<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>The period between 1971 and 1990 marked a significant phase in the assertion of Telangana identity and its resistance against the dominant culture prevalent in Andhra Pradesh. The state's socio-political landscape was characterized by the dominance of Andhra culture, which had implications for Telangana's self-respect, dialect, language, and overall cultural expression.
Dominant Culture and Telangana Self-Respect
The dominant culture, primarily associated with the Andhra region, often marginalized the distinct cultural identity of Telangana. This marginalization was evident in various spheres, including:
Political Representation: The political arena was dominated by leaders from the Andhra region, who often overlooked the concerns and aspirations of the Telangana people. This lack of representation led to a feeling of powerlessness and undermined the self-respect of the Telangana people.
Bureaucratic Setup: The administrative machinery was also largely dominated by officials from the Andhra region, who were often insensitive to the cultural nuances and needs of Telangana. This further fueled resentment and a sense of being treated as second-class citizens.
Media Representation: The mainstream media, largely controlled by Andhra interests, often depicted Telangana in a negative Light, reinforcing stereotypes and undermining the region's self-image. This skewed representation further eroded the self-respect of the Telangana people.
Dialect and Language
The dominance of the Andhra dialect in official Communication, Education, and media marginalized the distinct Telangana dialect. This linguistic dominance had several implications:
Cultural Alienation: The imposition of the Andhra dialect in schools and official communication alienated the Telangana people from their own linguistic heritage. This led to a sense of cultural loss and a feeling of being forced to conform to an alien linguistic identity.
Educational Disadvantage: Students from Telangana, who were more familiar with their own dialect, often faced difficulties in adapting to the Andhra dialect used in textbooks and classrooms. This put them at a disadvantage in the education system.
Limited Expression: The dominance of the Andhra dialect limited the scope for creative expression in the Telangana dialect. This stifled the development of Telangana literature and other Art Forms that relied on the local language.
Cultural Suppression
The dominant culture also suppressed the unique cultural practices and traditions of Telangana. This suppression manifested in various ways:
Festivals and Celebrations: The traditional festivals and celebrations of Telangana were often overshadowed by the dominant Andhra festivals. This led to a decline in the popularity and significance of Telangana's cultural events.
Art and Literature: The art and literature of Telangana, which reflected the region's unique history and cultural ethos, were often neglected and undervalued. This discouraged local artists and writers and hampered the development of a distinct Telangana cultural identity.
Historical Narratives: The historical narratives of Telangana were often distorted or sidelined in the dominant cultural discourse. This erased the rich history and heritage of the region and denied the Telangana people a sense of historical pride and belonging.
Resistance and Assertion
Despite the dominance of the Andhra culture, the Telangana people resisted the suppression of their identity and asserted their cultural distinctiveness. This resistance took various forms:
Cultural Revival: There was a conscious effort to revive and promote the unique cultural traditions, festivals, and Art forms of Telangana. This cultural revival served as a powerful tool for asserting the region's distinct identity.
Literary Movement: A vibrant literary movement emerged in Telangana, with poets, writers, and intellectuals using their creative expression to highlight the social and cultural issues of the region. This literary movement played a crucial role in shaping the Telangana identity and fueling the demand for a separate state.
Political Mobilization: Political Parties and organizations representing the interests of Telangana emerged and gained strength during this period. They mobilized the masses on the issue of Telangana identity and demanded greater autonomy and political representation for the region.
The period between 1971 and 1990 was a crucial phase in the assertion of Telangana identity and its resistance against the dominant culture. The suppression of Telangana's self-respect, dialect, language, and culture fueled a strong sense of resentment and alienation among the people of the region. This, in turn, led to various forms of resistance and assertion, culminating in the demand for a separate Telangana state, which was finally achieved in 2014.