I. THIRUMALI The Political Pragmatism of the Communists in Telangana, 1938-48 The Communist organisations were formed among the educated elite of the rural rich in Telangana and the urban middle class of Hyderabad city. They transformed the landlords' Andhra Mahasabha into a people's organisation with pragmatism, ideological commitment and a sense of sacrifice. Though the people of Telangana had risen in revolt with their self-perceptions and aspirations, a well-articulated political perspective developed only through their association with the communists. The communists formulated the demands of the people, transformed the class issues into political issues in an attempt to bring about unity among the anti-feudal classes to overthrow the landlord/Nizam regime. Through the establishment of village sangams (branches of Andhra Mahasabha) conducting political meetings and cultural shows, a larger number of village militants from service castes, artisans and peasants were recruited into the party and were prepared for longer battles. This paper explores the formation of communist groups along with a critical analysis of their role in conducting the peoples' struggle in Telangana. Formation of Communist Groups The earliest communist and radical groups came into existence in Ma^hira-Khammam area of Warangal district; they then spread to other districts in an organised manner. The asamulu (better-off peasants) of this area, particularly those of Wyra and Paleru irrigation projects and who had relatives in the coastal Andhra districts, came under the influence of the communist movement. During the late 1930s when the communists were gaining the upper hand in the Andhra region they came into contact with them.1 The first communist connection was perhaps established between Veerlapadu village of Nandigama Taluq, Krishna district (Andhra) and Allinagaram Department of History, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi. Social Scientist, Vol. 24, Nos. 4-6, April-June 1996