Andhra Pradesh :: Part VII ( Polity, Economy and Culture )

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Polity &  Economy of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has 11 Rajya Sabha seats, 25 Lok Sabha constituencies, 175 - Legislative assembly constituencies, 58 - Legislative council seats. It has a bicameral house. Till 1983 there was no strong opposition to the ruling Congress party until NTR established Telugu Desam Party. Chandrababu Naidu is the current & longest serving  Chief Minister of the state.

The sate is 8th largest in terms of GSDP. The economy is mainly based on agriculture and livestock with 60% population dependent on it. The state is referred to as ‘Rice Bowl of India’ and Nellore district as ‘Shrimp Capital Of India’. Vannamei Shrimp is the most exported variety. The state is the largest producer of tobacco. The state is experiencing a robust industrial growth in various sectors. Two international airports are present at Vishakapatanam and Vijayawada. The state accounts for 93% of Baryte reserves in the country. Uranium mine at Tumallapalle has confirmed 49,000 tonnes of ore.

The culture of Andhra Pradesh 

Kuchipudi, one of the eight classical dances in India. It is also the state dance of Andhra Pradesh. It originated in a village named Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh. Like other classical dance forms in India, it traces its roots to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni.

Other dances and art forms present in the state:

  • Vilasini Natyam
  • Andhra Natyam
  • Burrakatha
  • Veera Natyam
  • Butta Bommalu 
  • Tholu Bommalu ( Puppetry )
  • Thappeta Gullu 
  • Dhimsa ( tribal dance in tribal regions of Vishakapatnam )
  • Lambadi ( performed by banjaras )
  • Kolatam ( stick dance)
  • Bidri art

Some important festivals of the state:


  • Makara Sankranthi
  • Mahashivratri
  • Ugadi
  • Sri Rama Navami
  • Varalakshmi Vratam
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi
  • Dasara
  • Vadi Biyyam
  • Atla Tadde ( Telugu equivalent of Karva Chauth )
  • Deepavali

Some other cultural elements:


  • Yenki Patalu ( songs by washerwoman called yanki )by Nanduri Subbarao
  • Budugu by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
  • Gongura Pachhadi - a chutney from Roselle plant
  • Dudu Basawanna


Next Article: Andhra Pradesh :: Part VIII ( Geographic Indicators )