Sammakka Sarakka 

• PM recently announced the setting up of a Central Tribal University in Mulugu district of Telangana.
• The varsity will be named after revered tribal Goddesses ‘Sammakka and Sarakka’
• It will cost Rs 900 crore.

ABOUT STORY OF SAMMAKKA AND SARAKKA

• Legend has it that Sammakka had miraculous powers. One story that is much told about is that during the 13^th century, a troop from the Koya tribal community was returning from a trip when they saw a little girl playing with tigers. Amazed at her bravery, the head of the troop adopted her and named her Sammakka.
• Sammakka later married the headman of a neighbouring tribal group and had a daughter, Sarakka.
• Both mother and daughter opposed the Kakatiya kings who forced the tribes to pay taxes.
• They fought bravely and reportedly lost their lives.
• The Koya community constructed a temple as a token of gratitude and since then the event of Sammakka Sarakka Jatara or Medaram Jatara is held biennially.
  • The Jatara is the State Festival of Telangana.
• Medaram Jatara is the second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela, celebrated by the second-largest Tribal Community of Telangana- the Koya tribe for four days.
• The Jatra begins at Medaram in Tadvai Mandal in Warangal district.