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Kurnool

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Kurnool is a significant city located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It sits on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River. The Hundri and Neeva rivers also flow through the city area. Many people call Kurnool "The Gateway of Rayalaseema." It serves as the district headquarters for the Kurnool district. According to the 2011 census, it is the fifth most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. The city had a population of 425,214 people at that time.

The city's name has deep historical roots. Historical records list the original name as Kandanavōlu or Kandanōlu. The city used to be a crossing point on the Tungabhadra River. It is believed that bullock cart caravans used this spot. They would grease their wheels here, which relates to the word "kandana." This connection to travel and trade helped the city grow over time.

Kurnool has a history that stretches back thousands of years. In the Jurreru Valley, there is rock art and paintings. These may date from 35,000 to 40,000 years ago. Near the Andhra-Karnataka border, you can find Ashoka's rock edicts.

Jonnagiri Erragudi Yerragudi Asoka Inscription site, Andhra Pradesh India - 2
Jonnagiri Erragudi Yerragudi Asoka Inscription site, Andhra Pradesh India - 2

These inscriptions were made in the 3rd century BCE. They use the Prakrit language and the Brahmi script. These are among the oldest discovered inscriptions in India.

The Belum Caves are another important historical site in the district. These caves are geologically and historically significant. Evidence suggests that Jain and Buddhist monks lived there centuries ago. Many Buddhist relics were found inside these caves.

The Archaeological Survey of India found artifacts from the pre-Buddhist era. Some of these vessels date back to 4500 BC. These relics are now kept in a museum in Ananthapur.

Modern Kurnool began to develop in the 16th century CE. King Achyuta Raya of the Vijayanagar dynasty built the Kurnool Fort then.

21 - Front View of Kondareddy Buruju
21 - Front View of Kondareddy Buruju

This fort is also known as Kondareddy Buruju. It is a major tourist attraction located in the northeast part of the city. Later, the region saw many different rulers. The Mughals had influence here in 1686. Eventually, the Nawabs ruled until the British Government took over in 1839.

The transition to British rule involved conflict. Ghulam Rasul Khan Bahadur was the last Nawab of Kurnool. He ruled from 1823 until 1839. The East India Company defeated his kingdom during that time. A war broke out between the British Indian Army and the kingdom on 12 October 1839. The fighting lasted for six days. The king was detained on 18 October 1839 and sent to prison.

Kurnool held a very important political role in the 20th century. It served as the capital of Andhra State from 1953 to 1956. On 1 November 1956, the state merged with other districts. This created the modern state of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad became the new capital after this merger. Kurnool remains a vital part of the divided Andhra Pradesh state today.

The local environment and economy are quite unique. The city has a tropical savanna climate. It is often hot and semi-arid. The Nallamala hills to the east influence the local weather.

Kurnool Railway station board
Kurnool Railway station board

Kurnool is also famous for diamond hunting. After monsoon rains wash away top soil layers, diamonds can appear in the barren land. The city's economy is supported by many minerals. These include iron ore, dolomite, limestone, ochre, quartz, and silica. The city's GDP is $3.266 billion.

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File:Jonnagiri Erragudi Yerragudi Asoka Inscription site, Andhra Pradesh India - 2.jpg
Jonnagiri Erragudi Yerragudi Asoka...
File:21 - Front View of Kondareddy Buruju.JPG
21 - Front View of Kondareddy Buruju.JPG
File:Kurnool Railway station board.jpg
Kurnool Railway station board.jpg
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