Explore the Andhra Pradesh district map showing the 26 districts, district headquarters and capital of Andhra Pradesh state in India.
Districts of Andhra Pradesh
S.N.
District Name
Headquarter Name
1
Alluri Sitharama Raju
Paderu
2
Anakapalli
Anakapalli
3
Anantapuramu
Anantapuram
4
Annamayya
Rayachoti
5
Bapatla
Bapatla
6
Chittoor
Chittoor
7
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema
Amalapuram
8
East Godavari
Rajamahendravaram
9
Eluru
Eluru
10
Guntur
Guntur
11
Kakinada
Kakinada
12
Krishna
Machilipatnam
13
Kurnool
Kurnool
14
Nandyal
Nandyal
15
NTR
Vijayawada
16
Palnadu
Narasaraopeta
17
Parvathipuram Manyam
Parvathipuram
18
Prakasam
Ongole
19
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore
Nellore
20
Sri Sathya Sai
Puttaparthi
21
Srikakulam
Srikakulam
22
Tirupati
Tirupati
23
Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam
24
Vizianagaram
Vizianagaram
25
West Godavari
Bhimavaram
26
YSR
Kadapa
About Andhra Pradesh
Located in the southeastern peninsula of India, Andhra Pradesh is the seventh largest state by area covering 162970 square kilometres. According to the 2011 Census, the population was more than 49 million, making it the tenth most populous state in the country. The state is surrounded by Telangana in the north, Odisha and Chhattisgarh in the northeast, Tamil Nadu in the south, and Karnataka in the west. On the east is the Bay of Bengal, which makes Andhra Pradesh’s coastline 972 km, the second longest in India after Gujarat. This makes it one of the most important regions of the country due to its geographical diversity, economic significance and cultural heritage.
Geography and Climate
Andhra Pradesh is divided into three major regions by geography: The Coastal Plains, the Eastern Ghats, and the Iron Plateau of Rayalaseema. The Coastal Plains, which lie on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, are very productive and include major river deltas, including those of the Godavari and Krishna rivers. These rivers are a godsend as they enable extensive farming and are a source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power production. The Eastern Ghats that run through the state include hill ranges like Nallamala and Seshachalam, which are rich in forests and biological diversity. The southwestern part of the state is the Rayalaseema Plateau, which is arid and rocky with low rainfall than the coastal region.
The climate of Andhra Pradesh is semi-arid to hot and humid, particularly in the coastal areas. In the Rayalaseema region it is semi-arid. Temperatures can go as high as 45°C (113°F) or even more in some parts during the summer that lie between March and June. The climate is moderate and the summer rainfall is accompanied by monsoon winds that prevail during the period from June to September. This is because Rayalaseema gets about 600 mm of rainfall every year, while the coastal and delta areas of Andhra receive more than 1,000 mm of rainfall. The winter, which occurs between December and February, is relatively cool with temperatures in the 15°C to 25°C (59°F-77°F) range.
Rivers and Water Resources
Many major rivers are found in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India; these include the Godavari, Krishna, Penna, and Tungabhadra rivers. The Godavari is the second longest river in India and runs through the eastern part of the state before creating a large delta and Discharging into the Bay of Bengal. Central Andhra gets its irrigation water from the Krishna River, which rises in Maharashtra. In the Rayalaseema region, which has a problem with water scarcity, the Penna River flows through it. The state has also undertaken the Polavaram and Nagarjuna Sagar projects to efficiently manage water distribution; these irrigation projects are many.
Economy and Agriculture
The economy of Andhra Pradesh is of mixed type and is characterised by agriculture, industry and services. It is one of the leading producers of rice and is popularly known as ‘the rice bowl of India’. Maize, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane and cotton are some of the other important crops. Aquaculture is also an important sector along the coastal districts and shrimp farming is one of the major export oriented industries. Pharmaceutical, automobile and textiles are among the industries which are dominant in the state. Major industrial centers are Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati which are the engines of growth. The service sector including information technology, real estate and tourism has also grown substantially and cities like Visakhapatnam and Amaravati are examples.
Natural Resources and Biodiversity
Being rich in natural resources like limestone, bauxite and barite, Andhra Pradesh has its Eastern Ghats comprising of dense forests which support flora and fauna including the endangered Indian leopard, sloth bear and Jerdon's courser bird. The state’s noteworthy wildlife sanctuaries and national parks include Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected areas are important for conserving the region's biodiversity and also for eco-tourism.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
The state has a well-developed transportation network, including an extensive road and railway system. Andhra Pradesh has six operational airports, with Visakhapatnam International Airport being the busiest. The state is also home to major seaports, including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Krishnapatnam, which facilitate domestic and international trade. The road network spans over 125,000 kilometers, including several national highways that enhance connectivity. The railway network, under the South Central and East Coast Railway zones, connects Andhra Pradesh to major cities across India.
Education and Research
The state has strong education sector and has several renowned institutions. Renowned universities are Andhra University, Sri Venkateswara University and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. It also has several national institutes like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam. The state has a focus on research and innovation, and this has resulted in development of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, space technology and institutions such as the Satish Dhawan Space Center, which play a pivotal role.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage
The cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh is also quite diverse with a large number of historical places of interest, religious structures and beautiful natural locations. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most popular spiritual places in the world, with millions of visitors every year. Some of the other important religious and historical places include Lepakshi Temple, Amaravati Stupa and Undavalli Caves. The state also has its coastal areas with beautiful hills, caves and beaches including Araku Valley, Borra Caves and Rishikonda Beach, which are attractive throughout the year. The annual Visakha Utsav and the Kuchipudi dance festivals are a testimony to the cultural richness of the state.
Government and Administration
Being a parliamentary system, Andhra Pradesh works under the governance of a Governor as the constitutional head of the state and a Chief Minister at the head of the executive branch. The Legislative Assembly has 175 members and the Legislative Council 58. The state has adopted several policies aimed at the economic and social development and the improvement of the infrastructure. Sociopolitical progress has also been boosted by initiatives like YSR Rythu Bharosa that offers financial help to farmers, Amma Vodi that provides education support to mothers and Nadu-Nedu that improves school infrastructure.
History of Andhra Pradesh
Ancient History
The land of Andhra has its origins way back to the ancient period. The Vedic texts and the Mauryan Empire inscriptions contain the first references to the region. The Satavahana dynasty that ruled between 230 BCE and 220 CE is one of the earliest powerful rulers of Andhra Pradesh known so far. The Satavahanas were an important power in the region till date and contributed much to trade, literature and architecture. The rule of the Satavahanas saw the rise of the Prakrit language and early Buddhist art, and Amaravati became a major Buddhist centre. One of the most significant Buddhist monuments in India is the Amaravati Stupa, which was built during this period. This paper aims to provide an overview of the historical evolution of Andhra Pradesh from early times to the medieval period, with a particular focus on the social, political, and economic developments that have shaped the region. The state's rich heritage and its significance in the history of India will be explored, with emphasis on the rulers, architectural wonders, and cultural impact. Additionally, this paper will highlight the influences and interactions that have shaped Andhra Pradesh's historical trajectory, such as trade routes, neighboring kingdoms, and imperial powers. The region that is now Andhra Pradesh has a long and rich history, and the earliest references to the area can be found in the Vedic texts and Mauryan Empire inscriptions. The Satavahana dynasty, which reigned from about 230 BCE to 220 CE, was one of the earliest known powerful rulers of Andhra Pradesh. The Satavahanas helped to consolidate the region and were important players in trade, literature, and architecture. The rule of the Satavahanas saw the rise of the Prakrit language and early Buddhist art, and Amaravati became a major Buddhist centre. One of the most significant Buddhist monuments in India, the Amaravati Stupa was built during this period.
Medieval Period
After the decline of Satavahanas Ikshvakus, Pallavas and Vishnukundinas took the control of different parts of Andhra Pradesh. The Eastern Chalukyas took power in the 7th century and kept control up until the 12th century. They also constructed several temples and popularized the Telugu language for administrative purposes. The Kakatiya dynasty was one of the most powerful medieval kingdoms in Andhra Pradesh, which ruled from 12th to 14th century. Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra's rulers led the kingdom with military and administrative abilities. They also constructed impressive fortifications including the Warangal Fort and the Ramappa Lake, an intricate irrigation system. Their rule also contributed in the socio-cultural and architectural landscape of the state.
Vijayanagara Empire and Qutb Shahi Rule
In the 14th Century, the Vijayanagara Empire came into prominence, and it took control of most of South India, including Andhra Pradesh. This is because rulers like Krishna Deva Raya, who controlled the region at its peak, encouraged the economy and sponsored art and literature. The ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also evidence of this period. The region was taken over by the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda after the fall of Vijayanagara in 1565 AD (Battle of Talikota). The Qutb Shahis ruled from 1518 to 1687 and Hyderabad was their capital for them, they had left their impact on the culture, trade and architecture of Andhra Pradesh. Some of the other legacy pieces include the Charminar and Golconda Fort, both of which were left by this period.
Mughal and Colonial Rule
In 1687 Emperor Aurangzeb annexed the Golconda Sultanate. However, their control was not long because the Nizam of Hyderabad took over and founded his own little princely state in 1724. During the 18th century, European powers, including the British, French, and Dutch, began to establish themselves along the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The British East India Company, however, took over the region and incorporated Andhra Pradesh in the Madras Presidency by the early nineteenth century. The region also witnessed economic and social changes during the British rule as there were introductions to modern administrative systems, railways and educational institutions.
Formation of Andhra State and Andhra Pradesh
The struggle for a separate Andhra state began during the Indian independence movement itself, and Potti Sriramulu had played the pivotal role in advocating the linguistic reorganization of states. His fast-unto-death in 1952 resulted in the formation of Andhra State on October 1, 1953 when Kurnool was its capital. Creates Andhra State in 1956, in association with the States Reorganization Act, which merged Andhra State with the Telangana which was part of Hyderabad State to form Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad as its capital. It was the first state in India to be formed on the basis of linguistic identity.
Bifurcation and Formation of Telangana
The demand for a separate Telangana state had been building up from the early 2000s because of regional imbalances in development. After a long process of political and social movements, the Government of India accepted the decision of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. Telangana was carved out as a separate state from Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014, and Hyderabad was made a joint capital for 10 years. Hence, the development of a new capital of Andhra Pradesh had become inevitable and Amaravati was identified as state capital while Visakhapatnam grew bigger as largest city and an economic power house.
Modern Developments
Since the bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh has paid much attention to economic growth, industrial development and expansion of infrastructure. The state government has also put in place some policies to draw investments in agriculture, IT and manufacturing industries. Andhra Pradesh still holds a prominent position among the agricultural producing states of India with a strong presence in rice, spices, and seafood exports. The development of Visakhapatnam as a major port city and the expansion of new urban centres are also helping to define the future of the state. Despite the challenges of natural disasters and economic shifts, Andhra Pradesh continues to play a vital role in the economic and cultural development of India.
