Andhra Pradesh
| Andhra Pradesh | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Land of Sunrise, Rice Bowl of India |
| Capital | Amaravati |
| Largest City | Visakhapatnam |
| Country | India |
| Official Language | Telugu |
| Area | 1,62,975 km² |
| Population | 5 crore (approx.) |
| Districts | 26 |
| Founded | 1 November 1956 |
Andhra Pradesh is a state located in the southeastern region of India, bordered by Telangana to the north and northwest, Chhattisgarh and Odisha to the north and northeast, the Bay of Bengal to the east, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the west. Known as the Land of Sunrise and the Rice Bowl of India, Andhra Pradesh has a long and rich history spanning ancient kingdoms, medieval empires and the modern era. The state is home to the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati — the most visited religious site in the world — and boasts a long coastline stretching over 970 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal.
Geography
Andhra Pradesh is the eighth largest state in India by area. The state's geography is diverse, comprising the Eastern Ghats mountain range in the interior, fertile river plains in the Krishna and Godavari river deltas, and a long and scenic coastline along the Bay of Bengal.
The Krishna and Godavari rivers are the two most important rivers of the state, flowing through the heart of Andhra Pradesh and forming some of the most fertile agricultural delta regions in India. The Nagarjunasagar Dam on the Krishna River is one of the largest dams in the world.
History
Andhra Pradesh has one of the richest and most ancient histories in India. The region was home to several powerful ancient kingdoms and dynasties including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Vishnukundinas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagara Empire — one of the greatest empires in Indian history, which had its capital at Hampi.
The region was also an important centre of Buddhism. Amaravati — now the capital of Andhra Pradesh — was a major Buddhist centre in ancient India, home to one of the most significant Buddhist stupas in Asia. The Nagarjunakonda archaeological site near Nagarjunasagar is another important ancient Buddhist centre.
The Vijayanagara Empire ruled much of South India from the 14th to the 17th centuries, followed by the Nizams of Hyderabad. After Indian independence, the Telugu-speaking regions were reorganised to form Andhra State in 1953 and subsequently Andhra Pradesh in 1956. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, Telangana was formed as a separate state, and the remaining state continued as Andhra Pradesh with Amaravati as its new capital.
Economy
Andhra Pradesh has a diverse and growing economy. Key sectors include:
- Agriculture — Andhra Pradesh is one of India's leading agricultural states; rice, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton and chillies are major crops; the state is India's largest producer of red chillies
- Aquaculture and Fisheries — One of India's leading states in shrimp and fish production and export
- Information Technology — Visakhapatnam and other cities are emerging IT hubs; the state has attracted significant IT investment
- Mining and Minerals — Andhra Pradesh is rich in minerals including mica, barytes, limestone and granite
- Pharmaceuticals — A major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, particularly in Hyderabad region
- Renewable Energy — A leader in solar and wind energy production in India
- Tourism — Religious tourism, coastal tourism and heritage tourism are important contributors to the economy
Tourism
Andhra Pradesh is home to several world-famous religious, historical and natural attractions:
- Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati — The most visited religious site in the world, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara; the Tirumala hills attract millions of pilgrims every year
- Amaravati — The ancient Buddhist stupa site and new state capital on the banks of the Krishna River
- Araku Valley — A scenic hill station near Visakhapatnam known for its coffee plantations and tribal culture
- Borra Caves — Spectacular limestone caves near Araku Valley
- Visakhapatnam — A major port city and beach destination on the Bay of Bengal
- Lepakshi — A historic site known for its magnificent Vijayanagara-era temple and the famous hanging pillar
- Nagarjunakonda — An important Buddhist archaeological site and scenic reservoir
Culture
Andhra Pradesh has a rich and vibrant cultural tradition rooted in Telugu language, literature and the performing arts. The state is known for its classical dance form Kuchipudi — one of the eight classical dance forms of India, which originated in the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh.
The state is also renowned for its distinctive cuisine — Andhra food is famous across India for its bold, spicy flavours. Pesarattu, Gongura Pachadi, Pulihora, Hyderabadi Biryani and the famous Andhra-style pickles are among the most celebrated culinary traditions of the region.
Major festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh include Ugadi (Telugu New Year), Sankranti (the harvest festival), Brahmotsavam at Tirupati and Visakha Utsav.
Education
Andhra Pradesh has several prominent educational institutions:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam
- Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
- Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
- JNTU Kakinada
Transport
Andhra Pradesh has a well-connected transport network:
- Airports — Visakhapatnam International Airport, Tirupati Airport, Vijayawada Airport and Rajahmundry Airport
- Railways — Andhra Pradesh is well connected by the South Central Railway and East Coast Railway networks with major junctions at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Guntur
- Roads — The state has an extensive network of national and state highways; the National Highway 16 runs along the eastern coast connecting major cities
- Ports — Visakhapatnam Port is one of India's major deep-water ports on the eastern coast