Jayashankar Bhupalpally District (జయశంకర్ భూపాలపల్లి జిల్లా) - 2 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Kota Gullu

• Popularly known as Kota Gullu, the Ghanpur Temples were commissioned by King Ganapathi Deva during the Kakatiya dynasty's rule. The architectural grandeur of South Indian temples is globally renowned, and the Ghanpur Temples in Telangana's Jayashankar Bhupalpally District are a testament to this craftsmanship.
• Architecture and History: The Ghanpur Temples, though currently in a state of disrepair, showcase the architectural finesse of the Kakatiyas. Constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, these temples offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of that era. Each structure narrates a story of a bygone era, inviting visitors to delve into the region's history.
• Cultural Significance: Stepping into this historical site transports visitors back in time, allowing them to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry woven by the Kakatiya dynasty. The temples stand as a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of the period, offering a unique blend of history and spirituality.
• Visiting Experience: Exploring the Ghanpur Temples is akin to embarking on a journey through time, where every corner whispers tales of a glorious past. Visitors can witness firsthand the intricate carvings, imposing structures, and spiritual ambiance that define these ancient marvels.

Ghanpur Group of Temples

• All of these temples were enclosed by a two-layered brick walls. A museum exhibiting the art and architecture of the Kakatiya dynasty is housed within the temple premises. The primary temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Tourists can find numerous mythical sculptures within these temples, such as Half-human-half-lion riding on an elephant, Gaja-Kesari, and Horse-head lion-back elephants in the temple's porticos.
• The view of ancient temples set amidst towering palm trees is captivating.
• One inscription slab mentions Ganapathi Reddy, who installed Lord Ganapeswara and generously donated land during the reign of Ganapathi Deva (1199-1262 CE).
• According to epigraphical evidence, the temple's construction is believed to date back to the early half of the 13th century CE.

Main Temple of Lord Shiva

• The Ghanpur Group of Temples comprises over 20 temples, each differing in size and design. 
• The main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands out as the most magnificent among them and serves as a significant reason to explore this site.

How to Reach

• There is no railway station near to Ghanpur in less than 10 km. However, there are railway stations from Nearby Warangal Railway Station, Kazipet Railway Station. You can reach from Warangal to Ghanpur by road.
• Warangal is the Nearest Town to Ghanpur. Warangal is 60 km from Ghanpur. Road connectivity is there from Warangal to Ghanpur.

Pandavula Gutta

• Rock art, a form of landscape art, is found only in specific regions of India. Jayashankar Bhupalpally district in Telangana is one such area, known for its numerous prehistoric habitation sites. Paleolithic cave paintings have been discovered at Pandavula Gutta in Regonda mandal. This site, initially found in 1990, is renowned for rock climbing.
• These cave paintings offer a rare insight into prehistoric human life, with rock art adorning walls, ceilings of caves, rock shelters, and isolated boulders. The paintings depict various wildlife such as Bison, Antelope, Tiger, Leopard, alongside shapes like the swastika symbol, circles, squares, and weapons like bows, arrows, swords, and lances. Geometrical designs and impressions in green, red, yellow, and white pigment colors are also present. Pandavula Gutta is rich in terms of the number of paintings, rock shelters, and its habitation, spanning from the mesolithic to medieval times.

How to Reach

• There is no railway station near to Regonda. However, there are railway stations nearby such as Warangal Railway Station and Kazipet Railway Station. You can reach Regonda from Warangal by road.
• Pandavula Gutta is situated near Ravulapalli, approximately 6 km from Regonda Mandal Head Quarters. Warangal is about 55 km away from Regonda. You can travel by bus or cab as well.

Festivals

• Telangana showcases a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, evident in festivals like Bathukamma, Sankranthi, Ramzan, Moharram, and Christmas. Bathukamma, a vibrant floral festival celebrated by women, highlights the region's unique floral diversity and its cultural significance, emphasizing the bond between earth, water, and humanity.
• Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra or Navaratri, holds immense importance in Telangana as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is observed with traditional fervor and joy. Bonalu, another Hindu festival, honors Goddess Mahakali and is celebrated annually in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, during the month of Ashada.
• Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, is observed with deep devotion by Muslims in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana, with the Mecca Masjid near Charminar being a significant center for congregational prayers. The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, also known as the Medaram Jatara, is a globally renowned tribal festival celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Ramzan

• Celebrated on/during: May

Celebrated on/during

• Ramzan is the ninth month as per the Islamic Lunar calendar. Ramadan/Ramzan begins after the month of Shaban when the new moon is sighted. If the new moon is not seen after 30 days of Shaban, then Ramadan begins. 
• The duration of Ramzan is 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting. If the moon is sighted on the night of the 29th fast, Shawwal begins the next day, concluding Ramadan. Ramzan is recognized as the month when the Quran was revealed, involving fasting by all capable men, women, and pubescent children. 
• Fasting individuals abstain from eating or drinking from dawn until after sunset. Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion in Telangana, marks the end of Ramadan and inaugurates the Islamic month of Shawwal.

Significance

• Ramzan is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. Ramadan/Ramzan starts after the month of Shaban, following the sighting of the new moon. If the new moon isn't visible after 30 days of Shaban, Ramadan commences. The duration of Ramzan lasts for 29 or 30 days, based on the moon sighting. 
• When the moon is seen on the night of the 29th fast, Shawwal commences the following day, signaling the end of Ramadan. Ramzan is the month when the Quran was revealed, involving fasting by all capable individuals. During Ramzan, fasting individuals refrain from eating or drinking from dawn until after sunset. 
• Eid al-Fitr, a significant celebration in Telangana, marks the conclusion of Ramadan and the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

Traditional Festive Attires

• Men typically don their traditional Pathani suits during festive occasions. 
• Women opt for elegant attire such as palazzo suits, shararas, Abaya suits, lehengas, Sharara suits, and majestic anarkalis to grace the festivities.

Bathukamma

• Bathukamma is a vibrant and colorful floral festival celebrated predominantly by the women of Telangana, India. 
• It is a symbol of Telangana's cultural identity and is dedicated to Goddess Gauri.

Origin and Significance

• Bathukamma is derived from the words "Bathuku" which means life and "Amma" which means mother, symbolizing the essence of womanhood and the celebration of life.
• The festival is celebrated during the latter half of monsoon and the beginning of Sarad or Sharath ritu, signifying the agricultural aspects of the region.

Celebrations and Rituals

• Women create beautiful floral arrangements using local flowers, stack them up in the form of a conical structure, and dance around them singing traditional folk songs.
• Each day of the festival has a unique name and ritual attached to it, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Telangana.

Floral Decorations

• Flowers like Gunuka, Tangedi, and Bera are commonly used to create Bathukammas, adding a riot of colors and fragrances to the celebrations.
• The floral stacks are immersed in water bodies after the festival, signifying the return of nature to the earth and a promise of a bountiful harvest.

Social Significance

• Bathukamma promotes social harmony and strengthens familial bonds as women come together to celebrate and pray for the prosperity of their families.
• It also highlights the importance of environmental conservation by using local flowers and ensuring the eco-friendly disposal of the floral stacks.

Festive Attires

• Women adorn traditional saris and jewelry, while teenage girls wear Langa-Voni/Half-Sarees/Lehenga Choli paired with jewels to enhance the traditional elegance of their attire.

Traditional Festive Attires

• Women traditionally attire themselves in sarees, complemented with jewelry and other accessories to enhance their appearance.
• Adolescent girls opt for Langa-Voni, Half-Sarees, or Lehenga Choli paired with jewelry to exude the conventional charm of the outfit.

Culture & Heritage

• The Indian state of Telangana boasts a rich cultural history. It became a significant cultural hub during the reign of the Hindu Kakatiya dynasty and the Muslim Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties, also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad.
• Through the rulers' support for arts and culture, Telangana evolved into a distinctive multi-cultural region where two diverse cultures harmoniously coexist. This has made Telangana a prominent representative of the Deccan Plateau, with Warangal and Hyderabad serving as its focal points.
• Some of the major cultural events celebrated in the region include the "Kakatiya Festival" and the Deccan Festival, alongside religious festivals like Bonalu, Bathukamma, Dasara, Ugadi, and Sankranthi.

Clothing

For Men:

• Uttareeyam or Pai Pancha (Angavastram or veil)
• Pancha (Dhoti)
• Jubba (Kurta) - The top portion
• Lungi (Casual dress)
• Pants & shirt

For Women:

• Cheera (Sari)

For Girls:

• Langa Oni (Half sari)
• Lehenga (Long skirt or skirt below knees and a blouse)
• Punjabi dress/ chudidhar

Arts

• Kuchipudi
• Vilasini Natyam
• Perini Shivatandavam
• Oggu Katha
• Burra Katha
• Telugu Cinema
• Kalankari