Difference between Andhra and Telangana
Andhra and Telangana are two major regions of Andhra Pradesh, the fifth largest Indian state by population. Telangana lies in the northern region whereas Andhra is along the coast. The coastline (972 km) is second longest among all Indian states. Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, lies in the Telangana region. Apart from Hyderabad this region has 9 more districts. The merging of these two regions into a single state was never supported by the inhabitants of Telangana region.
History
After Indian independence, theNizam wanted Hyderabad to remain independent. It was later captured by the Indian army in 1948 and divided in 22 parts. Nine of these districts were in the Telangana region and the rest in the Madras Presidency (Andhra). Unification of these districts into a single state known as Andhra Pradesh was achieved in 1956 by an agreement called the “Gentlemen’s Agreement”. This agreement wasn’t a complete success and the people of the Telangana region showed their discontent with it.
Geography
Andhra Pradesh is India’s fourth largest state by area. It is situated in the Deccan plateau on the south eastern coast. Four main rivers flow through the state viz. Krishna, Godavari, Tungabhadra and Pena. River Krishna roughly divides Andhra Pradesh into two regions – Telangana, the northern area and Rayalaseema, in the southern part. A third major region is along the coast called Andhra. Among these three regions Telangana has largest area. Kotthagoodem in the Telangana is rich in coal. Guntur in Andhra region is one of the major commercial centres and is rich in cotton and chili.
Separate State Issue
After independence, the Hyderabad state and the Madras Presidency were combined together to form the state of Andhra Pradesh. In 1956, an agreement was made and Telangana was joined with Andhra and Rayalaseema. However, people of Telangana showed their discontent, which culminated in a separate state movement in 1969. In 1990 BJP promised to recognise Telangana as a separate state if it came to power but couldn't keep it due to opposition from an ally, the Telugu Desam Party. According to Telangana people, they faced injustices in budget allocations and jobs as the state’s maximum revenue comes from this region. It is to be noted that 9 Telangana districts were declared backward by the Central Government.
Summary
Andhra
- Lies along the eastern coast (2nd largest coastline)
- The region came under Madras Presidency before independence.
- Guntur in Andhra region is one of the major commercial centres and is rich in cotton and chilly.
- Vishakhapatnam and Kakinada are the major ports in Andhra region.
Telangana
- Region came under Hyderabad state before independence.
- Forms the northern part of current Andhra Pradesh.
- Among these three major regions in AP Telangana has largest area.
- Four main rivers are Krishna, Godavari, Tungabhadra, and Pena.
- Was combined with Andhra region to form Andhra Pradesh.
- People of Telangana region showed their discontent against the agreement.
- Kotthagoodem in Telangana is rich in coal.
- According to Telangana people they face injustice in budget allocation and jobs as state’s maximum revenue comes from this part.
