Modern History of Andhra Pradesh | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Asaf Jahis

• The founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty was Mir Kamaruddin, who served as a noble under Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah.
• Mir Kamaruddin, disillusioned by the political intrigues in Delhi, decided to return to the Deccan, where he had previously served as Subedar.
• On his journey back, he encountered Mubariz Khan, who attempted to assassinate him as part of a plot by the Mughal emperor.
• After successfully defending himself in 1724, Mir Kamaruddin assumed the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk and declared his independence.
• He had been granted the title of Asaf Jah during his tenure as a minister under Muhammad Shah.
• This event marked the start of the Asaf Jahi rule over Golconda, with Aurangabad as the capital.
• The capital was later shifted to Hyderabad during the rule of Nizam II, enhancing its significance.
• The Asaf Jahi dynasty had ten rulers, but historians generally recognize only seven.
• Nasir Jung (son of Nizam I) and Muzaffar Jung (grandson of Nizam I) were killed by the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah, respectively.
• Salabat Jung, who ruled for a decade, is sometimes excluded from the count, although he was recognized by the Mughal emperors as the Subedar of the Deccan.

The Nizams of Asaf Jahi dynasty who ruled the Deccan :

• The Asaf Jahi dynasty ruled from A.D. 1724 to 1948, with Mir Kamaruddin (Nizam-ul-Mulk – Asaf Jah I) founding the dynasty and ruling from 1724 to 1748. Other rulers included:

  • Nasir Jung (1748–1751),
  • Muzaffar Jung (1750–1751),
  • Salabat Jung (1751–1761),
  • Nizam Ali Khan – Asaf Jah II (1762–1803),
  • Nizam III Sikandar Jah (1803–1829),
  • Nizam IV Nasir-ud-Daula (1829–1857),
  • Nizam V Afzal-ud-Daula (1857–1869),
  • Nizam VI Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan (1869–1911),
  • Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan (1911–1948 September).

• Hyderabad, originally established by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1590–91 during the Qutbshahi dynasty, became a prominent princely capital under the Asaf Jahi Nizams. The Nizams' grandeur elevated the city's national and international status, and their reign extended over a large, diverse territory.

• After Mir Kamaruddin’s death in 1748, a power struggle emerged among his heirs. Nasir Jung and Muzaffar Jung were killed by the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah. Salabat Jung, Kamaruddin’s third son, succeeded him with French support.

• The English-French rivalry in India reignited during the Seven Years War (A.D. 1758), weakening French influence in India and in Hyderabad. In 1762, Nizam Ali Khan removed Salabat Jung and declared himself Nizam.

• Nizam Ali Khan's relocation of the Deccan capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad in 1763 spurred economic growth and urban expansion, boosting the city’s prosperity and significance.

• Between 1766 and 1800, the British East India Company gradually diminished the Nizam’s power, using a series of treaties to gain territorial concessions and military control, thereby eroding the Nizam's authority and influence.

• In A.D. 1781 and A.D. 1801, the East India Company gained territories from the Nawab of Arcot, which led to the division of the Telugu region into Telangana under the Nizam’s rule and Andhra under British control.

• Under Nizam III Sikandar Jah, the town of Secunderabad became prominent, named after him. During the rule of Nizam V Afzal-ud-Daula, important infrastructure projects like the Afzal Gunj Bridge and General Hospital were completed.

• The modernization of Hyderabad gained pace after devastating floods in 1908, leading to planned developments such as the construction of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar dams (1917) and the creation of the City Improvement Board (1912).

• During Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan's reign, the city saw significant architectural achievements, including the construction of Osmania University, Osmania General Hospital, High Court, and Legislative Assembly, blending modern, medieval, and ancient architectural styles.

• The Salar Jungs, hereditary Diwans of the Nizams, greatly contributed to Hyderabad’s cultural heritage, with landmarks like the Mir Alam Tank, Mir Alam Mandi, Salar Jung Museum, and Aliya School.

Under the Company and the Crown

• The East India Company took several years to establish control and stability in the Telugu region under its direct rule.
• The Company initially faced strong opposition from Zamindars in coastal Andhra and Palegars in the Rayalaseema districts, who inherited authority from ancient Hindu or medieval Muslim rulers.
• To manage resistance, the Company implemented the Zamindari system, where Zamindars collected revenue but the Company retained executive and judicial powers.
• In A.D. 1802, the Company introduced the 'Permanent Settlement' system.
• In Rayalaseema, Thomas Munro, the first Principal Collector of the ceded districts, subdued the Palegars and introduced the 'Ryotwarisystem' in A.D. 1808, which collected revenue directly from farmers.
• Similar reforms were implemented in the rest of the Telugu region, including the Hyderabad State, with Telangana being a significant part.
• The State of Hyderabad suffered from the famine of A.D. 1777 and subsequent floods, leading to severe economic hardship and near-bankruptcy due to imprudent policies.
• To manage overwhelming debts, the Nizam sought help from Arab and Rohilla bankers, but the East India Company’s intervention through its Resident saved him from financial ruin.
• This intervention secured the Nizam’s allegiance to the Company, and his crucial support during the War of Independence in A.D. 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny) helped ensure the Company's victory.
• In A.D. 1858, following these events, the British Crown assumed direct control over all of India.
• In summary, the British, initially a trading company in the early 17th century, went on to rule India for over a century and a half.

Freedom Struggle

• 1. Significant Role in the Freedom Struggle: The Andhras were at the forefront of India's Freedom Struggle, showing relentless dedication and participation in the larger nationalist movement. Their contribution to India's fight for independence was as significant as that of any other region.

• 2. Impact of the First War of Independence (1857): The First War of Independence (1857) did not greatly affect southern India. However, there were some disturbances, particularly in the Hyderabad State. These included a raid by Rohilla and Arab soldiers against the British Residency and a rebellion led by Ramji Gond in the Adilabad district. Both were suppressed by the British in 1860.

• 3. Late 19th Century - No Major Events:

  • The rest of the 19th century passed relatively quietly in Andhra, with occasional peasant rebellions showcasing growing dissatisfaction. These were largely the result of poor economic conditions and oppressive British policies.
  • During this period, English education led to the formation of a strong, educated middle class. Many found job security in government positions, which led to an increase in loyalty to the British regime.

• 4. Economic Shifts in the 19th Century:

  • Agriculture became the dominant economic activity as cottage industries, particularly the cloth industry, faced decline. This decline was due to the British policy of promoting British industries and trade at the expense of local ones.
  • However, the construction of dams on the Godavari (1852) and Krishna (1855) rivers led to increased agricultural production, providing temporary relief to the farmers and obscuring the broader economic struggles.

• 5. Early 20th Century - Growth of the Middle Class:

  • The beginning of the 20th century saw the rise of a confident, educated, and dissatisfied middle class. This group sought equality with the British rulers and voiced their dissatisfaction through pamphleteering.
  • The British responded with repressive measures, clamping down on these movements. Gadicherla Hari Sarvottama Rao became the first prominent victim in Andhra when he was sentenced for writing a seditious article in 1883.

• 6. Participation in National Movements: Young men from Andhra actively participated in the Vande Mataram and Home Rule movements, following in the footsteps of the national struggle for self-rule.

• 7. Constructive Efforts in Andhra - Hanumantha Rao: In parallel to the growing resistance, leaders like Kopalle Hanumantha Rao (1880–1922) contributed to constructive efforts. He founded the Andhra Jateeya Kalasala (National College) in Machilipatnam to train young men in modern production techniques, anticipating that economic independence was crucial for India's liberation.

• 8. Response to Gandhiji’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920):

  • When Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, it found immediate resonance in Andhra, led by prominent figures like Konda Venkatappaiah, Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, Bulusu Sambamurti, and Pattabhi Seetaramaiah.
  • Lawyers gave up their lucrative practices, and students left their studies to join the freedom movement. The strong local response demonstrated the region’s commitment to India’s independence.

• 9. Civil Disobedience Movement - Andhra's Contributions:

  • In November 1921, the Congress authorized the start of Civil Disobediencein Andhra, contingent on fulfilling certain conditions. This led to several important movements:
    • Chirala-Perala Episode: The government wanted to combine the two villages into a municipality, imposing additional taxes. The villagers protested, refusing to pay taxes and resigning from the council. Despite facing repression, they established a parallel government in Ramanagar, living in makeshift huts for 11 months.
    • Forest Satyagraha in Palnad (1921): Peasants protested taxes for grazing cattle in the forests. When the government responded with force, the conflict resulted in a clash between the peasants and the police, with one peasant, Kannuganti Hanumanthu, killed. This episode ended when Gandhiji called off the movement.
    • No-Tax Campaign at Pedanandipadu (1922): Local leaders initiated a No-Tax Campaign against land taxes, which led to severe repression. Despite attempts to maintain the movement, the taxes were eventually paid, leaving the people feeling disillusioned and angry.

• 10. Rise of Alluri Sitaramaraju:

  • Alluri Sitaramaraju, a young leader, became a symbol of resistance in the Visakhapatnam hills. After the exploitation of local tribes by a British contractor, Sitaramaraju led a rebellion against the British authorities. Supported by the hill tribes, he engaged in raids and clashes with the police.
  • Despite his best efforts, the British crushed the rebellion, and Sitaramaraju was captured and killed in 1923, becoming a martyr for the cause of freedom.

• 11. Salt Satyagraha (1930): When Gandhiji launched the Salt March in 1930, Andhra saw widespread participation in salt production despite the British repression. The region became a significant site for many acts of defiance, with many young men and women facing police brutality and imprisonment.

• 12. Rise of Leftist Movements in the 1930s: The 1930s also witnessed the rise of leftist organizations in Andhra, which bolstered the progressive movement. These groups advocated for social equality, labor rights, and economic reforms, thus contributing to the ideological diversity of the freedom struggle.

• 13. World War II and Congress Resignation (1939): In 1939, the British dragged India into World War II, forcing the Congress ministries to resign in protest. This marked a shift in the political landscape, with rising dissatisfaction with British rule.

• 14. Quit India Movement (1942): The Quit India Movement in 1942 saw intense participation from Andhra’s youth. The arrest of national leaders and the Do or Die slogan inspired thousands to take to the streets, where they faced police brutality. The movement led to a mass uprising, with many young men and women dying as martyrs in the struggle for independence.

• 15. Independence and Post-Independence Struggles:

  • On August 15, 1947, India achieved Independence from British rule. The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing a democratic government at both the national and state levels.
  • The Andhras had hoped that India’s independence would pave the way for the creation of a separate Telugu state. However, the Constituent Assembly’s decision to unite the Telugu-speaking regions with other areas led to disappointment for the people of Andhra.

Economic and Social Developments

• 1. British Colonial Rule:

  • The British, unlike earlier conquerors, maintained a distinct colonial rule that focused on exploitation, economically and politically, leading to long-term control over India.
  • Their policies aimed at consolidating British power and extracting resources from India for the benefit of Great Britain.

• 2. Economic Impact on Andhra in Early British Rule:

  • Andhra had a rich historical background and was well-known for its flourishing textile industry, which continued under British rule.
  • Major exports from the region included textiles, handicrafts, and metalwork, with ports like Narsapur (known for shipbuilding) facilitating trade with Europeans.

• 3. Agricultural Exports: The region’s indigo production was highly sought after, contributing greatly to its export economy despite recurring famines and crop failures.

• 4. Decline of Cottage Industries:

  • The Industrial Revolution in England marked a turning point as British manufacturers flooded the Indian market with cheaper, machine-made goods, undermining the local cottage industries.
  • Local artisans were heavily taxed and faced competition from British products, leading to the eventual collapse of many traditional industries.

• 5. Economic Drain and Poverty:

  • The British exploitation of resources led to significant economic drain from India, enriching Britain while leaving India impoverished.
  • Imported finished goods from England led to the downfall of local industries, especially in textiles and handicrafts.

• 6. Agricultural Displacement:

  • The synthetic production of indigo by British scientists devastated the livelihoods of farmers who had depended on the crop.
  • Unemployed artisans from the cottage industries were pushed into agricultural labor, affecting the local economy.

• 7. British Divide and Rule:

  • The British implemented a divide and rule policy to exacerbate communal tensions, contributing to the eventual partition of India into two nations.
  • In Andhra, communal strife was mostly avoided in coastal and Rayalaseema regions, but the Hyderabad State witnessed violence due to the Razakar movement (1946-1948).

• 8. Unity and Infrastructure under British Rule:

  • British rule brought about political and administrative unity, which helped in consolidating different linguistic and cultural groups into a unified nation.
  • British infrastructure developments such as railways, telegraphs, telephones, and newspapers helped improve communication, contributing to a shared national consciousness.

• 9. Impact of British Infrastructure Projects: Major projects like the Godavari Dam (1852) and Krishna Dam (1855) aided agricultural development in Andhra, though they failed to alleviate widespread poverty in rural areas.

• 10. Cultural Renaissance:

  • The introduction of English education transformed the Indian social fabric, providing a means for upward mobility and access to government positions.
  • The spread of education also fostered a cultural renaissance, as ideas from Europe influenced social reforms and intellectual movements.

• 11. Introduction of Printing Press: The arrival of the printing press around 1810 played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge, helping disseminate European literature, science, and democratic ideas across India.

• 12. Religious and Social Reform Movements:

  • Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj were formed as responses to Christian missionary efforts, aimed at reforming Hinduism and addressing social issues like caste discrimination.
  • Figures like Anne Besant supported the revival of Hindu philosophies and established the Theosophical Society, which gained traction in Andhra, influencing educated groups.

• 13. Transformation of Telugu Literature:

  • Under the influence of English literature, Telugu literature saw significant change, with Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu spearheading social reforms and advocating for women’s rights.
  • Veeresalingam’s literary works helped challenge social norms and promote progressive thought, especially regarding women’s education and widow remarriage.

• 14. Rise of Political Consciousness:

  • The spread of European thought empowered Indian leaders to reinterpret traditional values, with an increasing focus on self-governance and independence.
  • Movements such as the Indian National Congress found support from educated, middle-class Indians, who were inspired by European ideals of democracy and human rights.

• 15. Missionary Contributions: Christian missionaries played a significant role in promoting education in India, especially among marginalized communities. Their contribution was crucial in spreading the English-language education system, though often intertwined with religious proselytism.

• 16. Increased Nationalist Sentiment:

  • The exposure to Western thought and education, coupled with the discontentment over British rule, significantly contributed to the rise of nationalism in India, particularly in Andhra.
  • Educational reforms and the spread of progressive ideas helped shape the next generation of leaders who would later play crucial roles in the independence movement.

• 17. Political Mobilization in Andhra: With the rise of an educated middle class, Andhra saw an increase in political mobilization and the active participation of local leaders in national movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience.

• 18. Influence of European Literature and Thought: The engagement with European literature and ideas on democracy, socialism, and human rights influenced Indian thinkers, leading to social, religious, and political reforms that formed the foundation for India’s struggle for freedom.

• 19. Rise of Social Reforms: Social reformers in Andhra, inspired by European ideas, worked toward uplifting the status of women, promoting education for the lower castes, and challenging regressive practices such as child marriage and untouchability.

• 20. Contributions to India's Freedom Struggle: The intellectual and cultural awakening during the British period, influenced by the changes brought about by the British, laid the groundwork for India’s freedom struggle, with the educated middle class leading the charge for independence.