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Amaravati

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Amaravati is the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in the Guntur district on the right bank of the Krishna River. The city sits southwest of Vijayawada and north of Guntur. It is an urban notified area with a total area of 217.23 square kilometers. This area includes 25 villages from three mandals: Thullur, Mangalagiri, and Tadepalli.

Amaravathi 3D print
Amaravathi 3D print

The name Amaravati has deep spiritual and mythological roots. It literally translates to "the abode of immortals." In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, Amaravati is considered the celestial capital of Swarga, or heaven. This is the place where the Devas, or gods, reside. The modern city takes its name from a nearby historic site. This ancient site was once the capital of the Satavahana Empire.

The history of this region spans thousands of years. The Satavahana dynasty was a prominent power in Andhra Pradesh starting around the second century BCE. They used a language called Prakrit and a script known as Brahmi. This Brahmi script eventually served as the base for the Telugu script. During this era, the area was a major center for Mahayana Buddhism. A massive structure called the Amaravati Stupa once stood here. It was a center for Buddhist learning and art that attracted followers from many South East Asian countries.

Many different empires ruled this land through the centuries. These included the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Later, the Mughal Empire and the Sultanate of Golconda held power here. The region was ceded to France in 1750 but was captured by the East India Company in 1759. Eventually, it became part of the Madras Presidency. Modern Amaravathi village was founded near the ancient stupa ruins by Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu.

The modern foundation of the city began due to political changes in 2014. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act caused the state to split. This left the residual state without a capital city. Hyderabad became the temporary capital, even though it was in the new state of Telangana. An expert committee was formed to find a new location. They analyzed land, water, and natural resources to ensure environmental sustainability. They also looked at rail, road, and air connectivity.

Amaravathi 3D print
Amaravathi 3D print

To build the city, the government used an innovative land pooling scheme. This allowed the state to create a land bank for development. Farmers in the Guntur district provided 33,000 acres of land through this voluntary scheme. In exchange, they received developed plots and lease payments for a 10-year period. This process aggregated many small land parcels into a larger area for planning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone at Uddandarayunipalem village on 22 October 2015.

Narendra Modi performing the Pooja rituals at the foundation stone laying ceremony of 'Amaravathi'- the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan
Narendra Modi performing the Pooja rituals at the foundation stone laying ceremony of 'Amaravathi'- the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan

Construction of the city's governance centers is currently underway. The temporary Andhra Pradesh Secretariat was completed at Velagapudi in October 2016. This building covers 45 acres and has a budget of ₹230 crores. The first block houses the Chief Minister's Office. The Andhra Pradesh High Court also moved to a new temporary building in Amaravati. This complex includes 16 court halls and 2.70 lakh square feet of office space.

APCRDA office, getting ready for Inauguration at Amaravati
APCRDA office, getting ready for Inauguration at Amaravati

Amaravati is also looking toward the future of technology. In October 2024, the city hosted the Amaravati Drone Summit. This event aimed to make the state a hub for drone technology. It was organized by the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation. The summit featured a record-breaking drone show at Punnami Ghat. Over 5,500 drones participated in the show, setting five Guinness World Records. The goal is to train 20,000 youth as pilots and create 30,000 jobs.

APCRDA office, getting ready for Inauguration at Amaravati
APCRDA office, getting ready for Inauguration at Amaravati
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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:Narendra Modi performing the Pooja rituals at the foundation stone laying ceremony of 'Amaravathi'- the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan.jpg
Narendra Modi performing the Pooja...
File:APCRDA office, getting ready for Inauguration at Amaravati.jpg
APCRDA office, getting ready for...
File:Amaravathi 3D print.jpg
Amaravathi 3D print.jpg
File:SRM University board and Entry of SRM University Amaravati.jpg
SRM University board and Entry of SRM...
File:AB2 VIT-AP.jpg
AB2 VIT-AP.jpg
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