| INDIA TRAVELS >>
ANDHRA PRADESH |
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.
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Capital
of Andhra Pradesh : Hyderabad |
| 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 |
| 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.
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Culture |
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.
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Handicrafts |
Festivals |
| 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. |
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. |
Climate |
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.
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