Surya Papanna (1650–1709) is remembered as the first Bahujan rebel leader of Telangana, often hailed as the “Robin Hood of Telangana.” Born on 18 August 1650 in Dhilmapalli village (present-day Jagtial district), Papanna rose against feudal oppression and Mughal exploitation.
Inspired by his mother Narsamma, Papanna built a strong army of around 1,200 soldiers from marginalized communities, including Dalits, Muslims, Mangali Mansurs, and other oppressed groups. With popular support, he constructed a fort at Dhilmapalli and later captured Vemulawada, Pakala, Sarangapalli, Kollapur, and Golconda Fort.
Declaring himself king, Papanna established self-rule, promoting equality and granting rights to all sections of society. His resistance against jagirdars and the Mughal army made him a symbol of social justice and people’s empowerment.
Papanna fought bravely against Mughal invasions but was eventually martyred around 1709, leading to the fall of his last stronghold, Pakala Fort.
Today, Surya Papanna is honored by the Government of Telangana, which observes his birth anniversary on 18 August and death anniversary on 25 April. Statues and commemorations, including his 375th birth anniversary celebrations, continue to inspire the legacy of Telangana’s first Bahujan hero.
