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Eluru

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Eluru is a major urban center in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh deu
Andhra Pradesh deu

It serves as the headquarters for the Eluru district and the Eluru mandal. The city is located in the southeastern part of the state. It sits within the Krishna River Delta region. This area is known for its very fertile agricultural lands. The city is positioned on the banks of the Tammileru River.

Tammileru river diverging near Eluru during Floods 2020
Tammileru river diverging near Eluru during Floods 2020

A few kilometers away, you can find Kolleru Lake. This is one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in India.

Kollerulakejanuary
Kollerulakejanuary

The history of Eluru is incredibly deep and spans many centuries. Its ancient roots date back to the second century CE. In those early times, the city was known as Helapuri. It was also called Erla Uru. During the period of the Buddhist kingdom, it served as a capital. The city was a central part of the Vengi Kingdom. This kingdom was ruled by several different groups over many years. The Salankayanas ruled from the third to the fifth century CE. They were feudatories of the Ikshvakus. The first known king, Devavarman, left an inscription in Eluru. He recorded performing the Ashvamedha sacrifice to mark his new kingdom.

After the Salankayanas, the Vishnukundinas took control of the region. The Eastern Chalukyas, also called the Chalukyas of Vengi, ruled for about 500 years. Their dynasty lasted from the seventh century until 1130 AD. They originally had their capital at Vengi, which is now Pedavegi. The history of the region changed many times through various conquests. The Kakatiyas captured the area, followed by the Kalinga Empire. The Gajapatis also ruled before Srikrishnadevaraya captured the region in 1515. By 1565, the Qutub Shahi dynasty began its rule. Later, the Mughal Empire expanded its influence here in 1687.

In the 18th century, the political landscape became even more complex. The region was integrated into the dominion of the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724. During this time, the French East India Company gained influence. In 1753, the French were granted provinces including Eluru. However, the British East India Company soon began military operations in the area. British forces reached Eluru by February 1759. This was part of the Carnatic wars. Eventually, the British secured control over the Northern Circars. By 1769, Eluru was under direct British control. It later became a military station and the capital for the Northern Circars.

Andhra Pradesh deu
Andhra Pradesh deu

Today, Eluru is a vital hub for commerce and industry. The city is world-renowned for its production of pile carpets. It also manufactures various textiles and leather goods. The city acts as a major trade center for many different products. You can find fresh water fish, lemons, and rice here. Other important commodities include oilseeds, tobacco, and sugar.

Mango market along the Powerpet station road, Eluru
Mango market along the Powerpet station road, Eluru

The city is very well-connected to the rest of India. It is located on the Golden Quadrilateral road network. This allows for easy travel via road, rail, and airways.

Aerial view of National Highway 16 and Eluru canal near Denduluru
Aerial view of National Highway 16 and Eluru canal near Denduluru

Eluru is also an important center for education and sports. Many students attend notable institutions in the city. These include the ASRAM Medical College and Sir C.R. Reddy Educational Institutions.

Main block of ASRAM College and Hospital
Main block of ASRAM College and Hospital
C.R.Reddy College Aerial View
C.R.Reddy College Aerial View

For sports, the Alluri Sitarama Raju Stadium is a prominent venue. This stadium is named after a famous Indian freedom fighter.

ASR Stadium near railway station
ASR Stadium near railway station

The city has also contributed many talented people to Indian film and the arts. Notable names include L. V. Prasad, Silk Smitha, and Sekhar Kammula.

The city has also faced significant modern challenges. In 2020, Eluru made national headlines due to a mysterious illness. This outbreak affected hundreds of people and caused widespread concern. It required a major public health response to manage the situation. The city's infrastructure also includes various rivers and canals.

Pollution in Eluru canal along Mini-Bypass road Eluru
Pollution in Eluru canal along Mini-Bypass road Eluru

While these waterways are important, they face modern issues like pollution. Despite these challenges, Eluru remains a large and growing urban center. The wider urban development authority has a population of around 2,760,160 people.

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🖼️ Images & Media (20)
File:Inscriptions of Vengi Chalukyas found at Kotadibba (Eluru Fort).jpg
Inscriptions of Vengi Chalukyas found at...
File:Andhra Pradesh deu.png
Andhra Pradesh deu.png
File:Tammileru river diverging near Eluru during Floods 2020.jpg
Tammileru river diverging near Eluru...
File:Kollerulakejanuary.jpg
Kollerulakejanuary.jpg
File:Pollution in Eluru canal along Mini-Bypass road Eluru.jpg
Pollution in Eluru canal along...
File:A view of Police quarters from Hotel Grand Arya.jpg
A view of Police quarters from Hotel...
File:Fire Station center, Eluru on a morning.jpg
Fire Station center, Eluru on a morning.jpg
File:Main block of ASRAM College and Hospital.jpg
Main block of ASRAM College and Hospital.jpg
File:CMR Multiplex in Eluru (01).jpg
CMR Multiplex in Eluru (01).jpg
File:Aerial view of National Highway 16 and Eluru canal near Denduluru.jpg
Aerial view of National Highway 16 and...
File:Mango market along the Powerpet station road, Eluru.jpg
Mango market along the Powerpet station...
File:Auto Nagara, Eluru as captured from NH-16.jpg
Auto Nagara, Eluru as captured from NH-16.jpg

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