaja Ranadurjjaya, to Bhavasarman of the Kamakayana-gotra, who was the son of Prithivivarman and grandson of Vishnuvarman and was a resident of Kondamanchi, on the full-moon day of Karttika in the 46th year of his reign. About this time he also defeated the sailodbhava king Ayososbhita of Kongada, the father of Madhavaraja II.

C. 611A. D  may be approximately fixed as the date of Badami Chalukyas (543 AD - 753 AD) Pulakesin II's victory over Prithvimaharaja. We get a reference to the horrors of the battle evidently fought between Pulakesin II and Prithvi Maharaja on the bank of the Kunala or the Kolleru on the left bank of which stood the fortress of Pistapura.

In 49th year he issued the paralakhimedi plates from his military camp at Viranja-Nagara modern Jajpur for Cuttack district. 

It seems that in his 50th regnal year (615 A.D) he was defeated and killed by Sasanka in battle near Viraja. 

Budharaja, a successor of Prithvi Maharaja, ruled under Kubja Vishnuvardhana

After their defeat at the hands of Sasanka the Durjayas fled away to Pistapura and took shelter under Pulakesin II. Pulakesin II allowed his younger brother, Kubja Vishnuvardhana to rule Pistapura. This Kubja Vishnuvardhana founded the famous line of the Eastern Chalukyan dynasty in the Vengi region.

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Abhira Dynasty

c.208 AD - c.280 AD : Abhiras / Abheeras (c. 208 - c. 375 AD) were subordinate rulers of Western Satraps and declared independence after fall of Satavahanas. 

Founder : Isvarasena

Language : Sanskrit
Religion : Hinduism (Saivism)

The Abhiras were in power for 67 years according to most puranas and one hundred and 67 years according to Vayu purana. 

Around 280 A.D Abhiras lost sovereign status due to the rise of Chutus in Western Deccan and Ikshavakus in Eastern Deccan.

The Abhiras were from the Yaduvanshi Kshatriya clan. Some of them entered the military service of the Western Satraps (Sakas), and helped them in conquest of new territories. By 181 A.D, the Abhiras had gained considerable influence at the Kshatrapa court. Some of them were even serving as generals. 

Jaithraka

Varahadeva

Regaresvaradeva

84 A.D : Daulatpur Yashti Inscription of Regaresvaradeva during the reign of Chastana 6th year

General Bapaka

181 A.D : General Rudrabhuti

The Gunda Stone inscription dated Saka year 103 (181 CE) refers to Abhira Rudrabhuti as the senapati (commander-in-chief) of the Saka satrap (ruler) Rudrasimha (178 - 197 AD).

The history of the Abhiras is shrouded in much obscurity. The Abhira dynasty was founded by Ishwarsena. The branch came to power after the demise of the Satavahanas in the Nasik region of Maharashtra, with the help and consent of the Western Satraps (Sakas). They were known as Gavali rajas indicating that they were cowherds by profession before becoming kings. Ten Abhira kings ruled in the Maharashtra region of the Deccan, whose names have not been mentioned in the Puranas. An Abhira king is known to have sent an embassy to the Sassanid Shahanshah of Persia, Narseh, to congratualte him on his victory against Bahram III.

 Gupta Empire, a period that oriental historians have named the "Golden Age of India." recorded Abhira as a "frontier kingdom" which paid an annual tribute. This was recorded by Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar inscription

The following is the list of the sovereign and strong Abhira rulers

188 A.D : Abhira Sivadatta

A general in the service of Rudrasimha I who deposed his master in 188 A.D and ascended the throne. Rudrasimha I soon deposed him and regained the throne in 190 A.D.

c. 208 -  228 A.D - Mathariputra Svami Sakasena alias Saka Satakarni

Another king claiming to be a son of Mathari besides Abhira Ishwarsena is Sakasena. He was likely the older brother of Ishwarsena, who succeeded him on his death. He is identified with Saka Satakarni, whose coins have been found over Andhra Pradesh

Kanheri Cave Inscription in Year 8

He seems to be ruling Maharashtra and also some copper coins found in Peddabankur, Peddapalli district, Telangana.

Abhira Kottaraja
Vatsyayana (between c.200 - c. 300 A.D) mentions Abhiras and Andhras ruling side by side. He Speaks of Abhira Kottaraja, king of kotta in Gujarat, who was killed by Washerman employed by his brother. Then again in the chapter on conduct of Woman confined to Harems, he describes the sexual abuses practiced in the seraglio of the Abhira kings among others. Kottaraja was probably his personal name. 

228 A.D - c.248 A.D - Abhira Ishwarsena alias Mahaksatrapa Isvaradatta 

Coin found of his 4th regnal year and 154 assumed to be Saka 154. (232 AD)

236 - 239 AD : Defeated Western Kshatrapas. According to the coins he was ruling between 236 A.D and 239 A.D when he usurped the throne of Western Kshatrapas

Ishwarsena was the first independent Abhira king. He was the son of Abhira Sivadatta and his wife Mathari. 

237 AD : Isvarasena an Abhira Chief, known from an inscription in Cave X at Nasik regnal year 9. was the founder of this kingdom. Sivadatta, the father of Rajan Isvarasena, bears no title in the epigraph, which indicates that he was not a king. The record is dated on the thirteenth day of the fourth fortnight of the season Grīshma in the ninth (regnal) year of the Ābhīra king Īśvarasēna. 

Ishwarsena started an era which later became known as the Kalachuri-Chedi era. His descendants ruled for nine generations.Ishwarsena's coins are dated only in the first and second years of his reign and are found in Saurashtra and Southern Rajputana.

In the Nashik Inscription Abhira king names Madhariputra Isvarasena, Madhariputra Isvarasena is described as the son of sivadatta. It records the gift of sakani visnudatta, daughter of saka Agnivarman, wife of the Ganapaka Rebhila and mother Ganapaka visvavarman, of three investments of 2000,1000 and 500 Karspanas in the trade guilds of Govardhana for the purpose of providing medicines for the sick buddhist monks living at the monestery on mount Trirasmi.

c.248 A.D - c. 280 A.D : Abhira Vashishthiputra Vasusena 

After the death of Abhira Vashishthiputra Vasusena, the Abhiras probably lost their sovereign and paramount status. The Abhiras lost most of their domains to the rising Vakatakas (north) and the Kadambas (south-west).The Abhiras were finally supplanted by their feudatories, the Traikutakas. But still many petty Abhira chieftains and kings continued to rule until the fourth century, roughly till 375 AD, in the Vidarbha and Khandesh region. They continued to rule, but without sovereignty, until they came into conflict with the Kadamba king Mayurasarman and were defeated.

278 AD: Astbhujasvamin Nagajunakonda Inscription

Year 30 (variously read as 9, 20, 30 of King King Vasisthiputra Vasusena the Abhira fortnight 6 of the rainy season 2 day 1 which is 257, 268 or 278 

By the great village chief, the great talavara, the great commander, Sivaseba of the Peribidehas of the Kuasika gotra this image of lord Astbhujasvamin, made from udeumbara wood, which had never been moved from Sanjayapuri from its place, by the kings Saka Rudradaman of Avanti and Visnurudra Sivalanda Sataakrni of Vanavasa has been installed on Sedagiri. 

The engraver is Vardhamanaka belonging to sembaka family 

280 AD : Yasobhuti

A potin coin of a chief Yasobhuti was been reported from Hyderabad.

Around 280 AD Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni might have defeated and occupied telangana region

Abheeras ruled the Telangana region contemporary to Ikshvakus. 

293 A.D : Paikali inscription of persia mentions Abhiran Sah (Abhira king) who deputed embassy to congratulate the Sasanian Naresh on his victory over Varhran III. Narseh was the seventh Sasanian King of Kings of Iran from 293 to 303

Lakshmideva

A stone inscription at Āmbē in the Hyderabad State records that Khōlēśvara, a general of the Yādava king Simhana, exterminated Lakshmīdēva, the lord of Bhambhāgiri, who belonged to the Ābhīra dynasty.3 Bhambhāgiri is probably identical with Bhāmēr, four miles south of Nizampur in the Pimpalner tālukā of the West Khandesh District. Near Bhāmēr is a great fortified hill which has many ruined gateways, gates, towers and also some old caves locally known as a Raja’s houses. The fort was probably known as Bhambhāgiri. The aforementioned Āmbē inscription describes Khōlēśvara as a very wild fire which burned the forest of the family of Lakshmīdēva, the Ābhīra king of Bhambhāgiri, and a similar statement occurs about Simhana in the Uddari stone inscription. This plainly indicates that the whole family of Lakshmīdēva was exterminated, and his kingdom was annexed by the Yādava king Simhana.

Kampala
Another king named Kāmapāla, who was vanquished by the Krishna, the grandson and Successor of Simhana, probably belonged to the Ābhīra dynasty; for, his defeat is said to have delighted the cowherds, who may have been oppressed by him. The Tāsgaon plates of Krishna's reign intimate that Krishna's feudatory Kesava obtained a victory over a chief of the cowherds, who may have been identical with the aforementioned Kāmapāla. He also may have been ruling in some part of Khandesh.

Vapa

352 AD : Vasuraka

Mewasa inscription, Gujarath 103 year (249 + 103) 

Kadamba King Mayurasarma (340-360AD) refers to a fight with Abhiras and Trikutakas 

The Abhiras were later supplanted by their feudatories, the Traikutakas around 375 AD

375 AD : Excavations at Devni-Mori near the village samlaji in Sabarkamth district of Gujarat a inscription of 127 year of kathika kings on the fifth day of the month of Bhardrapada during the reign of Rudrasena.

The Kalachuri Era, also called the Chedi Era, was a Hindu system of year numbering started by the Abhira King Ishwarsena in which the year numbering started in September 248 the year that began with the month of Asvina

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44148188

https://www.jstor.org/stable/24665991

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