Profile of Andhra Pradesh

Renowned as the Rice Bowl of India, Andhra Pradesh is 8th largest state with an area of 160,205 km² out of the 29 states of India. With a population of 49,386,799 people, the state stands at a position of being the 10th largest in terms of the number of people. Being the proud owner of second largest coastline (972 Km) of entire India, Andhra Pradesh is surrounded by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bay of Bengal in different directions. The state is divided between two regions including Rayalseema and Coastline Andhra, collectively known as Seemandhra among the masses. Coastline of Andhra have 9 districts while, Rayalseema has only 4 districts. Amravati is the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. Telugu is the official and most spoken language of the state. The state has two rivers including Krishna and Godavari and Eastern Ghats and Nallamalla Forest are the reason of its abundance of greenery. Andhra is known for its grandeur architecture, spicy cuisine, vivid arts and crafts, rice production, heritage sites, dense forests, religious destinations, tranquil beaches and many other things.

History of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has the richest history of India and a rich history certainly takes time to build. The state has been ruled by so many dynasties that the culture of this state has become a potpourri of vivid cultures of those dynasties. All of them have gifted this beautiful state with their specialties in the areas of art, architecture, music, dance and many other things. Earliest mention of Andhras in history was in the Aitareya Brahmana (B.C.800) and the state was called as Dakshina Padh at that time. However, historical evidences of Andhras were found only in Mauryan Age (B.C.322–297).

Ancient and Medieval Andhra

The Satavahana dynasty is known as the first one to rule Andhra Pradesh in second century B. C. and their capital was Amravati. Ikshvakus (2nd Century AD), Pallavas (3rd-4th Century AD), Vishnukundins (5th – 6th Century), Salankayanas (300 to 440 AD), Cholas (1010–1200) and Kakatiyas were among the following dynasties after The Satavahana to rule Andhra Pradesh. This period was mostly influenced by the Eastern Chalukyas, Sathvanas, Pallavas, Cholas and Kakatiyas mainly.

Modern Andhra

Modern Andhra took birth after the fall of these great dynasties and rise of Muslim emperors. After Vijayanagara empire, The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled Andhra for around 200 years from 1600 – 1800 AD. Qutb Shahi dynasty was followed by the British with their arrival in India in 1800s and later after the surrender of five sates by Nizams of Hyderabad to the the British, it became the princely state of Hyderabad as the local automomy was in the hands of Nizams only. Vijayanagara empire, Qutbh Shahis and British were the main rulers of this period in Andhra Pradesh.

Post Independent Andhra

After gaining the Indian independence in 1947, Nizams tried to retain the independence of this state. However, with the help of operation polo, it became independent in 1948 with efforts of the people who took part in Indian movement. It was the first state to be formed on the basis of the language and the telugu speaking people got 21 districts with total 9 in the Nizam's Dominions and rest in the Madras Presidency. Later in 1956, nine districts of Nizams were added to all of the districts of Madras Presidency to form the new Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad and further Amravati as its capital. On 2 June, 2014 the state was divided into two parts namely Andhra Pradesh ad Telangana as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The new Andhra Pradesh contains 13 districts divided among the two regions of Coastal Andhra and Rayalseema.

Also Read: History of Visakhapatnam | History of Vijayawada

Geography of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is surrounded by Chhattisgarh in the North, Karnataka in the west, the water body of Bay of Bengal in the east, Tamil Nadu in the south, Telangana in the northwest and Odisha in the northeast. It is situated at 12°41' and 22°N latitude and 77° and 84°40'E longitude. The state has rich for a and fauna due to its richness of forests and water resources.

Coastline of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is the proud owner of second largest coastline in entire India with a length of 972 Km². Its coastline is bordered by the Telangana and Rayalaseema regions in the east, Rayalseemaand Tamil Nadu to the south, Odisha to the North and Telangana to the west. Coastal Andhra comprises of 9 districts including West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, Nellore and Visakhapatnam. Pulicat and Kolleru are two the important lakes of the region.  Lambasingi, located in Visakhapatnam on the coastline of Andhra is the only place of entire state to receive snowfall every year with a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius. Krishna, Godavari and Penna river are responsible for the growth of agriculture in this region.

Climate of Andhra Pradesh

With its long coastline, the state has varied climate at different places and coastal areas have higher temperature than others. Summer months start from March and ends in June with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius. Monsoon starts from July and ends in September usually with a heavy rainfall received from Southwest monsoon. Winter season starts from November and ends in February with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.

Rivers of Andhra Pradesh

Krishna, Godavari and Pennar are the major rivers of Andhra Pradesh along with several smaller rivers and water resources of the state. Godavari is the second largest river of India after Ganges and flows through Rajamundry, Kovvur, Dhavaleswaram, Ravulapalem, Kotipalli, Tallapudi, Narsapur and Antarvedi in Andhra Pradesh along with the places of Telnagana and Maharashtra. Krishna River with a length of around 1300 Km, is the third largest river in central- southern India and flows in different parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Both of these rivers play a major role in the agriculture of Andhra Pradesh.

Forests and Mountain Ranges of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh possesses many forests and all of them are protected by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. It is one of a kind of state where Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats coexist together and meet each other at Nilgiri Hills. Nallamalla forests, a part of Eastern Ghats, are the most deep and densed jungle area of the state. Hills and mountains of Andhra Pradesh run in a way across the state that they separate western and eastern (coastal) Andhra from each other. Some of the hill ranges of the state include Srisailam, Tirumalai-Tirupati, Simhachalam and Annavaram.

Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Ltd, AP
Vice Chairman and Managing Director
10-1-1200, III Floor, UNI Building,
A.C. Guards, Hyderabad – 500 004.
Office :040-23392652
Fax :040-23320032
Mob :8008301601
md_apfdc[at]ap[dot]gov[dot]in;
vcmd_apfdc[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]in
Website: https://www.apfdcl.com/

Culture of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has contributed a lot to the cultural heritage of India. The state shows some marvelous and unique arts and craftmanship. Renowned Kuchipudi dance, spicy cuisine, Tirupati Brahmotsava festival, Rayalseema food and dance festival and Telugu literature are all the gifts of Andhra Pradesh to India. All of the arts of this state are of ancient times forwarded to the next generations of the same. All of the ancient rulers and dynasties have impacted Andhra Pradesh in building of its unique culture. Lungi and Saree wearing people speaking Telugu have become a trademark of Andhra culture. Silk Sarees have always been in vogue in this state and are usually worn on festivals and occasions.

Some of the most unique features of Andhra culture include the Kuchipudi dance, Kalamkari (ancient textile art form), doll making, redwood carvings of Tirupati, wooden toys from Kondapalli, stone crafts and idols (production and carvings) of Durgi village and attire of Lambadies (tribal of Andhra Pradesh). And to showcase its rich heritage the state organizes different fairs from time to time including Deccan Festival, Visakha Utsav and Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival. Some other unique festivals of the state include Ugadi, Pongal, Tirupati Festival and Lumbini Festival. Kanyasulkamu, Bhaaskara Satakamu, Andhra naayaka Satakamu, Manu Caritra, Sumatee Satakam, Mahaaprasthanaam and Vijaya Vilasam are sme of the notable productions of Telugu literature.

Society of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has seen rapid development and technological advancements in almost every field, making the lives of people of the state better in various terms. However, there are many people in the state needing the attention of the government due to the income disparity among the masses. To help these people and children, various Non Profit Organizations (NPOs), Old Age Homes, Orphanages and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) along with the government has come forward. These organizatios run various welfare programmes, charitable programmes and development activities from time to time to help deprived and destitute children and others.

All of these society builders have their own motto and goal and they work towards the same to achieve desired results. Some of the aims of them include disaster management, rural development, poverty eradication, child welfare, agricultural development and growth, women help and empowerment and many more. Old age homes of the state provide shelter to the senior citizens while, orphanages provide a better life and future to the young children. Here are the details of some of the NGOs of Andhra Pradesh:

People’s Action For Social Service
Address: Door No. 47, Tuda Plots, R.C. Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Phone : +91 877 2242293
Fax No. : +91 877 2242843
Email : passd1@nisd.gov.in

Rural Organization For Social Activities (ROSA)
Address: Manthenvari Palem –Post Pitinavani Palem Mandal, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Phone : 08643 258937/ 258458
Email : rosad1@nisd.gov.in

Seva Medical And Education Society
Address: Door No. 6–20, 27, 12/A, Arandalnet, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Email : smesd1@nisd.gov.in

A. P. Girjana Sewak Sangh
Address: Chandamamapet Nandigama, Krishna(dist), Andhra Pradesh
Email : apgssd1@nisd.gov.in

Priyadarsini Service Organization
Address: D.No.45–56–9,Saligrampuram,Vishakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh
Email : psod1@nisd.gov.in
Bharat Integrated Rural Development Society
Address: H.No.8–145, Main Road, Peapully,Kurnool,Andhra Pradesh
Email : birdsd1@nisd.gov.in

Economy of Andhra Pradesh

Eastern Ghats, fertile river plains and second largest coastline of India are among the main factors behind a diverse economy of Andhra Pradesh. Agriculture, industry and services sectors have been the leaders of the economic growth of the state in past few years. The state is known for its stability and consistency of economy over the years. Renowned as the Rice Bowl of India, Andhra Pradesh’s economy is heavily influenced by its agriculture and livestock.  It is the largest producer of marine products with 40% share in country's exports. Andhra Pradesh is third largest economy of India. Abundance of natural resources (coal, limestone, bauxite, and a number of minor minerals), fertile river basins and extensive canal system, fertile land, water, climatic conditions and conducive agro are the reason behind the flourishing economy of Andhra Pradesh.

Agriculture of Andhra Pradesh

Agriculture is no doubt the most significant sector in the growth of the economy of Andhra Pradesh. 60% of the population of the state indulge in agriculture making it one of the biggest producer and exporters of many agricultural products. Rice is the most important crop of this state and the main reason behind the same is the outstanding irrigation system. Krishna, Godavari and Pennar River along with many other rivers and water resources provide good irrigation to this state. minor millet, coarse grain, various pulses, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, oil seeds, Chili pepper, mango nuts, cotton, tobacco and sugarcane are among the other produces of Andhra Pradesh. Fisheries also play a very important role in the economic growth of the state as 10% of total fish and over 70% of the shrimp production of India is received from Andhra Pradesh only.

Significant Agrarian Crops of Andhra Pradesh

Minor Millets, Coarse Grain, Rice, Wheat, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Many Varieties Of Pulses, Sugarcane Cotton and Oilseeds.

Industries in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has gained from technological advancements in past few years and the same can be seen in the growth of its industrial sectors. Its domestic product of Industrial sector accounts for INR 507.45 billion and information technology and biotechnology are among the most focused sectors of the state at present. Tourism has also become one of the important factors of economic development of Andhra Pradesh due to the abundance of religious spots, wildlife destinations, heritage sites, beaches and many more attractions.

Visakhapatnam being the producer of polymers, fertilizers, steel, metals, petroleum and heavy engineering equipment, has emerged as the most flourishing industrial areas of Andhra Pradesh. It also facilitates ship building and ports and fishing as the same is situated on the coastline. The city has achieved a revenue of INR 14.45 billion from the IT/ITES sector alone in the year of 2012-13.

Also Read: Economy of Vijayawada | Economy of Visakhapatnam

Industrial Policies and Initiatives by Government of Andhra Pradesh

Government of Andhra Pradesh in recent times has taken several steps and measures to improve the efficiency of the state in terms of business and economy. One of the main focal point of the Andhra government is to enhance the agricultural productivity of the state by elevating the condition of the farmers of the region. Department of Agriculture is the main authority to provide farmers with required knowledge and tools for imropvement of agricultural produces of the state. It offers high yielding variety of crops, insecticides and pesticides to protect the crops from diseases and also organizes workshops from time to time for sharing of  modern techniques of cultivating by different cultivators. The state government has also come up with many plans to develop other sectors of the state as well. If someone sets up more than 200 electronic manufacturing clusters in the state, the government has incentive plans for the same. Government of Andhra Pradesh also offer similar other fiscal and policy incentives for various businesses under the Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2010–15. Andhra Pradesh is the proud owner of developing the first Electronic Hardware Policy of India as well.

Key Industries of Andhra Pradesh:
mines and minerals, Textiles and apparels, IT industry,  Automobiles and Auto components Industry, spices, horticulture, poultry farming, Bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals, Tourism and many more.

Also Read: Top Companies in Visakhapatnam | Vizag Steel Plant

Commissioner of Industries
Chirag Ali Lane, Abids,
Hyderabad - 500 001
Phone : 91-040-23441666
Fax : 91-040-23441611
Email: commr_inds@ap.gov.in
Website: www.apindustries.gov.in