Telangana's Congress government is enmeshed in controversy as they're accused of meddling with the state's heritage.
On June 2, the foundation day of Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was ready to unveil a new state song and emblem. The new song 'Jai Jai Hey Telangana' has been approved, but the emblem is still under discussion.
Opposition parties BRS and AIMIM have alleged that the government plans to remove Charminar and the Kakatiya Thoranam from the emblem. This allegation has halted any potential decision-making. CM Revanth Reddy retorts that a legislative assembly decision will settle this to avoid any misconceptions.
Just a day prior, BRS executive president K.T. Rama Rao demanded that Charminar and Kakatiya Thoranam remain on the state symbol. AIMIM also insisted these stay, symbolizing the state's rich heritage.
While no decision has been made on the emblem, fear lurks that removing Charminar and the Kakatiya arch might erase Telangana's identity.
Why are Charminar and the Kakatiya Thoranam important?
- Kakatiya Kala Thoranam:
Known also as the Warangal Gate, this stone archway, built by the Kakatiya dynasty's Ganapati Deva, was part of the Swayambhu Shiva temple within the Warangal Fort, representing the dynasty's art and heritage.
- Charminar:
In 1591, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, commissioned the Charminar, which is believed to commemorate the end of a plague that devastated the city, with each of its 48.7-meter-tall pillars symbolizing one of the four caliphs.
Source: aajtak
How did these landmarks become part of the emblem?
Post-separation from Andhra Pradesh in 2014, Telangana created its own emblem. Designed by artist Laxman Aelay, it featured two historic symbols: Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and Charminar.
Will both heritages be ousted?
With Congress in power and Revanth Reddy as the CM since last December, the government has been exploring restoration actions for Telangana. CM Reddy reveals that they've received over 500 proposals for the new emblem from various artists, but no final decision has yet been cemented. The final say, he insists, will come from the legislative assembly.
