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

History

• Originally named Narayanapeta, Narayanpet was renamed in 1890 to honor Mir Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI, the Nizam of Hyderabad. It has served as the district headquarters since 1883.
• Historically, the Narayanpet region was referred to as Cholawadi or the land of the Cholas. It is believed to have been a significant source of renowned diamonds like the Kohinoor, alongside other Golconda diamonds.
• Geographically situated in the southern part of Telangana, Narayanpet shares borders with Karnataka to the west, Nagarkurnool and Wanaparthy Districts to the south, Mahabubnagar District to the east, and Vikarabad District to the north.
• The Krishna River enters Telangana through Narayanpet district, merging with the Bhima River at Tangidi Village of Maganoor Mandal. The district is rich in ancient historical sites along the riverbanks, dating back to the Old Stone Age and New Stone Age.
• Narayanpet's history is marked by the rule of various dynasties, including the Nandas, Mauryas, Satavahanas, Ikshwakas, Vishnukundinas, and others, up until the reign of the Nizam of Hyderabad.
• In the 1900s, Narayanpet was a significant economic hub, with thriving businesses centered around food grains, silk and cotton sarees, gold and silver ornaments, red bricks, black wool, and other commodities.
• Despite its commercial importance, Narayanpet faced delays in development due to administrative issues, political neglect, and a lack of interest from leaders. However, it is renowned for its trademark cotton and silk sarees and renowned jewellery shops offering high-quality gold and silver ornaments.
• During the expansion of Maratha territories under Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji, he emphasized Deccani patriotism, portraying Southern India as a homeland needing protection from outsiders. In 1677, Shivaji visited Hyderabad and formed a treaty with the Qutb Shah of Golconda, pledging to oppose the Mughals together and abandoning his alliance with Bijapur.
• Legend has it that during his stay, a faction of Shivaji's army, weary of continuous warfare, chose to settle in Narayanpet, a small town in Mahabubnagar District, Telangana. These individuals, skilled in administration, warfare, cooking, and weaving, initiated the weaving industry in Narayanpet.
• Collaboratively, these communities ventured into the weaving business, with some investing capital, others engaging in weaving, and the remainder serving as master weavers to facilitate trade. This marked the inception of the weaving tradition in Narayanpet.
• The weavers began producing silk sarees with distinctive designs, eventually gaining recognition nationwide as Narayanpet Silk sarees. Owing to migration from the Maratha region, Maharashtrian influences are evident in these sarees.
• Narayanpet sarees received Geographical Indicator (GI) registration in 2013, acknowledging the significant role of these weavers in preserving Narayanpet's cultural heritage. This status provided temporary relief to struggling weavers who faced competition from cheaper fabrics produced by commercial power looms, also labeled as Narayanpet, depriving traditional weavers of their rightful recognition.
• Narayanpet sarees were once revered as garments fit for deities, blending the cultural influences of Maharashtra and Telangana. With roots in Maratha patronage, these sarees remain a staple for contemporary Indian women seeking elegance.
• The Marathi community in Narayanpet traces its lineage to Jivheshwara, with Bhagavan Jivheshwar being their revered deity. The name 'Jivheshwar' stems from 'Jivha' (tongue) and 'Ishvara' (god), signifying emergence from Shiva's tongue. Celebrating Bhagavan Jivheshwar Jayanti involves serving meals to the needy and recognizing individuals' accomplishments.
• Over time, Maharashtrians adopted Telugu customs alongside their native rituals, fostering a harmonious blend of the two states' cultures in Narayanpet.
• Located in Telangana, Narayanpet transitioned from being a part of Mahbubnagar district to becoming an independent district in 2019. Nestled on the Deccan Plateau, it boasts a rich cultural legacy and historical importance.
• Narayanpet's history traces back to ancient times, witnessing the rule of various dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Bahmanis, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, and Nizams of Hyderabad. It has been renowned for handloom fabric weaving, particularly silk, for centuries.
• The town actively participated in India's independence movement, contributing numerous freedom fighters. Post-independence, it became part of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 and later joined Telangana upon its formation in 2014.
• Recent years have seen substantial development in Narayanpet, marked by infrastructural projects and the emergence of new industries. Its picturesque landscapes attract tourists, and the town is evolving into a modern yet historically rich destination.

Tourist Places

• The Sri Padamati Anjenaya Swamy temple is located in the city of Makthal, situated near the confluence of the Krishna River. Makthal is approximately 40 kilometers away from Raichur district in Karnataka and 60 kilometers from Mahaboobnagar in Telangana.
• The sacred idol of Lord Hanuman in this temple was consecrated by Lord Jambavantha, a devout follower of Lord Ram, who lived during Hanuman's time and revered Lord Ram as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Remarkably, the idol of Lord Hanuman faces west, a unique feature not commonly found in South Indian temples. The term "Padamati" signifies the westward-facing orientation of the idol.

How to Reach

• Nearest Air port is Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport, which is 127 kms away by Road.
• Krishna (KSN) is the Nearest railway station. We can also reach from Mahabubnagar (MBNR) Railway station.
• We can take Bus/Car from Hyderabad to Makthal, Narayanpet via Mahabubnagar, which is 165 Kms. From Mahabubnagar, it is 63 kms.