Andhra Pradesh

Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu 01

Buddhist site 3rd century AD

Copper plates NMND-9

Kondapalli fort2

Nandi Lepakshi Temple Hindupur 5

Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southeastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of 162,975 square kilometers and the tenth-most populous state with over 49 million inhabitants. Andhra Pradesh is bordered by Telangana to the northwest, Chhattisgarh to the north, Odisha to the northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. The state has a significant coastline of 974 kilometers, the second longest among the states of India after Gujarat. Its capital has been in a state of transition since the bifurcation of the state in 2014, with Amaravati being proposed as the new capital city.

History

The history of Andhra Pradesh dates back to the Vedic period. It is mentioned in Sanskrit epics such as the Mahabharata. The region played a significant role in the Mauryan Empire and was an important Buddhist center until the 14th century. The state has been ruled by various dynasties and empires, including the Satavahana Dynasty, the Chola Dynasty, and the Vijayanagara Empire. The modern state of Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1 November 1956 by merging the Telugu-speaking areas of the Hyderabad State with the already existing Andhra State.

Geography

Andhra Pradesh is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the hills of the Eastern Ghats and the Nallamala Hills to the fertile delta regions of the Krishna and Godavari rivers. The state's coastline along the Bay of Bengal is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in India. The climate of Andhra Pradesh varies considerably, depending on the geographical region. It generally experiences a tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Economy

The economy of Andhra Pradesh is one of the fastest-growing in India, with agriculture being the leading sector. The state is a significant producer of rice, sugarcane, cotton, and chili pepper. Besides agriculture, Andhra Pradesh has a robust industrial sector, with major industries including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and information technology. The state is also rich in minerals and known for its large deposits of barite, limestone, and bauxite.

Culture

Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage with significant contributions to Indian art, literature, and cuisine. The classical dance form of Kuchipudi originated in this state, and Telugu, the local language, is one of the six classical languages of India. The state is also known for its festivals, such as Sankranti and Ugadi, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Andhra cuisine is famous for its spicy food, with biryani from Hyderabad being world-renowned.

Education

The state is home to many institutions of higher education, including universities, colleges, and research institutions. The University of Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, are among the prominent educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh.

Politics

Andhra Pradesh has a unicameral legislature, with the Legislative Assembly consisting of 175 members. The state sends 25 members to the Indian Parliament: 11 to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and 14 to the Lok Sabha (Lower House). The politics of Andhra Pradesh have been dominated by the Telugu Desam Party and the Indian National Congress, with the YSR Congress Party gaining prominence in recent years.

Tourism

Andhra Pradesh offers a variety of tourist attractions, including natural beauty, historical monuments, and religious sites. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most visited religious sites in the world. Other notable places include the Buddhist sites at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda, the Araku Valley, and the beaches of Visakhapatnam.