Dean of School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Aloka Parasher Sen alongwith the author Narendra Luther, at the launch of ‘Legendotes of Hyderabad’ in Hyderabad. PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL / The Hindu
Written by the former civil servant, ‘Legendotes of Hyderabad’ combines the legends and anecdotes that populate the city of Hyderabad
The City of Nizams is steeped in legends that greet a curious soul willing to take a break from the modern day hustle bustle, author and former civil servant Narendra Luther observed on Thursday.
Combining the legends and anecdotes that populate this historic city, Mr. Luther wrote a book ‘Legendotes of Hyderabad’. The book was released by Dean of Social Sciences at University of Hyderabad Aloka Parasher Sen at a function held here.
“Everything regarding this city has its own legend and it was my endeavour to weave through these legends in this book. While historians go through the highways to chronicle historic events, I went through the lanes and bylanes of the city to construct its history,” Mr. Luther said.
Terming the book an engaging easy-read, Dr. Sen said the book brings out the role played by the oral traditions, anecdotes and legends in the process of making history. Traditionally history has been based on official documents and inscriptions that were considered as solid facts, but historians have started to realise the importance of oral traditions.
While history attempts to give explanations, the oral traditions speak about the perceptions and this book can act as a bridge between both these aspects of writing history, she said.
The book release function was followed by a short skit played by a team of theatre artists who read out some interesting facets mentioned in the book.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – January 31st, 2014
Historian M.A. Qaiyum with the coin minted during the Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah rule that he chanced upon on a pavement in Old City. – / Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu
450-year-old copper coin of 3 Qutb Shahi ruler found
The missing link is finally here. M.A. Qaiyum, noted historian, could not hold back his surprise when he recently came across the 450-year-old copper coin minted during the rule of Ibrahim Qutb Shah. Curiously, the historian stumbled upon the rare coin on an Old City pavement.
Coins of the third Qutb Shahi king, Sultan Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, had been conspicuous by their absence. Even the A.P State Museum, which boasts thousands of copper coins of the erstwhile rulers, drew a blank when it came to those dating back to 1550-80 when Ibrahim Qutb Shah ruled.
“It’s a rare find, as coins of that period are not available in the museum,” says Mr. Qaiyum, who got it for a song.
Inscription
What adds substance to the coin is the legible inscription on it. The obverse side has the name, ‘Sultan Ibrahim Quli’, inscribed, and the reverse sports the legend, ‘Ghulam-e-Murtuza Ali’.
The coin, which weighs about 12 gm, represents an excellent piece of calligraphy. The style is quite similar to the Arabic inscriptions seen on the Qutb Shahi tombs.
According to numismatists, only six coins of the Ibrahim Qutb Shah period are available as of now.
But, it is not known as to what legend they bear and when they were issued.
The 6 coin, published by Hurmuz Kaus, an ancient coin collector, is of small size and bears the legend, ‘Juloose Jaiz Ibrahim Quli’, on the obverse and ‘Sadatmand-e-Ali’on the reverse . The coin was issued from the Golconda Mint in 1565 A.D.
The recently discovered coin bears the distinct legend of the ruler, Ibrahim Qutb Shah, in Arabic style. Scholars believe him to be the first Sultan to issue coins in his own name in the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
But, many do not subscribe to this view, as only one coin of Subhan Quli and four coins of Jamsheed Quli, the immediate predecessors of Ibrahim Qutb Shah, are available.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by J. S. Ifthekhar / Hyderabad – February 09th, 2014
It all began in 1798 when the Nizam entered into a Subsidiary Alliance with the British. As part of the treaty the Nizam was to foot the bill for a contingent of Imperial troops who arrived shortly thereafter along with a motley assortment of camp followers and encamped in the vicinity of Bolarum, north of the Hussain Sagar. Within no time the makeshift city of tents transformed into a well defined settlement.
The rapid pace of development bears testimony to British ingenuity for the crafty ‘shopkeepers’ made the Nizam pay, not just for upkeep of the Subsidiary Force but also for the infrastructure. Alternatively coercing and appeasing the Nizam and his government, the British spent lavishly on the emerging city and according to some accounts, enriched themselves individually too, by fudging accounts and claiming inflated payments with the resultant burden on the exchequer eventually leading to financial ruin of an otherwise affluent state.
To curb growing resentment against such nefarious activities, the Resident sought permission to name the new settlement after Sikandar Jah when he succeeded as the third Nizam in 1803. The ploy, clearly designed to satiate eastern vanity, ensured that Hyderabad kept honouring dubious and exorbitant claims. So brazen was the conduct of the British and so lax the accountability that ‘poor Nizzy pays for all’ became an accepted axiom in condoning financial irregularities of dishonorable officers who were caught lining their pockets at the Nizam’s expense. The fact that the cantonment at Secunderabad enriched Hyderabadi culture is indisputable as also the verity that the two share a common history. It is therefore a travesty that the cantonment, a large and culturally significant quarter of Secunderabad, has been kept isolated from the administrative protocols governing the rest of the city.
Amongst the multitude of structures with a rich history is the Rashtrapati Nilayam, the old Bolarum Residency of the British which now serves as the southern retreat for the President of India. Although well maintained, the sprawling complex consisting of buildings and exquisite gardens has lost one of its most significant elements – the monumental Flagstaff on which the national flag was first hoisted when Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union. To their credit, the engineers in charge did commission a miniature model of the steeple before knocking it down but a competent conservationist would have insisted and saved such an important cultural asset.
Though many in the city are familiar with a some examples of built heritage within the cantonment limits, few are aware about the existence of structures like Deccan House, The Abbey and numerous other monumental buildings which have survived despite the passing of two centuries. Amongst buildings with high associational value is ‘The Retreat’, one of several quaint colonial bungalows, which served as Sir Winston Churchill’s residence in 1896. It was during his sojourn at Secunderabad that the redoubtable statesman first met his early flame Pamela Chichele-Plowden, daughter of the then British Resident at Hyderabad, at a polo match. Churchill, then a subaltern in the British army was the star performer of the meet and is said to have swept the lady off her feet. Their courtship, which lasted till 1902, was amicably terminated in England. The traumatic change from the warm and romantic climes of Hyderabad to damp and frigid London seems to have brought the lady to her senses, for Churchill, who had by then barely advanced in rank to captain, paled in comparison to her new suitor Victor, the 2nd Earl of Lytton, who had already succeeded to the peerage upon the death of his father Lord Lytton, the Viceroy of India. A practical choice if one considers the fact that in later years Victor lorded over Bengal as Governor while Winston offered little other than ‘blood, toil and tears’!
Though administrative control of a large part of Secunderabad was returned to the Nizam’s government towards the close of British rule, public perceptions of the twin city as being a parasitic appendage to Hyderabad has lingered. This is largely due to core cantonment areas being kept insulated from planning and development controls, especially those which safeguard the city’s built heritage. It is time that the Cantonment Board accepts established criteria for listing of heritage buildings and brings unique specimens of architectural and cultural value within the gambit of the HMDA protection programme. Only then will the people of Hyderabad consider that the prodigal twin has truly returned to the family fold.
(The writer is a well known heritage activist)
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad> Nizam /by Sajjad Shahid / January 12th, 2014
The year 2013 could well be the last page in the history of ‘united’ Andhra Pradesh as the state stands on the verge of a geographical separation.
If everything goes as per the government’s plan, Andhra Pradesh will get divided into two states – Telangana and (residual) Andhra Pradesh – early this year, bringing to an end the history of a state that remained united for 58 years.
(The year 2013 could well…)
Andhra Pradesh was the first state in the country to be created on a linguistic basis on November 1, 1956 by merging the erstwhile Andhra state and Hyderabad state.
In 1953, Andhra state was carved out of the then Madras Presidency with Kurnool as its capital.
Subsequently, the Telugu-speaking parts of the then Hyderabad state were amalgamated with Andhra state, giving birth to Andhra Pradesh in 1956.
The proposal for amalgamation of Hyderabad state with Andhra state came up in 1953 and the then Chief Minister of Hyderabad state, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, supported the Congress central leadership’s decision in this regard though there was opposition in the region that was known as Telangana.
Accepting the merger proposal, the Andhra state Assembly passed a resolution on November 25, 1955 promising to safeguard the interests of Telangana.
An agreement was reached between Telangana leaders and Andhra leaders on February 20, 1956 to merge Telangana and Andhra with promises to safeguard Telangana’s interests.
Another agreement was then signed by then chief ministers of the respective states, Bezawada Gopala Reddy and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, to the effect.
The city of Hyderabad, the then capital of Hyderabad state, was made the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
For 13 years after Andhra Pradesh came into being, everything ran smoothly.
In 1969, however, an agitation began in Telangana region as people protested the “failure” to implement the ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’ and other safeguards properly.
On January 19, 1969, an all-party accord was reached to ensure proper implementation of Telangana safeguards but that did not satisfy leaders of the region.
Marri Channa Reddy of the Congress launched the Telangana Praja Samiti espousing the cause of a separate state.
Meanwhile, the people’s agitation intensified and turned violent, leading to the death of over 350 people.
In 1972, the Jai Andhra movement started in Andhra- Rayalaseema regions as a counter to the Telangana struggle.
Stalwarts like Kakani Venkata Ratnam, Tenneti Viswanadham and Gouthu Lachchanna led the Jai Andhra struggle in which the likes of M Venkaiah Naidu took an active part.
On September 21, 1973, a political settlement was reached with the Government of India and a Six-Point Formula put in place to placate people of the two regions.
It was agreed upon by the leaders of the two regions to prevent recurrence of any such agitations in future.
To avoid legal problems, the Constitution was amended (32nd amendment) to give legal sanctity to the six-point formula.
Thereafter, peace prevailed across Andhra Pradesh and it progressed on the path of development.
Subsequently, till 1999, there was no demand from any quarters for division of the state on regional lines.
In 1999, the then Leader of Opposition Y S Rajasekhara Reddy of the Congress re-ignited the regional fire making his party MLAs from the region write a letter to the high command demanding creation of a separate state of Telangana.
Yet another chapter opened in the struggle for Telangana when Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao, who was seething over denial of Cabinet berth in the Chandrababu Naidu government, walked out of the Telugu Desam Party and launched the Telangana Rashtra Samiti on April 27, 2001.
Though KCR launched the Telangana statehood movement in 2001, it remained rather subdued till late 2009 when he tried to sit on an indefinite hunger strike for a separate state.
In October 2008, a rather decisive moment appeared to have come for Telangana when the TDP – one of the main political forces in AP – changed its stance and declared support for bifurcation of the state.
This was a political move that the TDP took to protect its citadel in Telangana as well as dethrone the Congress government.
The TRS was virtually decimated in the 2009 elections and that dealt a severe blow to the statehood movement.
But the sudden and tragic death of the then Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash in September 2009 gave a re-birth to the TRS and a new thrust to the Telangana struggle.
Following KCR’s agitation that began on November 29, and took a violent turn, the Centre budged and came out with an announcement on December 9, 2009 that it was “initiating” the process for formation of Telangana state”.
But due to a political turmoil caused by en masse resignation of legislators, cutting across party lines, from coastal Andhra-Rayalaseema regions, the Centre went back on its word and came out with another announcement on December 23, 2009 that it was putting the Telangana issue on hold.
Since then, the statehood movement gained momentum in Telangana forcing the ruling Congress to take a final call on July 30, 2013 to create a separate state.
Consequent to the Congress’ decision, the Union Cabinet too approved the proposal to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh and create a separate state of Telangana.
The ongoing protests in Seemaandhra against the bifurcation notwithstanding, the Centre appears determined to go ahead with its exercise and the requisite formalities have been set in motion.
Year 2014 could see the birth of India’s 29th state – Telangana – thereby ending the history of a united Andhra Pradesh.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> Politics and Nation> Andhra Pradesh / PTI / December 31st, 2013
Gandhi Memorial Stupa atop Gandhi Hill in Vijayawada. / Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu
Tourism authorities equipped with funds to upgrade local properties
After a prolonged lull in activity, the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is finally all set to switch to action mode in Vijayawada region.
Most part of the year that just passed by was about ‘all-promises-no-implementation’. But the tourism authorities are now equipped with funds to upgrade, augment and enhance local properties awaiting their attention.
The Tourism Corporation has its hands full with works related to development of scenic spots like the Gandhi Hill, the picturesque Bhavani Island on River Krishna and the historic Kondapalli Fort near Vijayawada.
Gandhi Hill
Gandhi Hill, the first Gandhi memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed on this hill at a height of 500 ft. The project was unveiled by the then President of India Zakir Hussain on October 6 in 1968. Regardless of its great significance that reflects in the Gandhi Memorial library and a sound and light show on Mahatma Gandhi’s life the place has, besides a planetarium and a toy train, the structure is reduced to a monument of neglect over the years.
To reclaim its glory, the APTDC plans to spend funds to the tune of Rs. 3 crore. The works it proposes to take up include modernisation of the toy train which is currently in a dilapidated state, re-laying of the road that goes up the hill, renovation of the library and the museum and add new features besides illuminating the place.
“We will soon call tenders for taking up works worth Rs. 75 lakhs at Kondapalli Fort. The walls that have collapsed will be reconstructed and other demolished structured will be restored,” says Babu Prakash, Executive Engineer of the engineering wing of APTDC. The fort is located on the west of the Kondapalli village and was built by Prolaya Vema Reddy of Kondaveedu in the 14 century. What was initially a pleasure place and a business centre later served as a military fortification and the British placed a strong garrison here.
At Bhavani Island, the long-pending amphitheatre works have been completed at a cost of Rs. 56 lakh while the jetty is being repaired at a cost of Rs. 14 lakh.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – January 12th, 2014
A motorbike rally was organized at the Nehru Yuva Kendram here, on Friday, to mark the concluding centenary celebrations of the former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy.
The bike rally was to remember the services of the first Chief Minister, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, who made sincere efforts to improve irrigation facilities from Tungabhadra reservoir during his tenure.
He was the initiator of High Level Main Canal from Tungabhadra reservoir.
As part of the concluding function of the centenary celebrations of the former President, who was native of Illur village, in Anantapur district, the district authorities have organized the motorbike rally towards the Tungabhadra reservoir, about 150 kms away from here and back.
Also, President Pranab Mikherjee would visit the mahasamadhi, of Sri Satya Saibaba at Prasanthinilyam, during his visit to the district. Initially, the President was not scheduled to visit the mahasamadhi and was to return on a special aircraft to Prasanthinilayam airport.
The official sources said, President Pranab Mukherjee would attend the concluding function of the centenary celebrations of former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy.
Additional forces are being posted at Puttaparthi and Anantapur on the occasion of the President’s visit. The President would arrive at around 12.30 pm on December 23, at Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy stadium.
Later the Governor, ESL Narasimhan, would release the book on Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and present the first copy to the President.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / December 21st, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee will proceed to the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bolarum, Secunderabad for the customary winter sojourn from December 19 to 31.
From Secunderabad, Mukherjee will visit Tamil Nadu and Kerala on December 20.
In Tamil Nadu, he will inaugurate the 28th Indian Engineering Congress and the School of Commerce and Economics of Loyola College at Chennai.
In Kerala, he will unveil a statue of late K. Karunakaran, former chief minister of Kerala, at Thiruvananthapuram and inaugurate the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Ayyan Kali at Kochi on the same day.
On December 23, Mukherjee will attend the concluding function of centenary celebrations of Dr. Neelam Sanjeev Reddy, former President of India at Ananthapuram, Andhra Pradesh .
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-ANI> National / by ANI / New Delhi – December 18th, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee will be the chief guest at the concluding session of the birth centenary celebrations of former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy at Anantapur on December 23.
Karnataka Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah, AP Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Governor E.L. Narasimhan are also scheduled to take part in the concluding session at the Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy stadium.
Former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy who was born at the Illur village of Pamidi mandal in Anantapur district spent most of his life in Anantapur. The government had initiated centenary celebrations at Hyderabad and the concluding session is scheduled to be held in Anantapur to recall the services of the former president to the state.
Revenue minister N. Raghuveera Reddy took the initiative to celebrate the birth anniversary of former President Sanjeeva Reddy. The district authorities were directed to conduct an essay writing and elocution competition at all schools and colleges.
President Pranab Mukherjee would give away prizes to three students at the public meeting on December 23. Education institutions were asked to complete the process by December 17 in all parts of the district.
Besides this, seminars would be conducted at the Sri Krishnadevaraya University, JNTUA University and Satyasai deemed universities on December 14 and 15 about the contributions of Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy.
Revenue Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy said that a bike rally would be organised from the Tungabhadra Reservoir in Hospet in Karnataka to Anantapur on December 18 to recall Sanjiva Reddy’s services to the region.
Collector D.S. Lokesh Kumar said a rural sports meet would be held on December 21 at the district headquarters. He said elaborate arrangements were being made for the occasion at the Sanjeeva Reddy stadium. President Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to arrive at Anantapur at around 11 am on December 23 accompanied by the Governor, and the Chief Ministers of AP and Karnataka.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Politics / DC / December 14th, 2013
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Chopra along with Commanding Officer INS Circars Commodore Saleem M. Anwer cutting a cake to celebrate the 74th anniversary of ENC Depot Ship INS Circars in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
The premier depot ship of the Eastern Naval Command, Indian Naval Ship Circars, celebrated its 74th Anniversary here on Thursday.
Initially established as a small base by the Royal Indian Navy in December 1939 shortly after the outbreak of World War II, the role of Circars changed over the years from coordinating naval operations, functioning as a repair organisation and being an establishment for Boys training, to its present status of being the premier depot ship of the ENC.
Festive look
The establishment currently provides administrative and logistics support to as many as 44 naval units in and around Visakhapatnam, catering to an approximate strength of over 3,500 personnel. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Anil Chopra was the chief guest for the celebrations marked to commemorate the occasion. The naval base wore a festive look, and saw active participation by personnel and families of INS Circars and allied units. A large number of serving and retired officers participated in the celebrations. The traditional cake cutting ceremony was followed by release of in-house Hindi magazine Circars Vaani. Speaking on the occasion, Commanding Officer, INS Circars Commodore Saleem M Anwer said that the depot ship was fully prepared to meet all challenges in its assigned role of supporting the ENC.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – December 13th, 2013
With the state bifurcation issue prompting a demand for constitutional amendment, civil servant, diplomat and statesman Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, who made the first draft of the Indian Constitution, was commemorated by the city lawyers on his 60th death anniversary (November 30). Besides being the Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir princely state in British India, Rau was also a permanent judge of UN International Court of Justice.
The lawyers spoke about the constitutional functionalist who worked in the erstwhile Madras presidency, of which Vizag was a part, and was the key person behind drafting India’s Constitution besides BR Ambedkar and others.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Forum of Legal Professionals (FLP) to mark the 60 death anniversary of the chief adviser to the Constituent Assembly, Prof Y Satyanarayana, director, Gitam Law University, said, “The Constitution of India is a unique document because of the craftsmanship of B N Rau and the vision of B R Ambedkar in securing social justice.”
“The services of B N Rau in drafting the Indian constitution and his sense of erudition were appreciated by India’s first president Babu Rajendra Prasad. Dr Ambedkar had also given the credit of drafting the constitution to B N Rau,” he added.
Speaking on the need for constitutional reforms, Dr Y Satyanarayana said that the process of bifurcation is still in its infancy and nothing much has been done and any unlawful action on the part of the central government would be struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional and illegal.
Presiding over the function, senior advocate and president of FLP Kuppili Muralidhar said, public audit and accountability is a must to ensure transparency in the political system. “The office of comptroller and auditor general must have fixed tenure of five years and age of retirement must be 65 years and states must also have auditor general on the lines of CAG,” he said.
Principal senior civil judge and secretary, district legal service authority, T Venugopal Rao stressed the need for creating legal awareness and said that regular laws, which are useful in day-to-day life must be assimilated by everyone. “The Constitution of India has unique features and credit for preparing such a great piece of document that has stood the test of time goes to the makers of Constitution like Sir B N Rau who as adviser to Constituent Assembly gave sound suggestions to make the Constitution a living document. Free legal aid to the poor under article 39A under, which the legal services authority is provided, freedom of speech and expression is enshrined under the Constitution is the result of efforts of the founding fathers of the our Constitution,” said Venugopal Rao.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam> Death Anniversary / TNN / December 01st, 2013
