Hello!, for the next few weeks I've decided to post some articles about each state of India covering their respective histories, geographies, economics, literature, tourist spots and other facts. This initiative might be of help to curious beings wanting to know about India.
Let me start with Andhra Pradesh....
Andhra Pradesh is the 8th largest state in terms of area and 10th largest in terms of population, Vishakhapatnam is the latest city followed by Vijayawada and with 947 kilometers of coastline along the Bay of Bengal makes it the state with second largest coastline in India after Gujarat. It is the 3rd most visited state in India. Tirumala Temple attracts the most number of pilgrims and tourists.
The state is bordered by 5 states - Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha & Chattisgarh. Additionally, it has an enclave of erstwhile French territory Yanam near Kakinada and Godavari delta which is under the jurisdiction of Puducherry.
It has 13 districts with 9 in Andhra region and 4 in Rayalaseema region.
The state can be recognized by the state symbols such as Black Buck is recognized as the state animal, Rose-ringed parakeet(Rama Chiluka) - State Bird, Jasmine - State Flower, Neem state tree and Poorna Kumbam as a state emblem.
Important tourist & pilgrim spots include Tirupati, Shrisailam, Shri Kalahasti, Ameenpir Dargha(Kadapa dt.), Mahachitya of Amravati, Vijayawada, Puttaparthi, Araku valley, Horsley hills(Anantapur), Konaseema and many more historic and exotic locations.
Konaseema is referred to as the Kerala of East because of its backwaters and the thick green cover. Konaseema is delta region of Godavari. Before flowing into the sea the Godavari splits into various channels, initially, it splits into Vriddha Gautami and Vashista Godavari, each channel again splits into Gautami & Nialrevu and Vashista & Vainateya respectively. The region is known for its paddy fields. Important towns include Razole, Raulapalem, Kothapet, Mummidivaram.
Horsley Hills or Horsley Konda or Yenugula Mallamma Konda, Located in Chittoor District is named after a British Collector W.B.Horsley in 1870. The region is covered with Eucalyptus trees & variety of wildlife and exotic animals. Gali Bandalu is an important site to visit here.
Araku Valley, know as Andhra Ooty lies near the border of Odisha. Anantagiri & Sukarimetta Reserved forests are located here. The area is being exploited for its bauxite reserves. The coffee plantation was introduced to this region in 1898. After independence Plantation Development Corporation of AP government took the responsibility of developing the plantations. These plantations were handed over to the tribals at 2 acres per family. This region comes under East Coast Railways.
Ameen Pir Dargha at Kadapa was constructed in 1683 on the graves of Perulla and Afratullah Hussain. This site is frequented by many celebrities from the variety of regions and religions.
Amravati, this ancient city once again came to the limelight after it was selected as the capital city of the residuary part of reorganized Andhra Pradesh state in 2014, this announcement made it the capital of the state after nearly 800 years. It served as the capital and spiritual city glorious empires and kings in the past. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited and stayed at this place in 640 CE. Xuanzang wrote about the viharas and monasteries in the area. It was spiritually and politically active till the 13th century and later declined into a remote location until it was accidentally discovered by Collin Mackenzie in 1797. One of the three major schools of Indian Architecture is named after Amaravati, other two being Mathura and Gandhara school of Art. Mathura and Gandhara schools were patronized by Kushans, whereas Amaravati school was patronized by Satavahanas. Amaravati stupa was developed between 3rd century BCE till 250 CE. Although it is commonly known as the stupa, it was never referred to that name in ancient scriptures, rather it was referred to as Mahachaitya. Mahachaitya was related to the Vajrayana teaching of Kalachakra, which is still followed in Tibet. Colin Mackenzie's album made in 1818 with pictures and sketches of Amaravati is a landmark in India's archeological history.
Shrisailam is believed to be built by Satavahanas and Vijayanagara Rulers. Maintenance of the temple is administered by Chenchus. This is the only place where one can find a Jyothirlinga and a Shaktipeeta in the same temple complex. The temple is called as Shisaila Bramarabha Mallikarjuneshwara Temple.
Shri Kalahasti also was known as Rahuketu Kshetram, Dakshina Kasi and Dakshina Kailasam, is one of the Panchabootha Kshetras represent wind and the principal deity is called as Vayu Lingam. The linga is also known as Karpora Vayu Lingam. Temple complex traces its origin to the Pallava dynasty. Inner temple structure was constructed by Cholas in the 5th century and the outer structure was a contribution of Vijayanagara Kings. The story of Bhakta Kannappa is related to this temple. Among the 5 Panchabootha Kshetras, Shri Kalahasti is the only one in Andhra Pradesh and rest four are located in Tamil Nadu.
Other Panchabootha lingams are at Ekambareshwaram ( Prithvi ), Jambukeshwaram ( Water/Appu ), Arunachalam ( Agni ), Chidambaram ( Akasha Lingam ).
Shri Venkateshwara temple of Tirumala lies in the Sheshachalam hills. It is believed to constructed since over a period form 300 CE. Vaikhanasa Agama traditions of worship are followed here. Pallavas, Cholas & Vijayanagara kings were the key sponsors' of the temple. Most of the present riches are the donations from the Vijayanagara kings. After the decline of Vijayanagara empire, the temple was briefly in control of French and Arcot Nawabs till 1801. In the 19th century East India Company auction the temple to a tenant to collect the taxes from the collection to perform Sevas. In 1843 its administration was given to Hathiramji Mutt. TTD - Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was established in 1933, which continues till date. Bruce's Code is the set of rules made the then collector of Chittoor district under EIC for the day to day management of the temple. Pedda Jiyar Matam was established by Ramanujachary of 11th Century. Hatiramji was a famous devotee from north India who came here in the 16th century and also credited for coining the name Balaji.
Next article - Andhra Pradesh :: Part II ( Kings & Kingdoms ).
Let me start with Andhra Pradesh....
Andhra Pradesh is the 8th largest state in terms of area and 10th largest in terms of population, Vishakhapatnam is the latest city followed by Vijayawada and with 947 kilometers of coastline along the Bay of Bengal makes it the state with second largest coastline in India after Gujarat. It is the 3rd most visited state in India. Tirumala Temple attracts the most number of pilgrims and tourists.
The state is bordered by 5 states - Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha & Chattisgarh. Additionally, it has an enclave of erstwhile French territory Yanam near Kakinada and Godavari delta which is under the jurisdiction of Puducherry.
It has 13 districts with 9 in Andhra region and 4 in Rayalaseema region.
The state can be recognized by the state symbols such as Black Buck is recognized as the state animal, Rose-ringed parakeet(Rama Chiluka) - State Bird, Jasmine - State Flower, Neem state tree and Poorna Kumbam as a state emblem.
Important tourist & pilgrim spots include Tirupati, Shrisailam, Shri Kalahasti, Ameenpir Dargha(Kadapa dt.), Mahachitya of Amravati, Vijayawada, Puttaparthi, Araku valley, Horsley hills(Anantapur), Konaseema and many more historic and exotic locations.
Konaseema is referred to as the Kerala of East because of its backwaters and the thick green cover. Konaseema is delta region of Godavari. Before flowing into the sea the Godavari splits into various channels, initially, it splits into Vriddha Gautami and Vashista Godavari, each channel again splits into Gautami & Nialrevu and Vashista & Vainateya respectively. The region is known for its paddy fields. Important towns include Razole, Raulapalem, Kothapet, Mummidivaram.
Horsley Hills or Horsley Konda or Yenugula Mallamma Konda, Located in Chittoor District is named after a British Collector W.B.Horsley in 1870. The region is covered with Eucalyptus trees & variety of wildlife and exotic animals. Gali Bandalu is an important site to visit here.
Araku Valley, know as Andhra Ooty lies near the border of Odisha. Anantagiri & Sukarimetta Reserved forests are located here. The area is being exploited for its bauxite reserves. The coffee plantation was introduced to this region in 1898. After independence Plantation Development Corporation of AP government took the responsibility of developing the plantations. These plantations were handed over to the tribals at 2 acres per family. This region comes under East Coast Railways.
Ameen Pir Dargha at Kadapa was constructed in 1683 on the graves of Perulla and Afratullah Hussain. This site is frequented by many celebrities from the variety of regions and religions.
Amravati, this ancient city once again came to the limelight after it was selected as the capital city of the residuary part of reorganized Andhra Pradesh state in 2014, this announcement made it the capital of the state after nearly 800 years. It served as the capital and spiritual city glorious empires and kings in the past. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited and stayed at this place in 640 CE. Xuanzang wrote about the viharas and monasteries in the area. It was spiritually and politically active till the 13th century and later declined into a remote location until it was accidentally discovered by Collin Mackenzie in 1797. One of the three major schools of Indian Architecture is named after Amaravati, other two being Mathura and Gandhara school of Art. Mathura and Gandhara schools were patronized by Kushans, whereas Amaravati school was patronized by Satavahanas. Amaravati stupa was developed between 3rd century BCE till 250 CE. Although it is commonly known as the stupa, it was never referred to that name in ancient scriptures, rather it was referred to as Mahachaitya. Mahachaitya was related to the Vajrayana teaching of Kalachakra, which is still followed in Tibet. Colin Mackenzie's album made in 1818 with pictures and sketches of Amaravati is a landmark in India's archeological history.
Shrisailam is believed to be built by Satavahanas and Vijayanagara Rulers. Maintenance of the temple is administered by Chenchus. This is the only place where one can find a Jyothirlinga and a Shaktipeeta in the same temple complex. The temple is called as Shisaila Bramarabha Mallikarjuneshwara Temple.
Shri Kalahasti also was known as Rahuketu Kshetram, Dakshina Kasi and Dakshina Kailasam, is one of the Panchabootha Kshetras represent wind and the principal deity is called as Vayu Lingam. The linga is also known as Karpora Vayu Lingam. Temple complex traces its origin to the Pallava dynasty. Inner temple structure was constructed by Cholas in the 5th century and the outer structure was a contribution of Vijayanagara Kings. The story of Bhakta Kannappa is related to this temple. Among the 5 Panchabootha Kshetras, Shri Kalahasti is the only one in Andhra Pradesh and rest four are located in Tamil Nadu.
Other Panchabootha lingams are at Ekambareshwaram ( Prithvi ), Jambukeshwaram ( Water/Appu ), Arunachalam ( Agni ), Chidambaram ( Akasha Lingam ).
Shri Venkateshwara temple of Tirumala lies in the Sheshachalam hills. It is believed to constructed since over a period form 300 CE. Vaikhanasa Agama traditions of worship are followed here. Pallavas, Cholas & Vijayanagara kings were the key sponsors' of the temple. Most of the present riches are the donations from the Vijayanagara kings. After the decline of Vijayanagara empire, the temple was briefly in control of French and Arcot Nawabs till 1801. In the 19th century East India Company auction the temple to a tenant to collect the taxes from the collection to perform Sevas. In 1843 its administration was given to Hathiramji Mutt. TTD - Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was established in 1933, which continues till date. Bruce's Code is the set of rules made the then collector of Chittoor district under EIC for the day to day management of the temple. Pedda Jiyar Matam was established by Ramanujachary of 11th Century. Hatiramji was a famous devotee from north India who came here in the 16th century and also credited for coining the name Balaji.
Next article - Andhra Pradesh :: Part II ( Kings & Kingdoms ).