Srikakulam

Srikakulam

General Information
Name	Srikakulam
Native Name	శ్రీకాకుళం
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	18.3°N 83.9°E
Map	250px
Population
Total	146,988
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	20.89 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type	Municipal Corporation
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Srikakulam (Telugu: శ్రీకాకుళం) is a city and the district headquarters of the Srikakulam district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Nagavali River and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

History

Srikakulam has a long and storied history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to ancient times. The region was part of the Kalinga kingdom and later came under the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. During the medieval period, it was governed by the Vijayanagara Empire and subsequently by the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda Sultanate.

In the colonial era, Srikakulam was part of the Madras Presidency under British rule. It played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, with many local leaders participating in the struggle for freedom.

Geography

Srikakulam is situated at an elevation of 10 meters above sea level. The city experiences a tropical climate with hot summers and moderate winters. The Nagavali River flows through the city, providing water for agriculture and other needs.

Economy

The economy of Srikakulam is primarily based on agriculture, with rice, sugarcane, and jute being the main crops. The city is also known for its handloom industry, producing traditional textiles such as Ikat and Kalamkari.

In recent years, there has been a growth in small-scale industries and trade, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Culture

Srikakulam is renowned for its cultural heritage, with numerous temples and festivals that reflect the traditions of the region. The Arasavalli Sun Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is a prominent religious site attracting pilgrims from across the country.

The city celebrates various festivals with great enthusiasm, including Ugadi, Diwali, and Sankranti. Traditional music and dance forms such as Kuchipudi are an integral part of the cultural landscape.

Education

Srikakulam is home to several educational institutions, offering a range of courses in arts, science, and technology. The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam is a notable institution providing higher education in the region.

Transportation

The city is well-connected by road and rail. The National Highway 16 passes through Srikakulam, linking it to major cities like Visakhapatnam and Chennai. The Srikakulam Road railway station is part of the East Coast Railway zone, providing connectivity to various parts of the country.

Also see

• Srikakulam district
• Nagavali River
• Arasavalli Sun Temple
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam