The Formation and Capital Shift of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

On 2 June 2014, a significant change occurred in the political landscape of India, when the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh, known as Telangana, was separated to form a new state. This transformation was a result of a long-standing political movement that aimed to rectify linguistic, cultural, and developmental disparities between the predominantly Telugu-speaking regions of the state. As per the 2011 census, Andhra Pradesh was the 12th most populous state in India, with a diverse cultural and historical heritage.

The Historical Context

The decision to form Telangana was driven by a movement that began in the 1960s under the banner of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). The movement sought greater self-governance and resources for the predominantly Telugu-speaking region of Andhra Pradesh, which was culturally and economically distinct from the coastal regions. The Telangana region was earlier part of Hyderabad state, which was formed after the intervention of the British Raj and the eventual dissolution of the Nizam's rule in 1948.

State Reorganization and the Formation of Telangana

The 1956 States Reorganization Act led to significant changes in the administrative structure of Indian states. Following this act, the larger Hyderabad state was divided into three parts: Telangana (which includes the current Telangana and the northern part of Andhra Pradesh), the present Andhra Pradesh excluding Telangana, and some areas that were ceded to Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Following years of political agitation, in 2014, the decision to create Telangana was announced. The newly formed state of Telangana included the predominantly Telugu-speaking regions of Hyderabad and(TEST HERE1), effectively carving out a new entity from Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad, the former capital of both states, served as the capital of the new Telangana state until 2015.

Capital of Telangana

The capital of Telangana was officially declared as Hyderabad on 2 June 2014, amidst much pomp and ceremony. However, the question of a capital sparked controversy, as other parts of the new state were initially opposed to the continued use of Hyderabad. As a compromise, Amaravati, a small town in Andhra Pradesh, was later declared as the full-fledged capital of Andhra Pradesh and also to be the de facto capital of Telangana, pending the development and completion of a new capital city specifically for Telangana.

The journey to the permanent capital stands as a testament to the changing dynamics of Indian statehood. As of 31 July 2020, Amaravati was formally announced as the capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, officially replacing Hyderabad as the primary administrative center. This transition marked a new era in the political geography of southern India, reflecting the evolving needs and aspirations of the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

The formation of Telangana and the shift of capital from Hyderabad underscore the complex interplay of political, social, and developmental factors in India. This historical event highlights the ongoing efforts towards a more balanced and equitable distribution of resources and representation in the diverse landscape of the Indian subcontinent.