Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

ANDHRA PRADESH

AREA: 2, 75,069 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 76,210,007
CAPITAL: HYDERABAD
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: TELUGU AND URDU

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

The earliest mention of the Andhra is said to be in Aitereya Brahmana (2000 B.C.). It indicates that the Andhras, originally an Aryan race living in north India migrated to south of the Vindhyas and later mixed with non-Aryans. Regular history of Andhra Desa, according to historians, begins with 236 B.C., the year of Ashoka’s death. During the following centuries, Satavahanas, Sakas, Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas ruled the Telugu country. Other dynasties that ruled over the area in succession were the kingdoms of Vijayanagar and Qutub Shahi followed by Mir Qumruddin and his successors, known as the Nizams. Gradually, from the 17th century onwards, the British annexed territories of the Nizam and constituted the single province of Madras.

After Independence, Telugu-speaking areas were separated from the composite Madras Presidency and a new Andhra State came into being on 1 October 1953. With the passing of the States Reorganization Act, 1956, there was a merger of Hyderabad State and Andhra State, and consequently Andhra Pradesh came into being on 1 November 1956.

PLACES OF SEE

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad has over 400 years of history. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution. Key places are Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad,

CHARMINAR: Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda to what now is known as Hyderabad, this beautiful colossus in granite, lime, mortar and, some say, pulverized marble, was at one time the heart of the city. This great tribute to aesthetics looks sturdy and solid from a distance but as one moves closer, it emerges as an elegant and romantic edifice proclaiming its architectural eminence in all its detail and dignity. Apart from being the core of the city’s cultural milieu, it has become a brand name.

HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE: Thirty-three life-size statues of eminent Telugu personalities of the State were erected on Tank bund of Hussainsagar Lake in Hyderabad. A giant statue of Lord Buddha of a height of about 60 feet has been erected on the Gibraltar rock in the Hussainsagar Lake, which separates Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR: Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 km from Hyderabad, has a rich and interesting past. It was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years.

TIRUPATI: The abode of the ‘Kaliyuga’ deity Lord Venkateswara, popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town.

VIJAYWADA: Vijayawada is known as the political as well as publishing capital of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and the South and is now known as ‘the city that never sleeps’.

VISAKHAPATNAM: The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century ago a small fishing village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.

WARANGAL: The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers. Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecture, especially in temples.

RAMOJI FILM CITY: At Ramoji Film City fun never ends. Seek adventure, create magical memories and discover the world full of imagination and fantasies. Extraordinary attractions, enthralling events, food courts, shopping. It is a place for fun.