Sri Chaya Someshwara Temple

Sri Chaya Someswara Temple, also known as the Chaya Someshvara Swamy Alayam or the Saila-Somesvara temple, is a Saivite Hindu temple located in Panagal, Nalgonda district of Telangana, India.

The temple got the name as it is believed that the formation of relentless shadow (Chaya in Telugu) of a pillar falls over the main deity of Shivalingam throughout the day. This amazing temple, engineered by the Kunduru, testifies the fantastic creative thinking and scientific knowledge of its architects. The complex houses three deities – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva facing three different directions connected by common mahamandapa. The temple also demonstrates wonderful sculpture and art work.

The temple is known for its architecture. One of the garbhagrihas situated in the west and facing east contains a continuing shadow of a pillar throughout the day. This mysterious shadow is a huge attraction of the temple. The chaya that falls on the deity looks like a shadow of one of the pillars carved in front of the sacred chamber. But it is not actually the shadow of any pillar. The dark area is formed by the reflection of light through multiple pillars placed in front of garbhagriha and the shadow is a consolidated shadow of those four pillars. The pillars in the temple are strategically placed so that the light falls at the same place throughout the day.

The pillars of the temple are decorated in great detail with relief sculpture of episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Several sculptures collected from this area are preserved at the museum constructed in the compound of Pachala Someswara Swamy temple. Some of the ancient shivalingas preserved in the museum were collected from a village called Yelleswaram, which was submerged during the construction of Pachala Ramalingeshwara Temple lies 1.2 km from Sri Chaya Someshwara Temple in Panagal Village is another wonderful place that can be visited.Chaya Someshwara Temple is well known for its architecture & mysterious shadow that falls on the deity. Here, Lord Shiva is worshiped as Someshwara Swamy. Because of the shadow, the temple is called as Chaya Someshwara Alayam.

The temple has three Garbhagrihas that houses three deities Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, hence it is also called as “Thrikutalayam”.

The Garbhagriha situated on the west and facing east is dedicated to Lord Shiva. We can see a constant and continuous shadow of a pillar on Shiva Lingam throughout the day.

There is another architectural wonder apart from this Shadow which falls on the deity of the temple. If one stands in front of Shiva Lingam in the inner sanctum they will find their own shadow divided into two postures behind the wall of the deity.

Also, In Lord Vishnu garbhagriha, one can notice their hand waved, when standing in front of the deity, it splits into 5 shadow postures.

The dark area is formed by the reflection of light through multiple pillars placed in front of garbhagriha and the shadow is a consolidated shadow of those four pillars. The pillars in the temple are strategically placed so that the light falls at the same place throughout the day.

The temple was built during Kundur Cholas period between 11th – 12th century. It is one of the ancient and historical pilgrimage sites in Telangana. The architecture and the pillar shadow on the deity show creative thinking & scientific knowledge of Kunduru Cholas.

The temple is located in Panagal at a distance of 1.4 km from Panagal Bus Station, nearly 4 km from Nalgonda city, 45 km from Suryapet city and about 107 kilometres from Hyderabad.

Timings : 6 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM

Sources

https://nalgonda.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/chaya-someshwaralayam/

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Koilkonda Fort

Koilkonda Fort is located in Koilkonda village, Koilkonda Mandal, Mahabubnagar district of Telangana State, India. 

Koilkonda Fort is the erstwhile outpost of the Qutab Shahi dynasty situated on a hilltop. To reach the top, one needs to hike across a deep gorge on the west or a series of streams if coming through east before reaching a plight of steps that leads to the fort. To enter the Koilkonda Fort, seven gates have to be crossed. The first one spots an inscription of Ibrahim Qutab Shah that belongs to 1550 AD. Fourth gate leads to a dilapidated palace. There is also a mosque, an Idgah and a pond here. The Fort also has a ashurkhana dedicated to Bibi Fatima and is revered by both Hindus and Muslims.

For those who love adventure, thrills and everything in nature, Koilkonda Fort, situated around 140 km from Hyderabad in Mahbubnagar district, will quench your thirst for the adrenaline rush and offer peace at the same time.

The place, which is largely deserted and is only dominated by the tweeting of birds, provides a unique hiking opportunity. To reach the top, you need to walk across a deep canyon on the west or a series of streams, if coming through east, before reaching a flight of steps that leads to the fort. It is an erstwhile outpost of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which is perched on a hilltop.

To enter the fort, you have to cross as many as seven gates. While the first gate spots an inscription of Ibrahim Qutb Shah that dates back to 1550 and a broad chain lying on the ground, the fourth gate leads to a dilapidated palace or a royal residence.

The trail is not fit for a beginner since the path to the top is challenging. You have to pass through thorny bushes, boulders and trails that are slippery and difficult at times. The journey might be quite strenuous and adventurous at the same time. Be prepared for at least an hour’s hike.

There is also a mosque, an Idgah and a pond here. The fort also has an ‘ashurkhana’ dedicated to Bibi Fatima.

Nonetheless, the challenging hike is worth the effort. The view from the top, of the countryside, surrounding greenery, and of Koilsagar Dam will leave you amazed. The weather on the top is pleasant. You will feel like unwinding there until the end of the day and witness the beautiful sunset from the top. But, locals say that it is not safe enough to stay at the place till nightfall since the fort is completely deserted. Also, it is advisable to go here with a group and in broad daylight and when the weather is cool. Avoid visiting the place when the climate is hot. Start descending before sunset itself. Hydrate yourself throughout the hike. Mobile signals of Airtel and Jio are excellent in this area, even on the top.

Make sure you wear trekking pants or joggers. Wear trekking shoes since rocks are slippery. Take a basic first-aid kit and carry enough water bottles and snacks with you as there are no food stalls and water sources along the trek.

You can plan camping here or the water bed of the Koilsagar Dam – but only if you are expert trekkers or hikers. The condition of the road is really good and you can enjoy the ride through the countryside.

You can also visit Koilsagar Dam, located 34 km from the fort. It is a medium-sized irrigation project constructed in the period of the Nizams during 1945-48. It stretches across Peddavagu river, a minor tributary of River Krishna. The western stretch of this picturesque reservoir is surrounded by hills, making it a beautiful spot and is a treat for the eyes during sunrise and sunset. In case you love fishing don’t forget to take your fishing rods for some lovely catch.

Trekking
Prepare for a 30-40 minute hike that includes crossing seven gates (with intricate Telugu inscriptions, and symbols) amidst ruins, and silence broken only by the sound of chirping birds. Inside the fort is a mosque, an idgah, an ashurkhana, and a pond as well. However, the view from the top, of the surrounding greenery and of Koilsagar Dam is breath-taking.

The dam is at a distance of about 10 km from the fort and was constructed during the Nizam's time. Beautiful during sunsets, this place is as tranquil as it is picturesque. So, whether you are a nature/travel photographer, an adventure seeker or just someone who seeks solitude this is for you. That said, we do recommend you don't go here on a solo trip, for the desolated state of the place can be scary.

Sources

https://mahabubnagar.telangana.gov.in/gallery/koilkonda-fort/

https://telanganatoday.com/koilkonda-a-fort-full-of-adventure-in-telangana

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Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple

Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthnam is a temple located in Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Hyderabad District in Telangana State India, which is more than 200 years old installed in July 1814. Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Matha is the main deity of this temple, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. The idol of the goddess is seen in the padmasana posture with four hands carrying a sword, a spear, a damaru (two-headed drum), a vessel of amrut. The idol is covered and fixed with a silver shield (vendi kavacham).

Devotees offer prayers to the goddess every day. In particular, Lakhs of devotees offer prayers during Ashada Jathara, which usually falls on Sunday and Monday. It is also popular during the festival of Bonalu.

It is believed that in the year 1813, Cholera broke out in the city and thousands of people died due to it. At the same time batch of military battalion transferred to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh from Secunderabad. A doli bearer Suriti Appaiah along with his associates went to the Mahakali Devastanam at Ujjain and prayed for the benefit of people, if the people saved from the epidemic, he will install a deity of the goddess. AS soon as they have return from Ujjain, Appaiah and his associates installed the idol made of wood in Secunderabad in July 1814.

Thousands of devotees visit this place to seek blessings of Goddess Mahankali. During July and August, the temple is illuminated with electric lights and decorated with garlands, buntings and festoons for the festival of Mahankali Ammari Jathra. It is an annual event that glorifies peace, harmony and security of the people endowed by Goddess Mahankali’s blessings. There are abhisheks, poojas and serving of prasadam to the Goddess every day by hundreds of people.

Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple Religious Significance
Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is known for conducting the Vedas daily poojas with a lot of perfection. On most of Friday's special decorated and holy archanas are wholeheartedly being performed for the Hindu devotees. During the celebration of Navarathris, unique type of pooja's are performed in the special month of Ashwayujam with attractive and beautiful floral decorations for the primary goddess. On the other hand, Saptasathi homamas are performed with lot of dedication and commitment. Daily thousands of devotees have the special darshan of goddess plus get blessed. The special pooja's of this temple are Sahastra Nama Archana, Nitya Aarathi, Abhishekam, Swarna Pushparachana, Pallaki Seva on Tuesday and Friday at 6.00pm, Chandi Homam on Pournami only, Laksha Pushparchana and Ghatam Pushpa Alankaram per day only during Aashda Jathra. The Bogamluu of this temple are Pulihora, Chakari Pongal, Bella Pongal, Dadojanamu, Chanagalu, Rava Kesari, Anadanam and Shasvatha Anadanam. Shasvatha Chandi Homam is also performed in this temple. 

Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple Architectural Significance
Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is built as per Dravidian temple architectural style and pattern. The temple complex is dotted with small temples with several Hindu Gods and Goddess. The temple's tower and walls are carved with epic stories of Hindu religion. This temple has idols of Gods and Goddess made of wood and special stones. The temple complex has a well that is filled with holy water that is used as offering on the poojas and festive occasions. The architectural style and pattern doesn't sink with Southern temple style and pattern in certain aspects. It doesn't have any influence of North Indian temple styles and patterns. Even the Ujjain temple features aren't used in this particular temple to a great extent.

Festivals at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple
Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is marked with certain special and unique festivals such as Ghatothsavam on first Sunday in the month of Ashada, Kolupu Potharaju Bali, Rangam during the period of Ammavari Jatara and Saganamputa(Farewell). During the festival of Bonalu, a large number of Hindu devotees and locals visit this particular temple with much commitment and dedication.

Timings : 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday Timings: 6.00 am - 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm - 10.00 pm. 
Time Required : 30 mins - 1 hour

Entry Fee : No Entry Fee

Sources

https://sriujjainimahakalimatha.org/

https://www.omastrology.com/indian-temples/sri-ujjaini-mahankali-temple-secunderabad/

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Heritage Jail Museum, Sangareddy

Heritage Jail Museum also known as Jail Museum and Sangareddy District Jail is located in Sangareddy, Sangareddy district of Indian state Telangana, India is a colonial-era jail, now converted into a museum. 

Sangareddy district jail constructed in the year 1796 A.D, during the Prime Ministership of Salar Jung I is one of the oldest jails in South India. This prison is spread across an area of 3 acres and 10 guntas. There are ten barracks in this Heritage jail building which boasts of great history.

The jail allows tourists to live a prisoner's life for 24 hours at a price of Rs.500 ($A9.90).The museum displays the paintings and other artifacts related to crime and prison life in India.

It was closed in 2012.In June 2016, the jail was converted into a museum by prison department, when M. Lakshmi Narasimha, the Deputy SP of the jail came up with the Feel The Jail idea. We Can feel the jail there only by paying Rs 500 for twenty four hours without committing any crime. You will be treated like prisoners, You Have to wear prisoner's dress , and eat a food prepared by the prisoners in nearby jail and in the utensils which are provided to prisoners . You have to clean your utensils like a prisoner and you also have to do some work provided by the jail authorities such are gardening or any other simple task. You are not allowed to use your mobile . you are items such as mobile , wallet etc are kept in locker which will be given to you when you leave the prison . If its become difficult for you remain in the prison until the full day ends you have to pay fine for it .This jail makes us realize us the real value of freedom.

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Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is a deer national park located in Vanasthalipuram , Saheb Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is place every nature lover and wildlife enthusiasts must visit. Established in the year of 1975, it has been named after the great Jain saint Lord Mahavir, in his honour on the occasion of his 2500th birth anniversary. Located in Vanasthalipuram, at a distance of 15 km from Hyderabad, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is famous for being a home to the endangered species of Black Buck Deer.

Visiting Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park offers glimpses of not only black buck deer, known as Jinka in Telugu language but also offers the rare opportunity to explore the extensive range of flora and fauna. Some of the animals that you can see here are cheetals (chital or spotted deer), monitor lizards, wild boars, porcupines and varied kinds of snakes.

Spread across an area of approximately 15 km, this national park boasts of a rich avian fauna as well. Some of birds here are cormorants, partridges, pond herons, quails, egrets along with doves, peacocks, kingfishers, vultures, kites and many others. If you like to spend some time bird-watching and studying various species, then plan a visit to this park. Here you will find a range of beautiful birds. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is also home to about eighty species of migratory birds. If lucky you can also get a glimpse of rare bird Short-toed Eagle that has also made this place as its home.

There are good facilities for visitors to observe animals; many sheds and viewing towers have been made for the purpose. Get on these watch towers for a mesmerising view of the area around, vast spread of nature in its wildest form, without buildings and vehicles to obstruct your view. There is also the facility of safari in the park. To get the real experience is to actually watch the wildlife live in action. The safari rides at the park presents every visitor with that opportunity. There are vans which take visitors around the national park, presenting view of the animals amid the dense vegetation. Neem, Acacias, Buteas and Bauhinias are only a few names out of the vast species of flora here at the national park. Along with this, there is an exhibition hall as well, which offers a detailed insight into the wildlife conservation; an informative library and a collection of audio visual presentation on wildlife.

The government has also introduced van safaris to take the visitors on a ride within the park to watch the animals closely.

HOW TO REACH

The national park is located nearly 18 km away from Hyderabad city towards outskirts, nearby Hyderabad – Vijayawada highway.

Park Entry Fee 

20 per Adult
15 per Child
NA for Video Camera
NA for Still / DSLR Camera

Timings : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Monday Closed

Park Address: 2/B, National Highway 9, Vanasthalipuram, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Auto Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500070, India

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Turrebaz Khan

Name : Pathan Turrebaz Khan (Unknown–24 January 1859) 

Born : Hyderabad State, British India. Begum Bazar in present-day Hyderabad, Telangana State.
Died : 24 January 1859, Current Toopran Village, Medak District, Telangana.

Turrebaz Khan's nickname 'Turum Khan' in Dakhani Urdu to this day is synonymous with courage and valour. 

Pathan Turrebaz Khan was a Rohilla military leader. Turrebaz Khan led the famous army of the Arabs and Rohillas. He was the son of Rustum Khan, a Pathan resident of Hyderabad. He joined the British Army and served as Jamedar in the British Cantonment of Aurangabad. Very little is known about him, but he was responsible for putting Hyderabad on the map of country's first war of independence.

Turrebaz led the 1857 uprising in Hyderabad along with Maulvi Allaudin. Pathan Turrebaz Khan, with the help of Maulvi Allauddin, attacked the Hyderabad Residency, the home of British rulers, with around 500 rebels on 17 July 1857. It was an attempt to free Jamedar Cheeda Khan, the freedom fighter, who was imprisoned in the Residence for revolting against the British.He lost several comrades in the attack and was captured by the British-Nizam forces on 22 July 1857 to be imprisoned for life to Kaala-Paani. He was sentenced to exile on the charges of sedition, and the British rulers confiscated his property.

During the execution of the sentence imposed by the British rulers, the brave Pathan Turrebaz escaped from prison on 18 January 1859 before being deported to Kaala-Paani. By the time he ran, the British rulers had suppressed the revolt of 1857. The Nizam government announced a reward of five thousand rupees on him, dead or alive, on 19 January 1859. Alarmed by this announcement, Turrebaz Khan went around secretly and attempted to attack the British forces again. British troops and Nizam forces intensified his surveillance, who had escaped prison.

Finally, Turrebaz Khan was captured with help from Kurban Ali, who informed Nizam's soldiers about the former’s whereabouts. On 24 January 1859, the British forces received information that Turrebaz was at Toopran village in the surrounding areas of Medak district.

British armies and Nizam forces surrounded the area where Turrebaz Khan was staying, and he was shot dead by the enemy soldiers on 24 January. The body of Turrebaz Khan was moved from Tufran to Hyderabad and was chained and hanged naked in public at the current location of Sultan Bazaar Police Station in Hyderabad city. Englishmen treated the body of Pathan Turrebaz Khan in a cruel and humiliating way.

A granite pillar with four statues of elephants guarding from four directions has been installed in the memory of Pathan Turrebaz Khan. In 1957, the government of independent India built a stupa at the city bus stand in Koti in his memory. In addition, the road from Koti Women's college to Putli Bowley X Road was named after Turrebaj Khan.

References

https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/unsung-heroes-detail.htm?11209

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Hyderabad Sepoy Revolt (1857)

Hyderabad Sepoy Revolt (1857): First war of Independence

After the Nizam signed the Treaty of Subsidiary Alliance with the East India Company in 1800, there were bouts of anti-British rebellions till 1857, led notably by Raja Mahipat Ram, Mubarez-ud-Dowlah, Moulvi Allauddin, and Turrebaz Khan. Among the noteworthy places of such uprising were Aurangabad, Udgir, Nizamabad, Raichur and Karimnagar. Within the Nizam’s army and the Subsidiary Troops of East India Company, men revolted against the European officers. Behind some of these rebellions were communities such as Bhils, Hutkers and Marathas.

In 1812, the Indian sepoys in the British Residency at Hyderabad broke into an open mutiny They tied their Commander Major Edward Gordon to the muzzle of the gun and threatened to blow him up unless their pay and pardon were guaranteed The sepoys stationed at Nizamabad, Nanded, Parbha- m, Berar, Sirivancha and Mahadevpura also rose m revolt against the British Major Gordon was eventually released and the ringleaders of the mutiny were caught and executed

The year 1857 was a momentous year in the history of the British rule in India. In the month of June of that year the whole of Northern India was ablaze with the mutiny of sepoys. It spread like wild fire from one military to another. Gradually the mutiny was spreading towards the south. A rebellion or mutiny of sepoys in Hyderabad which occupies a central position in the Deccan, would have offered a serous threat to the English in Decaan. The rebellion of a very serious kind did not break out in Hyderabad as The Nizam and all great nobles of his court were staunch supporters of the English. The majority of Hindus and Muslims expected their ruler to fight British shoulder to shoulder along with other princes of the native states.

The Indian Sepoys in Nizam’s army and the Subsidiary troops of East India Company revolted against the European officers when Hyderabad Contingent’s 3rd Cavalry was ordered to march to Delhi at Buldhana. 

Among them was Jamedar Cheeda Khan fled with 15 others to Hyderabad to bring the fire of mutiny to the Nizam’s turf. The moment Cheeda Khan reached Hyderabad, he was arrested by Nizam’s minister Salar Jung I who handed him over to the Resident as he was a British soldier. He was jailed as well as tried inside the Residency building.

On the 13th June two inflammatory placards were posted on the walls of a mosque in the city of Hyderabad exhorting the people to rise against the British and fixing a day for general uprising. The posters urged the Nizam to lead the revolt on the name of the almighty Allah. if he was a coward, he may wear bangles and hide himself in his house. A faqeer had been apprehended during the night addressing the populace and calling on them to unite in an insurrection and that they would be joined by the ‘Bownepally Fauj’. The regiment referred to by faquir was suspected to be the 7th light cavalry stationed at Secunderabad.

In the morning of 17th July, the Resident got the information through his assistant Thronhill that a jehad would be proclaimed against the British Government and he communicated it to the Minister who refused to give credence to it. At noon a meeting took place in the great Mecca Mosque where a green flag was hoisted. The crowd which assembled there, was dispersed by the Arab soldier who had been sent by the minister at 1 PM. At about 2 PM Muhammad Ghaus, the eldest son of Jagirdar of Toorkappally, who was one of the staunch supporters of the British in this crisis, gave the first information to the Resident of the outbreak of rebellion in the city.

After a meeting at Mecca Masjid, Pathan Turrebaz led the 1857 uprising in Hyderabad along with Maulvi Allaudin (who preached revolt in his Friday sermon), attacked the Hyderabad Residency, the home of British rulers, with around 5,000 rebels on 17 July 1857 at 5.45 pm.  About 500 Rohillas marched to the British Resident Col. Cuthbert Davidson’s castle and took up positions in two houses belonging to money lenders Abban Saheb and Jaigopal Das and opened fire at the Residency. Then they brought down the walls Azim Ali Khan’s house and tore off the hinges of the entrance near Putli Bowli as their comrades gave covering fire from the two double-storied houses. In spite of their spirited fight, the Rohillas failed to free Cheeda Khan. The British troops who were led by Major S. C. Briggs opened up their artillery, kept ready by the Resident, who was alerted by Salar Jung. The lightly armed men led by Turrebaz were no match for the trained soldiers of Madras Horse Artillery who fired from stationary positions from the fort. The firing went all night long and by morning, there were a few bodies and pockmarked buildings and scared residents of Putli Bowli and Sultan Baazar. Turrebaz Khan, who escaped then, was discovered and shot dead near Toopran; his body was dragged back and hanged naked near the Residency building. 

Moulvi Allaudin was caught near Mangalampally and was sentenced to deportation to Andaman where he died in 1884. The houses of Abban Saheb and Jaigopal Das were blown away after the mutiny. The Nizam Afzal-ud-Daula and his minister Salar Jung received laurels from East India Company for their “unflinching support during the troubled times and for letting down the rebels. The British Government will not forget that it has owed to his highness the Nizam and his most able minister,” wrote Col Davidson.

He lost several comrades in the attack and was captured by the British-Nizam forces on 22 July 1857 to be imprisoned for life to Kaala-Paani. He was sentenced to exile on the charges of sedition, and the British rulers confiscated his property. During the execution of the sentence imposed by the British rulers, the brave Pathan Turrebaz escaped from prison on 18 January 1859 before being deported to Kaala-Paani. By the time he ran, the British rulers had suppressed the revolt of 1857. The Nizam government announced a reward of five thousand rupees on him, dead or alive, on 19 January 1859. Alarmed by this announcement, Turrebaz Khan went around secretly and attempted to attack the British forces again. British troops and Nizam forces intensified his surveillance, who had escaped prison.

Finally, Turrebaz Khan was captured with help from Kurban Ali, who informed Nizam's soldiers about the former’s whereabouts. On 24 January 1859, the British forces received information that Turrebaz was at Tufran village in the surrounding areas of Medak district.

British armies and Nizam forces surrounded the area where Turrebaz Khan was staying, and he was shot dead by the enemy soldiers on 24 January. The body of Turrebaz Khan was moved from Tufran to Hyderabad and was chained and hanged naked in public at the current location of Sultan Bazaar Police Station in Hyderabad city. Englishmen treated the body of Pathan Turrebaz Khan in a cruel and humiliating way.

Ramji Gond

Telangana was an important territory with respect to tribal freedom struggles. As early as 1857, when the Sepoy Mutiny took place, the tribal tracts north of Godavari were rebellious under the leadership of Ramji Gond against the then rulers of Hyderabad State - the Nizam and the British Resident. Ramji Gond was successful in rallying around 500 Gond and joining hands with over 500 Rohillas and Deccanis against these rulers.

Initially, Ramji Gond was successful with his guerilla warfare techniques for over two years in the large forest tracts stretching from Nirmal-Narayankhed in the west and Chennur in the east bordering the River Godavari in the south.

09 April 1860: Ramji Gond and his accomplices were hanged to death on a Banyan tree in Nirmal village. The tree came to be known as Veyyi (thousand) Purrela (skull) Chettu or Veyyi Purrela Marri.

The hanging of 1000 Gonds of Telangana was a more brutal and earlier event than the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. At the time this mass hanging of Gonds did not get widespread attention.

Revolt of Raja Venkatappa 

A memorable episode of the War of 1857 was the rebellion of the ruler of Shorapur, Raja Venkatappa Naik, a vassal of the Nizam A staunch nationalist and made of heroic mould, the Raja cherished an ambition of gaining political independence He recruited Arabs, Rohillas and others for his army and sent emissaries to Nana Saheb Peshwa in a bid for a co-ordinated action against the British The British came to know of the Raja’s activities and sent a strong contingent to Shorapur to subdue him The stiff resistance put up by the Raja’s army forced the British to seek reinforcement In the end the British succeeded m capturing Shorapur but in the fight two commanders of the British army were killed Raja Venkatappa Naik fled to Hyderabad from where he was arrested by Salar Jung and handed over to the British He was tried and sentenced to death which was commuted to transportation for life Unable to bear the indignities of his capture, the Raja shot himself The trial of Raja Venkatappa Naik revealed the existence of a general plan of insurrection in the southern Maratha country and northern Karnataka, the centres of which were Miraj, Kolhapur, Nargund, Koppal, Raichur and Shorapur

In the month of April, 1859, one Ranga Rao, who was carrying with him some seditious letters and one proclamation, was apprehended by a British military officer. The proclamation invited all the princes, chiefs and people of Deccan to rise an join the army of Nana and exterminate Englishmen.

References

Chaudhuri, Nani Gopal. “THE REBELLION IN HYDERABAD IN 1857.” Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, vol. 20, 1957, pp. 286–92. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44304479. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.

Freedom Movement in Hyderabad By Veldurti Manik Rao

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