Karimnagar | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History

Satavahana Dynasty

• The Satavahana Kingdom's first capital was Kotilingala in Karimnagar district from 230 BCE to 220 CE. Previously known as Sabbinadu, historical inscriptions from the Kakatiya dynasty (1083-1323) by kings Prola II and Prataparudra, discovered in Karimnagar and Srisailam, offer insights into the region's rich past.
• Archaeological findings in Pedda Bonkur, Dhulikatta, and Kotilingalu indicate that the area was once under the rule of the Satvahanas, Mauryas, and Asaf Jahis.

Modern Era

• Before November 1, 1956, the district was part of the Hyderabad State, followed by Andhra Pradesh until June 2, 2014. 
• Eventually, it became a part of the newly formed state of Telangana according to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Geographic Description

• The district spans an area of 2,128 square kilometers and borders Jagtial and Peddapalli districts to the north, Warangal Urban and Siddipet districts to the south, Rajanna District to the east, and Jayashankar Bhupalpally District to the west. As per the 2011 Census of India, the district has a population of 10,05,711.
• Situated on the Manair River, the Lower Manair Dam is a popular tourist attraction. It is built at the confluence of the Manair and Mohedamada rivers, both tributaries of the Godavari River. It serves as a favored picnic spot near Karimnagar. Elgandal Hill Fort, located close to the left bank of the Manair River near Karimnagar town, dates back to the Kakatiya period. Later, it came under the control of the Qutb Shahis. The fort features two stone fortification walls, two mosques, two dilapidated temples, an ammunition building, a jail khana, wells, and other structures.
• Adjacent to the Lower Manair Dam, Ujwala Park is a well-known tourist destination where visitors can relax in serene surroundings. The Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park, situated near Ujwala Park, is renowned for its abundant deer population. Along the Godavari River, Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls across approximately 36.29 square kilometers, offering a picturesque sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts.

Places of Interest 

• The Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known locally as Raja Rajeshwara Swami. It is a prominent religious site situated 38 km from Karimnagar. The main deity, Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, is flanked by idols of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and Sri Laxmi Sahitha Siddi Vinayaka.
• Pilgrims visit this temple in large numbers, particularly during the festival of Maha Shiva Rathri, to offer prayers. Within the temple complex, there is a Dargah where devotees of all backgrounds come together to pray, reflecting the inclusive nature of the place.
• One unique ritual at this temple is 'Koda Mokku,' where devotees perform a pradakshinam (circumambulation) using a kode (bull), the vahana (mount) of Lord Shiva. This temple, originally built by King Rajaraja Chola, houses a grand Shiva linga in its premises.
• A significant feature of the temple is the Dharma Gundam, a sacred tank where pilgrims take a divine bath before seeking darshanam. The water of Dharma Gundam is believed to possess medicinal properties.
• The temple holds historical significance and architectural beauty, attracting devotees and tourists alike.

Lower Manair Dam

• The Lower Manair Dam can be found on the Manair River at 18°24′ N latitude and 79° 20′ E longitude in Karimnagar District at Km.146 of Kakatiya Canal.
• The Manair River, a tributary of the Godavari River, has the dam constructed across it at the point where it meets the Mohedamada River.
• The dam serves a catchment area of 6,464 square kilometres (2,496 sq mi), comprising 1,797.46 square kilometres (694.00 sq mi) of free catchment and the remaining as intercepted catchment.
• Located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) away from the dam, Karimanagar town benefits from its presence.
• Security measures around the LMD, the primary recreational spot for the people of Karimnagar, have been intensified due to recent drowning incidents and security concerns arising from miscreants.

Features

• Construction of the Lower Manair Dam commenced in 1974 and was completed in 1985. It is classified as an Earth cum Masonry dam. The dam stands 41 meters (135 ft) above the deepest foundation, with the maximum height of the earth dam reaching 27 meters (88 ft). Its length spans 10,471 meters (34,354 ft), with a top width of 7.3 meters (24 ft). The dam has a volume content of 5.41 million cubic meters and creates a reservoir water spread area of 81 square kilometers (31 sq mi) at Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 280 meters (920 ft). The gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 680 million cubic meters, while the live storage capacity is 380.977 million cubic meters. The spillway is designed to discharge a capacity of 14,170 cubic meters per second and is controlled by 20 gates measuring 15.24 by 7.31 meters (50.0 ft × 24.0 ft) each. The maximum observed flood discharge is reported to be 9,910 cubic meters per second.
• The dam serves as a balancing reservoir for the Kakatiya Canal and regulates flow for irrigation purposes, with a command area covering 163,000 hectares (400,000 acres).
• A study conducted from September 2009 to August 2010 assessed the water quality status of the Lower Manair Reservoir, focusing on physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, pH, turbidity, transparency, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chlorides, phosphate, nitrates, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biological oxygen demand (BOD). The findings indicated that all water quality parameters were within permissible limits, concluding that the water in the reservoir is suitable for irrigation, drinking water supply, and pisciculture.

Reservoir Fisheries

• From June 2013 to May 2014, studies were conducted in the Lower Manair Dam (LMD) reservoir to assess the larvivorous activity of fishes. 
• Through analysis of morphometric and meristematic characteristics, a total of 58 fish species were identified within the reservoir. 
• Additionally, the study reported the presence of 53 ornamental fish species spanning across eight orders, with 23 species belonging to the cypriniformes order. Among the identified species was the Awaous grammepomus, commonly known as the Scribbled goby.

Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple

• According to local folklore, the temple's origins date back approximately 300 years ago when it was purportedly constructed by a cowherd. However, the present-day structure underwent renovations around 160 years ago, overseen by Krishna Rao Deshmukh. Alongside the main deity Anjaneya Swamy, the temple houses idols of Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Alwaarula, and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Devotees hold firm beliefs in the temple's spiritual powers. It is said that individuals who are unable to conceive children may be blessed with offspring if they perform a puja at the temple for 40 consecutive days. Similarly, devotees suffering from mental disabilities or other health ailments believe that they may find relief and healing by offering prayers at the temple for the same duration.

Deerpark, Karimnagar

• The Deer Park in Karimnagar District is known as Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park, occupying approximately 30 acres of land near the Lower Manair Dam (LMD) on the outskirts of Karimnagar. It is a popular tourist destination in the area and is situated adjacent to Ujwala Park and the Lower Manair Dam.
• Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park is located near the NTR statue, positioned at the entrance of Karimnagar when coming from Hyderabad or Warangal, just after the Alugunoor bridge. It offers visitors a sprawling space to explore and enjoy the natural beauty while observing the deer.

How to Reach

• To get to Karimnagar from Shamshabad, travelers can board a bus at JBS or BYS, covering a distance of 180 kilometers. 
• Alternatively, from Hyderabad to Karimnagar or Peddapally, road transport options are available.

Telangana's 2nd Tallest Flag Pole

• The Karimnagar Municipal Corporation is all set to unveil the State's second tallest national flag in Kariamngar town on December 31. Initially planned before elections, the inauguration was delayed due to the model code of conduct. Speculations suggest that TRS working president KT Rama Rao might be the chief guest for the event.
• As part of the smart city initiative, the KMC aims to foster patriotism among the citizens by installing the 150 feet flagpole in the heart of the town. The flagpole, along with a recreational park, is situated at the multipurpose school ground dating back to the Nizam-era. The project, costing Rs 60 lakh, was initiated with the foundation stone laid by Finance Minister Etela Rajender on July 28.
• The KMC officials have confirmed the completion of the flagpole construction. The inauguration is scheduled for December 31, with plans to invite KT Rama Rao as the chief guest, pending finalization. S Ravinder Singh from KMC mentioned that all preparations have been made for the event.

How to Reach

• Travel by air to Shamshabad Airport and then take a bus from JBS to Karimnagar.
• Alternatively, journey from Hyderabad to Karimnagar, Peddapalli, or Warangal and then proceed by bus.
• Various routes are available for your convenience.