Sammakka-Sarakka University: A Tribute to Tribal Legends

Central Idea

• The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to set up a central Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University in Telangana.
• The establishment of this University was a commitment made by the Central government under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, of 2014.
• Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were promised support to establish a tribal university each.

Legend of Sammakka and Sarakka

• Sammakka-Sarakka: The university is named after Sammakka-Sarakka, a revered mother-daughter duo among the local tribal community.
• Historical Significance: Sammakka was married to Pagididda Raju, a feudal chief of the Kakatiyas dynasty, and had two daughters, Sarakka and Nagulamma, along with a son named Jampanna. The legend revolves around their battle against local rulers in protest against taxing the Koya people.
• Sammakka Saralamma Jatara: This biennial festival, held in Mulugu, commemorates the 13th-century battle of the mother-daughter duo. It is considered one of the world’s largest tribal gatherings.
• Evolution of the Festival: Initially, only around 2,000 people, primarily from the Koya tribe, attended the festival. However, over time, it transformed into a large Hindu religious event, with millions of devotees attending.
• Political and Social Impact: The festival gained immense political and social significance, leading to its declaration as a state festival in 1996. Infrastructure development, including a motorable road, further boosted its popularity.

Significance of Sammakka and Sarakka

• Massive Footfall: The festival attracts around 1.5 crore devotees from various tribal and non-tribal communities, including those from multiple states such as Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs Participation: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Telangana state government actively participate in the festival, with significant financial support.
• Infrastructure Development: Funds have been allocated for community shelters and infrastructure in and around Medaram, the festival’s location.
• Tribal Circuit Development: The Ministry of Tourism sanctioned funds for the integrated development of the tribal circuit, including the temple of Sammakka-Sarakka.

Significance of Mulugu

• Population and Demographics: Mulugu, a reserved Scheduled Tribes (ST) assembly seat, has a population of approximately 2.6 lakhs, with a 75% ST population as per the 2011 Census.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple, located about 15 km from Mulugu, adds to the area’s cultural richness.