Hyderabad :
Amidst reverberating beats of traditional ‘Nagara’ and ‘Kommu Buralu’, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unfurled the national flag from the 800-year-old Golconda fort here on Friday. With this, the first government of the youngest state in the country has created a new identity revisiting its old identity, by putting the spotlight back on the fort which stands as an icon of the true Deccani culture. Aptly, the Chief Minister started his speech eulogizing the fort and its historical, architectural, cultural, and literary significance hailing the same as a symbol of grandeur and prosperity.
With artistes dressed up in the attire of Rajabhadalu, with a few blowing horns and others beating the drums, an artificial courtyard atmosphere was created for welcoming the CM. Artistes performed cultural artforms like Perini Sivatandavam, Chindhu Yakshaganam, Kommukoya nrithyam, Gussadi nrithyam, Banjara nrithyam, Dappu nrithyam, Oggudolla Vinyasam, Mandha Hechhula Katha, Mujra dance, Noubath, Qawwali, Sheri Baaja etc reminding all of the rich Deccani culture.
Drawing comparisons between Indian freedom struggle and Telangana’s struggle for a separate state, while paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters of Independence movement, the CM said it was Gandhi’s preachings of peace and non-violence that lead to the state formation.
Rao, who insisted on shifting the celebrations to Golconda fort, departing from the six-decade long tradition of hoisting the national flag at Parade grounds, said the people of Telangana are filled with joy to celebrate the first independence day in the Golconda Fort that stands as a testimony to the glorious history of Telangana.
Taking the 5000 odd guests and general public gathered back to history, he said the fort has been built in the heydays of Kakatiyas, who ruled the vast swathes of land in Southern India. Praising the advancement of architectural technologies and terming them pioneer in present day technological advancements of Hyderabad, he said, “This fort stands tall for its sophisticated sound technology and ingenious Vaasthu Shastra: If one claps at Fateh Darwaza the echo of this sound can be experienced at Bala Hisar. Lord Srirama and Laxman manifested themselves to the Lord Tanishah at this very fort. The well-known songs of Bhaktha Ramadas too were sung at this very fort.”
Adding more, he said, the customary annual event of carrying sacred Talambralu to Badradiramaiah too was started by these Golconda rulers. The famous ministers Akkana and Madanna in the court of Tanashah showed their political acumen from this very fort. Ponneganti Telaganaaryudu, who penned the first Telugu poem “Yayaathi Charitra”, is a court-poet of this very Golconda dynasty.
“Addhanki Gangadhara Kavi dedicated his widely known work- Tapathi Samvaranopaakhyaanam- to Malik Ibrahim qutub Shah at this very fort. Qutub Shah was honored and given the title of “Malkibaramudu” at this very fort,” he said.
Besides, the Golconda Fort housed world renowned Kohinoor, Darya-i-Nur, Dohop and other diamonds. “Due to its repute for diamonds, many merchants from Rome, England and Turkey had come here to continue their business here. Thus today’s Karwan, a suburb in the city, has come into being,” said the CM.
He went on to say that the idea to build a world class city Hyderabad was conceived at this Golconda Fort. The Bonalu festival was started from Golconda Fort.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 16th, 2014