Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is a state located in the southeastern part of India, bordered by Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its extensive coastline, rich Telugu cultural heritage, agricultural economy, and temple architecture.
History and Formation
Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956 by merging Telugu-speaking areas from the former Hyderabad State with the Andhra State. After the bifurcation in 2014, Telangana became a separate state, and Andhra Pradesh began developing a new capital city Amaravati along the Krishna River.
Geography and Demographics
The state covers 162,975 square kilometers and has one of the longest coastlines in India, stretching over 970 km. Major cities include Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore, and Kurnool. Telugu is the official and widely spoken language.
Economy
Andhra Pradesh is often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of India” due to its strong agricultural output, especially in paddy and horticulture. It also has a growing industrial base, with significant investments in ports, information technology (especially in Visakhapatnam), textiles, and renewable energy sectors.
Culture and Tourism
Telugu is the cultural backbone of the state, with a rich legacy in classical literature, cinema, and performing arts. Kuchipudi, one of India’s classical dance forms, originated in Andhra Pradesh. The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is one of the most visited religious sites in the world. Other notable sites include Amaravati, Lepakshi, Araku Valley, and Srisailam.
Education
The state is home to reputed institutions such as Andhra University, Sri Venkateswara University, IIIT Nuzvid, and the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam. The literacy rate is steadily improving through initiatives like Mana Badi Nadu-Nedu and digital education reforms.
Governance
Andhra Pradesh follows a parliamentary system of governance. The Chief Minister is the executive head, while the Governor acts as the ceremonial head of the state. The state assembly is located in Amaravati.
See also
India Telugu language Amaravati Visakhapatnam Rice Bowl of India Kuchipudi dance Startup Company Brand Businessman