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Andhra Pradesh

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Andhra Pradesh is a major state located on the east coast of southern India.

Andhra Pradesh relief map
Andhra Pradesh relief map

It is the seventh-largest state in the country by area. It also ranks as the tenth-most populous state. The state is defined by its vast coastline along the Bay of Bengal. This coastline is the longest in India when measured by aerial distance between its extreme ends. The state shares borders with several other regions. To the northeast lies Odisha, and Chhattisgarh is to the north. Karnataka borders the state to the west. Tamil Nadu is located to the south. To the northwest, Andhra Pradesh meets Telangana.

Map of all Andhra Pradesh districts-en
Map of all Andhra Pradesh districts-en

The geography of the state features diverse landforms and water systems. The Eastern Ghats mountain range separates the coastal plains from the inland peneplains. Several major rivers flow through the territory. These include the Krishna, Godavari, Tungabhadra, and Penna rivers. These rivers are vital to the landscape and the people. The state is also rich in natural resources. It holds approximately one-third of the limestone reserves found in India. There are also significant deposits of granite and baryte.

Mangampet Barytes
Mangampet Barytes

These minerals support various industrial activities across the region.

Economic life in Andhra Pradesh is closely tied to the land and sea. Agriculture and related activities employ 62.17% of the total population. Rice serves as the primary staple crop for the people. The state is also a massive contributor to India's maritime economy. It produces about 30% of the nation's fish. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh accounts for 35% of India's total seafood exports.

Vizag seaport
Vizag seaport

Large ports and industrial sites help manage this trade. The state also hosts modern manufacturing, such as Isuzu motor plants.

Isuzu manufacturing plant India
Isuzu manufacturing plant India

This mix of farming and industry defines the modern economy.

The history of the region spans hundreds of thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows continuous habitation for over 247,000 years. Excavated stone tools from Hanumanthunipadu date back to the Middle Paleolithic period. These tools were made by archaic hominins, or pre-humans. Later, Neolithic settlements appeared, evidenced by petroglyphs and dolmens in the Markapuram district.

Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu 01
Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu 01

Ancient texts like the Aitareya Brahmana also mention the Andhras. Around 300 BCE, the people living in the Godavari and Krishna deltas were known for military strength. Their power was considered second only to the Maurya Empire.

Many powerful dynasties shaped the political history of Andhra Pradesh. The Satavahana dynasty ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. They controlled the entire Deccan Plateau and reached into western and central India. Their capital, Dhanyakataka, was likely the most prosperous city in India during the 2nd century CE. The Satavahanas also established trade links with the Roman Empire. Other notable rulers included the Vishnukundinas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire.

Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India (2018) 1
Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India (2018) 1

These eras saw the rise of great art and architecture. The Amaravati school of art influenced styles across South India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

The modern political boundaries of the state have changed several times. After India gained independence, Andhra State was formed from Madras State in 1953. This was driven by the efforts of Potti Sreeramulu, who fasted to death to support linguistic identity.

Potti Sreeramulu
Potti Sreeramulu

In 1956, Andhra State merged with Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State to form Andhra Pradesh. However, the state was reorganized again in 2014. At that time, the new state of Telangana was bifurcated from Andhra Pradesh. Today, the state capital is Amaravati, a greenfield city developed near Vijayawada.

Secretariat14
Secretariat14

The largest city in the state remains Visakhapatnam.

Andhra Pradesh is also a center for culture, science, and religion. It is the birthplace of Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance form.

Prathiksha Kashi
Prathiksha Kashi

The state features famous pilgrimage sites like the Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

TIRUMALA ,AP,INDIA - panoramio
TIRUMALA ,AP,INDIA - panoramio

For science, the Sriharikota island serves as India's primary satellite launch centre.

LVM3 M4, Chandrayaan-3 - Launch vehicle lifting off from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota 03
LVM3 M4, Chandrayaan-3 - Launch vehicle lifting off from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota 03

Many products from the state have Geographical Indication registration. These include Banganapalle mangoes, Kondapalli toys, and Dharmavaram sarees.

Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada
Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada

This combination of ancient heritage and space technology makes the state unique.

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🖼️ Images & Media (24)
File:Maha_Stupa_at_Bhattiprolu_01.jpg
Maha_Stupa_at_Bhattiprolu_01.jpg
File:Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India (2018) 1.jpg
Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada, Guntur,...
File:India1765and1805b.jpg
India1765and1805b.jpg
File:Dowleswaram Barrage.jpg
Dowleswaram Barrage.jpg
File:Potti Sreeramulu.png
Potti Sreeramulu.png
File:Andhra Pradesh relief map.svg
Andhra Pradesh relief map.svg
File:Indian Grand Canyon Sudhakar Bichali.jpg
Indian Grand Canyon Sudhakar Bichali.jpg
File:Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) feeding on Azadirachta indica (Neem) W2 IMG 8122.jpg
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)...
File:Mangampet Barytes.jpg
Mangampet Barytes.jpg
File:Kalamkari Art.jpg
Kalamkari Art.jpg
File:Vegetarian Andhra Meal.jpg
Vegetarian Andhra Meal.jpg
File:TIRUMALA ,AP,INDIA - panoramio.jpg
TIRUMALA ,AP,INDIA - panoramio.jpg

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