Vimana Venkateswara Swamy is a small idol of Lord Venkateswara enshrined on the northeastern side of the Ananda Nilaya Vimanam - the golden tower above the sanctum of the Tirumala temple. It is visible to devotees as they circumambulate the inner prakaram. A thread This icon is consecrated, revered, and worshipped. Its prominence dates back to the 15th–16th centuries during the reign of the Vijayanagara emperors, especially Saluva Narasimha Raya and Krishnadevaraya, who made generous donations to the temple.

Pandavula Guttalu, a geological site in Telangana’s Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, is the state’s only Geo-Heritage Site, recognized in 2024 by the Geological Survey of India. It is older than the Himalayas. A thread 🧵 #PandavulaGuttalu #Telangana Located near Kothapally village, Regonda mandal (~55 km from Warangal), the site has naturally formed caves with caverns, tunnels, and Paleolithic rock art. It was first documented in 1990 by ASI officials K. Ramkrishna Rao, and S.S. Rangacharyulu.

Kumki Elephants – Guardians of South India’s Forests and Fields. A thread 🧵 What are Kumki elephants?

Kumki elephants are trained captive Asian elephants used to manage human-elephant conflicts in India. They drive wild herds away, aiding rescues, and even calming newly captured elephants. The name "Kumki" comes from Persian "kumak," meaning “aid.”

Did you know Secunderabad was previously known as Lashkar, meaning ‘army camp’? Established as a tented accommodation for the British Army, it was renamed Secunderabad in 1806, after the 3rd Nizam Sikandar Jah. Here's An etymology thread on some of the localities of #Secunderabad 1. Patny: Named after the Patny Car Showroom, set up in the late 1920s by M. R. Patny—an automobile engineer, businessman, and founder-director of SBH. The showroom became a prominent landmark, lending its name to the area.

Exactly 116 years ago, the city of Hyderabad faced one of its worst disasters—the Great Musi Flood of 1908, claiming over 15,000 lives. Here’s a thread on this devastating event. The Musi River, originating from the Ananthagiri Hills, was a vital water source for Hyderabad. In September 1908, a cloudburst caused the river to overflow, triggering unprecedented flooding across the city.

Did you know the word 'vote' comes from the Latin 'votum,' meaning 'a vow' or 'a wish'? In ancient Rome, it was a pledge to a god for a desired outcome. So, when you vote, you express your wish.

Here’s an etymology thread on some of the election-related words! #GeneralElections Democracy: meaning “rule by the people,” the term comes from Greek words "demos," meaning "the people," and "kratos," meaning "power" or "rule." It originated in ancient Greece where all eligible citizens had a say in the decisions of the state.

Presenting my second etymology thread on various localities of Hyderabad. Thread #2

26. Gachibowli: After a 200-year-old limestone plastered well, gachi-baoli. Located on the then Bombay-Golconda trade route, this used to be a vital water resource for drinking and irrigation.

27. Durgam Cheruvu: Literally 'inaccessible lake' in local language. It's also known as 'Secret Lake' because it was hidden amid the boulders of Madhapur and Jubilee Hills for a long time till the area became a thriving IT hub.

Hyderabad is a city with rich history and culture. Here’s a thread on the etymology of some of Hyderabad's most popular localities:

1. Abids: Named after Albert Abid, a Jewish merchant who settled in the state of Hyderabad in the 19th century. 2. Banjara Hills: After Banjaras, its original inhabitants. The word Banjara is derived from Sanskrit “van-chara,” meaning “forest wanderers.” The community is also known as Lambadi/Lambani/Lamani as they were lavani "salt" traders.

Did you know #Bonalu derives its name from the local word ‘bhojanalu’ meaning ‘meal, or feast’?

Join me in exploring the mystical charms and significance of this State festival of Telangana showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Bonalu is celebrated in the month of Ashada, which usually falls in June-July-August. The festival is considered a form of thanksgiving to Goddess Mahakali. Apart from Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the entire state comes alive with celebrations that are a visual delight.

25 localities in and around Chennai, and what are they named after – an etymology thread.

1. Triplecane: Anglicized version of Thiru-Alli-Keni (Thiruvallikeni), meaning a ‘sacred lily (alli) pond” – a reference to the Parthasarathy Temple Tank in the neighborhood. 2. Anna Nagar: After C N Annadurai, who was fondly called Anna (meaning ‘elder brother’) by Tamilians. An acclaimed writer, a great orator and a former CM of Tamil Nadu, he was one of the most charismatic leaders of modern India.

Karmanghat in Hyderabad is well-known for a Hanuman Temple dating back to the 12th century. Did you know the name Karmanghat literally means ‘harden your heart?’ Here’s an interesting story behind it. 1/7 According to a legend, a Kakatiya ruler on a hunting trip felt tired and sat down to take rest under a tree. While resting, he heard a mysterious voice chanting the name of Lord Rama. 2/7

10 mango varieties worth trying this summer – an etymology thread:

1. Banganapalli: From Banaganapalli in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. This variety in very popular in Telangana as well. It's also known as Banginapalli, Banaganapalle, Beneshan, Safeda. 2. Alphonso: Named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a 15th century Portuguese general and viceroy. While establishing Portuguese colonies in India, he introduced new varieties of fruits and vegetables. This variety is also known as Hapus.

11 Iconic foods of #Hyderabad, and what they mean. An etymology thread.

1. Biryani: Derives from Persian BIRIAN, meaning “fried before cooking.” So named because the rice is fried in ghee before being cooked with water, spices and ingredients to prevent it from clumping. 2. Haleem: Literally means “patience” in Persian as the slow-cooking process lasting for hours takes immense effort and patience.

District names of #Telangana. An etymology thread

1. Adilabad: Named after Ali Adil Shah I, the fifth sultan of Bijapur, who ruled from 1558-1579. 2. Bhadradri Kothagudem: from Bhadragiri, meaning “the mountain abode of Bhadra” – the child of Meru and Menaka. #TelanganaDistricts