HYDERABAD: Historian Vakulabharanam Ramakrishna gives an insight into the book that is being presented as the “comprehensive, authentic and objective” Telugu history.
Excerpts
Is there any particular reason behind the keeping this edition the extensive of all?
This is certainly the biggest one in terms of the number of pages of all the eight volumes planned as it is comprehensive, authentic and objective. It is certain to serve as a companion to the general reader as well as the subject-oriented enthusiast. There are 65 chapters, segregated under different heads-administration, political, economic, cultural, etc. The focus in each chapter is on an important issue or development of public interest. The size of the volume has, however, grown far beyond expectations for two main reasons: one, obsessive concern to make the record of events comprehensive, and two, efforts to cover developments in two regions which were under the political control of two different powers – the British in the Telugu districts of the erstwhile Madras presidency and the Nizam of Hyderabad in the Telangana districts.
Tell us more about it?
This volume carries history of nearly 100 years from the mid of the 19th century to the mid 20th century. It focuses on the significant achievements of people as well as the welfare measures of the authorities. Expertise from experienced people is seen throughout the book. This volume is a collective labour of several academicians and activists. Majority of the contributors are well known academicians, with rich experience. This book focuses on the content, relevance and clarity.
The book seems to have people’s movement as the canvas.
Public activism had surfaced in both the regions, though at different times and under different leadership. People’s struggles did meet with success in the end. Consequently, colonial dispensation in British Andhra and Nizam’s rule in the Telangana region came to an end, clearing the way for the inauguration of democratic system of governance in the regions. It talks about how political independence dawned and old thinking underwent changes in matters relating to social and religious practices.
The book also touches upon Telugu literature?
Yes. The volume also throws light on the Telugu literary trends, performing arts, Telugu and Urdu journals, etc.
Tell us more about your team.
There is no doubt that it is the committed academic interest of the authors that prompted them to associate with the work and not the paltry sum of remuneration offered. This deserves special appreciation. The general editor monitored the progress of work, carrying on his shoulders the related burden himself till the end. The present volume is sure to help in understanding the aspirations and actions of the Telugu speaking people during the crucial years of 1858-1956.
Insights from the book
“Annie Besant recognised that awakening of India’s national life should be based on religion and spirituality. According to her, absence of any one of the principles of education-viz-religious, mental, moral and physical would result in imperfect and unscientific system of education.”
- Theosophical Movement
“Gandhi toured Andhra districts extensively in 1929 covering 319 villages and wherever he went he got an overwhelming response from people for his khaddar fund.”
-Natinal Politics in Andhra
“Madapati Hanumantha Rao introduced the system of Andhra Womens’ Conference through, Andhra mahila Sabha -the first one was held in Jogipet in 1930 under Dr Chandramati Devi’s guidance. Issues like evils of child marriages, conditions of widows and prostitutes and need to reform them was discussed.”
- Role of Women in National Movement
The book delves details of evolution of Telugu Cinema and theatre, tribes in both the states, medicine and health services, Christian Missionary activities, peasant and communist movements as well.