Tips for Preparing Telangana Movement for Competitive Exams

The Telangana Movement is a significant part of modern Indian history, particularly for state-level exams like TSPSC (Telangana State Public Service Commission) exams, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and SI & Constable exams. The movement is central to understanding Telangana’s journey toward achieving statehood. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for this topic effectively:

1. Understand the Key Phases of the Telangana Movement

The Telangana Movement has several key phases, and understanding each of them is crucial for answering related questions in competitive exams:

A. Pre-Independence Struggles

• Hyderabad State under Nizam: Understand the socio-political conditions in Hyderabad before independence, including the Nizam’s rule, the feudal system, and the integration of Hyderabad State into India post-1947.
• Hyderabad Liberation Movement (1947-48): Focus on the integration of Hyderabad into India post-independence and the Operation Polo led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Telangana Rebellion (1946-51): The Telangana Rebellion or Razaakars Movement was a peasant uprising against the Nizam’s feudal system and the oppression of the Hyderabadi Muslims. This movement led to significant social unrest and demands for land reforms and social justice.

B. Post-Independence Struggle

• First Phase of Telangana Movement (1956-1969):
  
  • Formation of Andhra Pradesh: The merger of Telangana with Andhra Pradesh in 1956, based on the Gentlemen’s Agreement, and its aftermath, led to widespread dissatisfaction among the people of Telangana.
  • The 1969 Movement: This phase of the movement arose due to the perception that the Telangana region was being economically exploited and politically marginalized by Andhra leaders. Study the role of students, the agitation for a separate state, and key leaders like Prof. Jayashankar.

C. Second Phase of Telangana Movement (2001-2014)

• Formation of TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi): The movement gained momentum in the 2000s with the formation of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).
• Key Agitation Events (2001-2014): Study the major events of this phase, such as:
  
  • 2001 Agitation: The beginning of the formal demand for statehood.
  • 2009-2010 Agitation: The mass protests and hunger strikes led by KCR and the subsequent political crisis.
  • 2010-2013 Hunger Strikes: Particularly the Sakala Janula Samme (General Strike) and the death of leaders during hunger strikes.
  • 2014: The historic formation of the state of Telangana on June 2, 2014, with K. Chandrashekar Rao becoming the first Chief Minister.

D. Post-Statehood Telangana

• Post-Statehood Development: Learn about the economic, social, and political changes post-2014, the state’s development under KCR’s government, and the ongoing policies for inclusive growth.

2. Key Personalities in the Telangana Movement

• Komaram Bheem: A tribal leader who fought against the Nizam’s regime, symbolizing the resistance in Telangana’s early years.
• Professor Jayashankar: A pivotal figure in the Telangana movement, he was known as the Father of Telangana’s Statehood Movement for his intellectual contributions and leadership.
• K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR): The leader of the TRS, who played a central role in the final phase of the movement, leading to the creation of the state of Telangana.
• Other Leaders: M. Kodandaram, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chennamaneni Ramesh, J. Ranga Reddy, and others who played crucial roles at various stages of the movement.

3. Focus on the Causes of the Telangana Movement

• Political Marginalization: After the merger of Telangana with Andhra Pradesh, many felt that Telangana’s political power was undermined by the Andhra region.
• Economic Exploitation: Telangana felt deprived of its fair share of resources and development funds, with Andhra Pradesh dominating economic decision-making.
• Unfulfilled Promises: Study the various promises made to Telangana at the time of its merger with Andhra Pradesh (e.g., Gentlemen’s Agreement) that were not fulfilled, leading to dissatisfaction.
• Cultural Identity: A sense of distinct identity (cultural, historical, and linguistic) that led to demands for a separate state.
• Water Sharing Disputes: Disputes over water allocation from rivers like Krishna and Godavari and their uneven distribution between the regions.

4. Government Policies and Schemes During the Movement

• Gentlemen’s Agreement (1956): The political agreement that aimed to address the concerns of the people of Telangana regarding political power-sharing and administrative autonomy.
• Six-Point Formula (1973): Proposed by P. V. Narasimha Rao, it focused on giving more political power to Telangana but was seen as insufficient by many.
• Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014: The legal framework for the creation of the state of Telangana, highlighting the division of assets, resources, and government services.

5. Key Events in the Telangana Movement

• Sakala Janula Samme (2010-2011): A key strike that brought public attention to the movement for Telangana’s statehood.
• Fast unto Death by KCR (2009): KCR’s hunger strike, which gained national attention and led to a renewed push for the formation of Telangana.
• 2013-2014 Strikes and Protests: Mass protests and hunger strikes, which finally led to the announcement of Telangana’s statehood by the Indian government.

6. Focus on Major Developments Post-Statehood

• Economic Development: Post-2014, Telangana has made strides in improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Key projects like Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and Mission Bhagiratha have been vital for the state’s development.
• Political Landscape: The state has seen a rise in regional political parties (primarily TRS, now BRS), and KCR’s leadership.
• Social Empowerment: Focus on schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, and Mission Kakatiya that have improved the lives of farmers and rural populations.

7. Use Reliable Resources and Books

• Telangana State Movement by Prof. Jayashankar: A foundational resource for understanding the movement’s ideological roots.
• History of Telangana Movement by M. Kodandaram: Offers insights into the political and social aspects of the movement.
• Telangana Movement and State Formation by N. Jayapalan: Detailed coverage of the entire movement’s history.
• TSPSC Study Material: Refer to the textbooks and materials provided by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) that are tailored to competitive exams.

8. Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

• Solve mock tests and previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked and to gauge your understanding of key events, leaders, and policies related to the Telangana Movement.
• Focus on state-specific questions, as they will feature prominently in TSPSC exams.

9. Revision and Focus on Key Points

• Important Dates: Memorize critical dates such as:
  
  • 1956: Merger of Telangana with Andhra Pradesh.
  • 1969: First major Telangana agitation.
  • 2001: Formation of TRS and resurgence of the demand for statehood.
  • 2014: Formation of Telangana as the 29th state of India.
• Key Figures: Keep a list of important leaders and their contributions to the movement for quick revision.

To prepare effectively for the Telangana Movement section, focus on understanding the historical context, key events, important leaders, and political changes that led to the formation of the state. Use books, reports, and previous year papers to refine your understanding, and stay updated with any ongoing developments in Telangana. Regular revision and practice with mock tests will ensure you perform well in this topic during competitive exams.