Medak (మెదక్) - 1 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Brief History of the District

• The district got its name from Medak, originally known as Methukudurgam, which later changed to Methuku due to the cultivation of fine and coarse rice in the region. Medak district transitioned from the Kakatiya Kingdom to the Bahmani Kingdom and eventually became part of the Golconda Kingdom. Following the decline of the Qutubshahi dynasty, it became part of the Mughal Empire. During the formation of the Hyderabad State by Asif Jahi, this district was separated and included in the Nizam's Dominions. It eventually became a part of Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956, as per the State Reorganization Act.
• The early history of Medak district is somewhat obscure, with its political history gaining clarity during the Mauryan era when their influence extended southward during the reign of Ashoka. Subsequently, the Satavahanas rose to prominence in the Deccan, of which Medak district was a significant part. Archaeological findings in Kondapur village of Medak district unearthed coins belonging to Satavahana rulers like Goutamiputra Satakarni, Vasishtiputra Pulumavi, Siv Sri, Yagna Sri Satakarni, indicating the existence of a buried city with numerous Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas, and Monasteries.

History of Medak District

• After the Satavahanas, the Mahisha dynasty ruled the district for 383 years.
• Mana and Yasa were powerful rulers of this dynasty.
• Mana broke the Satavahana dominance, declared himself as 'Rajan,' and minted his own coins.
• The Chalukyas of Badami succeeded the Mahisha dynasty, followed by the Rashtrakutas.

Western Chalukyas of Kalyani Dynasty

• Western Chalukyas ruled Medak District from 973 to 1200 A.D.
• Prominent rulers included Ahavamalla Taila-II, Somesvara-I, Somesvara-II, Vikramaditya-VI, and Trailokyamalla Taila-III.
• An inscription at Koraprolu sheds light on the rule of Taila-II and Mahamandaleswara Soma Permadi.
• Inscriptions at various places record gifts to Jinalayas by subordinates of rulers like Somesvara-II and Vikramaditya-VI.

Kakatiya Dynasty

• Notable rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty were Prola-II, Ganapati, Rudramba, and Prataparudra.
• Prataparudra constructed the Medak fort in the 12th century on a hillock, known as Methukudurgam.
• The fort served as a strategic point for Kakatiya rulers in ancient India.
• The main entrance of the Medak fort features the Kakatiya symbol, the double-headed bird 'Gandabherundam.'

Gaja Dwaram

• Reign of Muhammad-I: Anapota Nayaka of Rachakonda defeated Kapaya Nayaka during Muhammad-I's reign, capturing Warangal and a significant part of Medak district due to friendly relations between the Bahmanis and the Recherlas.
• Conflict with Feroz Shah: Feroz Shah of the Bahmani dynasty aimed to expand eastward, leading to a conflict with Anapota-II of the Recherlas. Anapota-II retaliated by attacking Bahmani possessions in Telangana and acquiring Medak.
• Annexation by Bahmani Kingdom: Despite initial successes, the Recherlas were eventually overthrown, and their territory became part of the Bahmani Kingdom. Medak remained under Bahmani rule until the kingdom split into five states.
• Barid Shahi Dynasty: After the fall of the Bahmani dynasty, the Barid Shahi dynasty rose to power with Amir Barid taking charge. Subsequent rulers like Ali Barid and Prola-II played significant roles in shaping the region's history.
• Invasions and Annexation: Invasions led by Malik Kafur under Ala-ud-din Khilji's command resulted in the capture of the district during Prataparudra's reign, leading to the end of his rule and the annexation of his kingdom to the Delhi Sultanate.

Post Kakatiya Empire Era in Deccan and South India

• After the decline of the Kakatiya empire, the Sultan of Delhi, Muhammad bin-Tuglaq, reorganized Deccan and South India into five provinces with appointed Governors.
• Shihab-i-Sultani, known as Nuzrat Khan, became the Governor of Telangana, encompassing Medak District.
• The imposition of tribute by the Sultan led to widespread rebellions, contributing to the rise of the Bahmani dynasty.

The Rise of Independent Principalities

• Revolts against Tughlaq's rule resulted in the creation of independent principalities by the Musunuri Chiefs of Warangal and Recharlas of Rachakonda (Nalgonda District).

Rebellion of Qir-Khan and Establishment of Qutub Shahi Dynasty

• A significant event was the rebellion of Qir-Khan, a subordinate of Ala-ud-din Bahman Shah, which was suppressed by the Sultan's forces.
• Following Qir-Khan's fall, the Qutub Shahi dynasty was established, ushering in a new era of rule in the region.

Transition to Mughal Rule and Maratha Threat

• Under Sultan Kuli, the Golconda province gained independence from the Bahmanis, leading to the Qutub Shahi dynasty's reign.
• The Qutub Shahi dynasty lasted from 1512 to 1687 A.D. until it was annexed by the Mughal Empire under Aurangazeb.
• Aurangazeb faced challenges from the active Maratha forces, prompting him to deploy troops to assert Mughal authority over Medak.

Marathas' Rebellion against Nizam-ul-Mulk

• Marathas initiated a rebellion against Nizam-ul-Mulk, the Viceroy of the Deccan.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk responded by sending his bodyguard led by Ghaziud-Din Khan, along with Muhammad Ghiyas Khan and Mirza Beg Khan Bakshi.
• The Marathas, intimidated, retreated and concealed themselves in the dense forests.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk celebrated this victory extravagantly.

Succession of Nizams in the Deccan

• In 1715, Husain Ali Khan replaced Nizam-ul-Mulk as the Viceroy of the Deccan.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk, discontented by his removal, aimed to reclaim the Deccan.
• In 1720, a significant battle near Balapur in Berar resulted in the death of Alam Ali Khan, Husain Ali Khan's deputy, establishing Nizam-ul-Mulk's dominance.
• Another battle in 1724 at Shakar Khere against Mubariz Khan reinforced Nizam-ul-Mulk's independence.

Establishment of Asaf Jahi Dynasty

• Following Nizam-ul-Mulk, Nasir Jung, Mazaffar Jung, and Salabat Jung briefly governed.
• Ali Jah rebelled against his father, Nizam Ali Khan, with support from Sadasiva Reddy, the Medak Jagirdar.
• Nizam Ali Khan dispatched Raymond, a French Commander, to quell the rebellion.
• Raymond was granted Medak after Ali Jah's demise, despite British protests, paying an annual rent of sixteen lakhs of rupees.

Nizam Ali Khan and Successors

• Nizam Ali Khan passed away in 1803.
• Successors: Sikander Jah, Nasir-ud-doula, Afsal-ud-doula, and Mir Mehbub Ali Khan (7th Asif Jah).
• During Mir Mehbub Ali Khan's reign, India gained independence.

Integration into Indian Union

• The Nizam's dominions became part of the Indian union in 1948 as a Part-B State.
• In 1956, during State re-organization: Hyderabad State was divided into three regions:
  • Telangana region (Telugu-speaking districts) was transferred to Andhra Pradesh.
  • Portions of Kannada-speaking districts were transferred to Karnataka State.
  • Marathwada (Marathi-speaking districts) was transferred to Maharashtra State.
• Changes were implemented on 1st November 1956.

Medak District

• Medak District was separated from Erstwhile Medak District with headquarters at Sangareddy.
• Surrounded by Kamareddy, Siddipet, and Sangareddy districts.