Youngest State in India

2 June 2014: Telangana officially became the 29th state of India after it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

Pre-Independence: The region of Telangana was originally part of the Nizam’s Hyderabad State, a princely state under British India.
Post-Independence: In 1956, as part of the States Reorganisation Act, Telangana was merged with Andhra Pradesh, forming a unified state. However, over the years, the demand for a separate Telangana grew due to:
- Regional Disparities: Perceived economic neglect, with Telangana being less developed compared to the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.
- Cultural Identity: People of Telangana felt their unique culture, language (Telugu dialect), and historical identity were being overshadowed by the dominant political and cultural influences from the Andhra region.
- Resource Distribution: The Telangana region believed it was not receiving its fair share of the state’s resources, including water and government investments.

Initial Movements: The demand for a separate state was voiced by local leaders and groups for decades.
Key Leadership: The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), founded by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in 2001, emerged as the leading political force advocating for the creation of Telangana.
- KCR played a central role in mobilizing support and leading protests demanding statehood.
- His leadership and determination brought the movement to the forefront, eventually leading to significant political and public support.
Strikes and Protests: The movement gained momentum throughout the 2000s, with massive hunger strikes, bandhs (general strikes), and rallies.
- 2009: A major turning point in the struggle for statehood, following the announcement of the decision to form Telangana, which was later reversed.
- 2010-2014: Widespread agitation and protests across the region further solidified the call for a separate state.

Government Decision: The Indian government, led by the Congress Party, took the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014: This act, passed in 2014, formally created the new state of Telangana.
Hyderabad: The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, was declared the shared capital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10 years.
- After this period, Hyderabad would be fully handed over to Telangana, becoming its permanent capital.
Cultural Identity: Telangana has its own distinct cultural identity, including:
- Language: While Telugu is spoken in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana dialect has specific linguistic features and expressions unique to the region.
- Historical Heritage: Telangana is home to several historical landmarks and cultural treasures, including the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Qutb Shahi tombs, which reflect its rich Islamic and regional heritage.
- Hyderabad, the capital city, is a global IT hub and one of India’s most important cities for technology and business. It is home to multinational companies in the IT, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors, and boasts a vibrant economy.
- The Telangana government has focused on infrastructure development and economic diversification to position the state as a center for innovation and industry.

Impact on Indian Politics: Telangana’s formation set a precedent for other regions in India with similar demands for statehood or autonomy. It also led to debates on the creation of new states and regional identity politics.
Focus on Development: Since its formation, Telangana has focused on improving its infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to ensure balanced growth across the state, especially in rural areas.

The creation of Telangana represents the culmination of decades of political struggle and demands for regional recognition. With its distinct cultural identity, economic ambitions centered around Hyderabad’s IT industry, and its historical significance, Telangana has become a key player in the Indian Union. The state continues to forge its path toward sustainable development, while upholding its unique traditions and heritage.