Andhra Pradesh, the symbol of true
spirit of Indian secularism where people of all faiths -Muslim, Buddhist and
Hindu form a symphony of religions. History has forged, and left behind
vital links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments
and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces
of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas,
Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing
vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer. Situated south of the
Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbours, Maharashtra ,
Orissa , Madhya Pradesh , Tamil Nadu and Karnataka . The medieval city of
Hyderabad is its capital.
Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati,
Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist
viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of
Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline
with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous
beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam
and Mypad.
Capital of Andhra Pradesh
Once a medieval city, Hyderabad is a modern metropolis. A revolution in
etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the
city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani
and burqa. This is the city that has even been the home of a Miss World.
Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabadi
biryani in particular, pass into legend.
History of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of
Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras .
The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In
the 14th c., Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries
ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General
of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams,
ruled the state till Independence.
Culture of Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful crafts, vibrant religious festivals, a varied cuisine and the
sonorant mother tongue, Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of
this state. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh.
Tribal dances contribute in equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra
Pradesh. Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk
art.
Society
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their
roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and
dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists
and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the
trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the
country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the
establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.
Occupation in Andhra
More than 70 per cent of its population live by agriculture, growing rice,
other cereals and pulses. The major bulk of India's virginia tobacco crop is
grown in Andhrapradesh. Industrial growth has transformed the landscape into
precious pits of copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Andhra's Handicrafts
Lacquer toys, Anakapalli articles, Ikat weaving, Pembarthi Sheet Metal
Ware, Nirmal pottery, Bidriwork as well as Gadhwal, Pochampalli and
Dharmavaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts
Andhra Pradesh is renowned for. Durgi, Allagadda and Tirupati are three of
the major centers of stone art. Telengana is particularly well known for its
folk paintings. Banjara needle craft, Kalamkari, the pen-painted fabrics of
Machilipatnam and Kalahasti; Silver Filigree of Karimnagar and Budithi
handicraft of Srikakulam are other handicraft specimens.
Climate
of Andhra Pradesh
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13
degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to December are the
monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February
is the best season.
Population of Andhra Pradesh
74 million
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
The Deccan Festival, with its cultural programmes is celebrated in
February. Bakri-Id is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh
and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad. The Andhra Ugaadi which
heralds the New Year also means a season of mango-pickling and more literary
pursuits such as poetry competitions.The state also observes typical indian
festivals such as Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir
Jayanti and others.
