Telangana, state (2011 pop. 35,286,757), 44,340 sq mi (114,840 sq km), S central India. Created in 2014 from NW Andhra Pradesh, it is bordered by Maharashtra (N), Chhattisgarh and Odisha (NE), Andhra Pradesh (SE and S), and Karnataka (W). The capital is Hyderabad, which is also the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Located on the Deccan Plateau, the state is drained by the Krishna and Godavari rivers. The area is semiarid, with a hot and dry climate that supports limited agriculture, including fruits and flowers. There are extensive coal deposits, as well as limestone, bauxite, and mica. Hyderabad is a center of information technology and pharmaceutical companies. The population is predominantly Hindu and Telugu-speaking. The creation of the new state, which some residents had long advocated, was first discussed by the Indian government in 2009. Bitter conflict within Andhra Pradesh, arising in part because Hyderabad was the state capital and would become part of Telangana, led to the matter being put on hold until 2013. A new capital for Andhra Pradesh is to be established by 2024; until then, both states will use Hyderabad their capital. Telangana is governed by a chief minister and cabinet responsible to a bicameral legislature with one popularly elected house and by a governor appointed by the president of India.
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