This is a story of an ugly duckling
turning into a swan. From one of the poorest and least developed Indian
states to a computer-friendly one, it is a miracle of sorts for Andhra
Pradesh. 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.
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.
Capital of Andhra Pradesh
nce 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
