Language & Culture | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Culture

• Telangana State, positioned between the northern and southern regions of India, has historically served as a convergence point for diverse languages and cultures, making it a prime example of India's composite culture, pluralism, and inclusiveness. Situated on the uplands of the Deccan plateau, Telangana acts as a bridge between the North and South. Consequently, the region has earned recognition for its Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb, reflecting a harmonious blend of different cultural influences, earning Hyderabad the moniker of a 'miniature India.'
• The cultural landscape of Telangana is deeply intertwined with its geography, politics, and economy. The early rulers, such as the Satavahanas, laid the foundation for an independent and self-sufficient village economy, a legacy that endures to this day. During the medieval period, the Kakatiya dynasty, which reigned from the 11th to the 14th centuries with Warangal as its capital, significantly shaped the region's culture. Subsequently, the rule of the Qutub Shahis and Asafjahis, who governed the Hyderabad state, further contributed to the cultural fabric of Telangana.

Art forms

• While classical art forms enjoyed royal patronage and reached high levels of refinement, Telangana's distinct cultural identity is largely shaped by the diverse art forms practiced by its numerous communities across the state.
• During the Kakatiya rule, dance forms like Perini Sivatandavam, known as the 'dance of warriors,' evolved. Simultaneously, commoners developed storytelling traditions such as Golla Suddulu, Oggu Kathalu, and Gotralu to address their daily challenges and find solutions.
• The amalgamation of various art forms gave rise to new expressions, exemplified by the ubiquitous 'Dhoom Dham,' which often depicted themes of struggle and exploitation. People adapted traditional theatrical sensibilities to reflect contemporary issues and local contexts.
• Chindu Bhagavatham, a variant of Yakshagana, is widely performed in Telangana. This theatrical art form integrates dance, music, dialogue, costume, makeup, and stage techniques, characterized by energetic leaps and jumps ('Chindu' in Telugu). Most of the stories narrated in Chindu Bhagavatham are derived from the 'Bhagavatam.'
• Under the patronage of the Qutub Shahi and Asafjahi rulers in and around Hyderabad, forms like Qawali, Ghazals, and Mushairas flourished, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Hindu Festivals in Telangana

• Festivals: Hindu festivals in Telangana, such as Ugadi, Srirama Navami, Bonalu, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Dasara, Deepavali, Sankranti, Holi, and Mahashivaratri, are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
• Festivals Significance: Dasara is the primary festival known as 'pedda panduga,' signifying its grandeur.
• Bathukamma Festival: An integral part of Dasara celebrations, Bathukamma is a unique and colorful festival in Telangana with historical, ecological, societal, and religious importance.
• Celebration Rituals: Women dressed in vibrant attire and jewelry carry beautifully arranged Bathukammas adorned with flowers like Tangedu, Gunugu, and Chamanti to the communal gathering spot.
• Traditional Songs: Women encircle the Bathukammas, singing traditional songs derived from Puranas, historical narratives, and contemporary events, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
• Immersion Ceremony: The festivities culminate in Saddula Bathukamma, where villagers immerse the floral arrangements in nearby water bodies like tanks and lakes.
• Bonalu Festival: Celebrated during the Telugu month of Ashadam, Bonalu is a Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Goddess Mahakali as an expression of gratitude for fulfilling devotees' wishes.
• Bojanam Ritual: During the festival, a meal called Bojanam is offered to the presiding Mother Goddess. Women prepare rice cooked with milk and jaggery in a brass or earthen pot. The pot is adorned with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion, with a lighted diya placed on top of the Ghatam.
• Rangam (Prophecy): An essential aspect of the festival is Rangam, where women stand on top of an earthen pot to 'invoke' goddess Mahankali and become an Oracle.

Arts and Crafts in Telangana

Bidri Craft

• Bidri Craft is a unique art form involving silver engraving on metal.
• It includes black, gold, and silver coatings applied in various stages like casting, engraving, inlaying, and oxidizing.
• The art form gets its name from Bidar, a town in Karnataka, formerly part of the Hyderabad state.

Banjara Needle Crafts

• Banjara Needle Crafts are traditional handmade fabrics created by Banjaras, the tribal Gypsies in Telangana.
• This craft involves embroidery and mirror work on fabrics using needlecraft techniques.

Dokra Metal Crafts

• Dokra Metal Crafts, also known as bell metal craft, are commonly found in Jainoor Mandal, Ushegaon, and Chittalbori in Adilabad district.
• The tribal craft produces various objects like figurines, tribal gods, etc., featuring folk motifs such as peacocks, elephants, and horses.
• The craft also includes traditional designs like measuring bowls, lamp caskets, and other simple art forms.

Nirmal Arts

• Nirmal Arts is a well-known form of art that involves the creation of exquisite oil paintings using natural dyes. These paintings typically depict themes from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Additionally, Nirmal art extends to wood paintings and various wooden articles, all of which showcase a high level of aesthetic expression.
• The roots of the Nirmal craft can be traced back to the Kakatiya era, highlighting its rich historical significance. The motifs commonly utilized in Nirmal craft include intricate floral designs and frescoes inspired by the artistry of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, as well as Mughal miniatures.

Bronze Castings

• Bronze castings are a renowned art form that has brought global recognition to Telangana. This craftsmanship involves the meticulous creation of bronze sculptures using a technique known for its precision and artistry.
• In the process of creating bronze castings, artisans employ a method that includes applying multiple layers of various clays over a wax model to form the mold. This intricate process ultimately results in the sculpture acquiring delicate curves and intricate details, enhancing the overall visual appeal.