Chapter – 3 Profile of Andhra Pradesh Region and District-wise
Post on 01-Jan-2017
260 Views
Preview:
Transcript
71
Chapter – 3
Profile of Andhra Pradesh Region and District-wise
The word “Andhra” was referred to in the “Itheriya Brahmana” for the
first time in 600 BC. Reference to Andhras was given in the Vyasa
“Mahabharath and also in “Vayupurana”. In the “Ramayana” of Valmiki also
the word Andhra was used. One of the sons of king Bali, by name Andhrudu
established the Andhra Kingdom as per Bhagavatham. Andhras and Andhakas
were one and same as maintained by the great Historian Mallampalli
Somashekara Sharma. Epigraphic evidence also substantial’s this relationships.
The word Telugu was first referred to by Nannayya in the Telugu Mahabarath.
Then in Sanskrit means the southern side. Telugus, Tehugus and Tenuguads
lived in the South India to the South of the Vindyas in the Buddhist literature,
Andhra area was labelled as Anda area which implies that they could not see the
other areas in India.
Megasthenese, the Greece ambassador to the Mouryan kings stated that
there was “Andire” Kingdom in the Krishna Godavari basin and it became
Andhra over time Srishilam, Kaleshwaram and Draksharamam are the three
Shiva kshetras and their combined name is “Trilingas” The name
Telugudesham/ Thrilinga desham came into existence as mentioned by
Vidyanath, the court poet of king Prathaparudra – II of Kakatiya dynasty.
The history of Andhra Pradesh dates back to twenty thousand to ten
thousand B.C. Ancient men lived in the Coastal area and there are evidences of
human existence in the excavations ‘Indica’ of Megasthenese, the epigraph of
Ashoka refer to the people of Andhra Pradesh. The epigraphies of Ashoka are
the first evidences of the existence of ‘Andhras’. Though there were different
kings and dynasties before the Sathavahana’s the real glory of Andhra’s
culminated in the Sathavahana era. Thirty Sathavahana kings ruled for over 450
72
years extending their rule over North India and Central India. Ikshwaks,
Pallavas, Salankanyas, Vishnukundiyans and Chalukyas ruled different parts of
Andhra Pradesh and extended their empires to other areas.
The Kakatiya kings unified the entire Andhra Pradesh and some parts of
neighboring states. Their rule extended between 973 – 1323 AD. Kakatiya
dynasty and its form ended with self sacrifices of Prataparudra – II in 1323 AD
on the bank of the river Narmada. Kakatiya period has brought glory, name and
fame to Andhra’s.
Kammas, Naikas, Padma Nayakas, Kondaveeti Reddy’s Gajapathi kings
ruled different parts of Andhra Pradesh after the fall of Kakatiya kingdom.
In the history of Andhra Pradesh Vijayanagara Kingdom and that period
is stated as the golden period (swarna yuga). This kingdom was established in
1336 with the blessings of sage Vidhyaranya on the bank of the river Thunga
Bhadra by Harihara and Bukkarayalu. Vijayanagara kingdom was ruled by
Sangama, Saluva, Thuluva and Araveeti dynasties. Krishnadevaraya (1505 –
1529) was called Andhra Bhojha. Telugu literature under his rule received all
encouragement. His court poets (8) were called “Asta Diggajhas” eight
elephants to uplift Telugu literature to sky high. His period was the real golden
era for the Telugu literature. Vijayanagara period was particularly known fro its
literary output. Works of great literarty merit were written in different genres of
literature. It was rightly called the ‘Age of Prabandhas’. Ashtadiggajas (eight
great elephants) adorned the court of Krishnadevaraya, a well known poet
himself. He authored Amuktamalyada. Other poets included Allasani Peddana,
Tenali Ramakrishan, Bhattumurthy, Nandi Timmana, Pingali Surana to name
only a few. Annamacharya, the padakavitapitamaha, who penned more than
30,000 songs, belonged to this period. Fine arts including architecture reached
their pinnacle of glory. The city of Hampi–Vijayanagara with its immense
73
architectural wealth along with Lepakshi sculpture and murals became world
famous.
The Bahamani Kingdom was established after defeating the armies of
Delhi Sultanate during the Tughlak rule. The Bahamanis ruled for less than two
centuries. Bahamani Kingdom owed much of its progress and development to
Mohammed Gawan, the prime minister of Muhammed Shah–II. He introduced
far reaching reforms in the fields of land revenue, education and general
administration. The coastal territories of the Andhra region were brought under
the Bahamani rule. The burden of taxation was high as rulers had to wage a
number of wars and also maintain a life of luxury. Industrial growth was
registered in the manufacturing of textiles, carpets, Bidri products, knives,
bronze and brass goods.
Prior to the Asafjahis, the Andhra Region (including the present
Telangana) was ruled for one and half century (1527-1687AD) by the illustrious
Qutbshahis, Persian Shia Muslims by origin. The Qutbshahis were tolerant
towards other faiths. Hindus belonging to different communities were also made
a part of the state administration. It was during this period that the landed gentry
called the Mirasidars emerged. They constituted the support base to the ruling
Qutbshahis. The latter day class of Zamindars were an offshoot of the
Mirasidars. Known in history for its heavy taxation, the Qutbshahis rule
witnessed economic prosperity. Trade and commerce flourished. European
trading eompanies established factories in the coastal areas such as
Masulipatnam which in the course of time became a renowned centre of
industry and commerce.
Qutabshahis rule was known for religious harmony. Royal patronage was
extended to Hindu temples Brahmin priests and scholars were granted
agraharas. Mention in this context, may be made to the well known temples at
74
Bhadrachalam, Malleeswaram and the village given as grant to Kuchipudi
bhagavataras in Krishna district. Under the influence of Sufism, several kankas
(Mathas) were established and festivals such as Naoroj and Mohurrum were
commonly celebrated by all communities. The influence of Hindusim on
Muslim architecture of this period could also be found as an eloquent testimony
of the formation of a composite Deccani culture.
The cultural florescence during the Qutabshahis rule was significant from
several angles. Language and literature of Urdu were undergoing changes
resulting in the formation of Deccani language and culture. Kshetrayya, the first
exponent of Sringara through his padams and Bhakta Ramadas with his
keertanas on Lord Rama of Bhadrachalam enriched both music and literature.
In the Muslim architectural constructions of the period, the influence of
Hindu symbols such as Poornakumbha, lotus swans and elephants could be
found. Literacy and cultural glory reached its peak and cultural synthesis was
achieved. Social protest was evident in the poems of Vemana and
Veerabrahmam. They directed their ire against social evils and also the
orthodoxy as represented by Brahmin priestly classes. Condemning caste
inequalities, they were egalitarian and secular in their outlook. These reformist
trends had the Islamic influence and also the trace of influence of medieval saint
philosophers like Kabir and Nanak.
Andhra under the Colonial Rule
The forgoing account is provided so as to serve as a curtain raiser to
modern period as many of these developments had a significant bearing on it.
The Asafjahis established their power in 1724 AD and till the beginning of the
19th century, over the three regions of Andhra - Telangana Rayalaseema and
coastal territory. By 1802 AD Andhra and Rayalaseema regions were finally
brought under the British rule. Telangana along with some other territories in
75
the present Karnataka and Maharashtra states remained as an ‘independent’
state of Hyderabad under Asafjahis. In their growth and development these two
areas, Andhra (including Rayalaseema) and Telangana differed seriously. This
distinctiveness was visible in administrative, social and cultural spheres.
The colonial rule, spread over a period of one and half centuries,
witnessed three major developments. They were interrelated and one led to the
emergence of the other. First, the effects of colonial intervention in the native
economy through the introduction of two revenue settlements – the permanent
and Ryotwari, in particular, the latter changed the economic face of the region.
Their impact on agriculture and industry led to structural changes in the socio
economic set up. Commercialization of agriculture, to suit the industrial needs
of England, was one of the serious consequences of these settlements. Pressed
to pay land revenue in cash, peasants borrowed money. They also took to the
production of cash crops and were thus exposed to the fluctuations of money
market. The legal system introduced by the British ushered in even more far
reaching changes in the agriculture sector than land revenue. Now, peasants
were place at the money of law courts where money lenders could get favorable
decisions by engaging lawyers.
Behind the development of this period was the construction of anacuts
(bridges) on the Godavari and Krishna rivers in 1952 and 1955 respectively.
They immensely helped the growth of agriculture in the Godavari and Krishna
districts which since then came to be called the granary of Andhra. The
conditions of peasantry were considerably improved along with the benefits
accrued to the wealthier sections. The construction of railways, in this part of
the country was commenced in 1890 AD and was over by 1893 AD. The
railways contributed to the further growth of trade and commerce and also made
journey easy and cheap. They also led to the flow of ideas from and the direct
access to the Presidency metropolis (Madras city).
76
The urbanization in Andhra began by the middle of the 19th century and
many towns came into existence by the close of the century. The movement of
rural population to the urban areas was largely due to the higher wages and
greater freedom from caste repression which the towns held out to the ‘lower
sections’ of the population and to the superior social and educational advantages
and the more varied amenities which they offered to the better off classes.
Generally the railways increased the trade of these places where they reached
and also created new trading centers along its track. Introduction of modern
education in these places made a number of rich rural upper and middle castes
people to migrate to these urban centers. The new professional classes (educated
middle class) came into existence in the wake of these towns. Middle classes
fought for liberal and democratic values and respected individual freedom but
not religious authority. They stood for intellectual freedom and social mobility
and became the carriers of new ideas and provided social basis for and
orientation to social reform movements.
The social reform movements were the second major development that
took place during the colonial period of modern Andhra. Twin objectives
guided these movements. One is to connect with the colonial culture and,
second, to initiate reforms to effect social transformation. The reform efforts in
Andhra were best represented by the movement initiated by Kandukuri
Veeresalingam. He evinced, like other reformers of the 19th century, a keen
interest in the spread of scientific knowledge and the growth of rational
thinking. Being a great literary figure, he made use of literature to spread reform
ideas among the people. Literature, Veeresalingam, was means to an end. Being
a moderate in politics, he extolled the virtues of British rule and was thus a
victim of ‘false consciousness’ as were the other reformers of the 19th century
who believed in the instrumentality of British rule for the transformation of
Indian society. Yet he was not an evident of status quo; he believed in the
77
organic theory of progress and in the given situation in India championed the
cause of social reform as the immediate task. The central concern of social
reform endeavours was the emancipation of women.
In the wake of the social movements, the organization of district social
conferences became a regular phenomenon. These social conferences slowly
graduated into politically-conscious district conferences. They discussed the
public issues concerning the people of respective districts and championed their
cause by passing resolutions, submitting memoranda to the government
officials. There emerged a non-Brahmin consciousness in the coastal districts of
Andhra but it did not take the form of anti-Brahmin feelings like in Tamilnadu.
Therefore, some of the leading personalities of the non-Brahmin movement like
Thripuraneni Ramaswamy Chowdary did not adopt anti-congress stance, and in
fact, became an integral part of the national movement. The unique feature of
the national liberation struggle in the Andhra region was the simultaneous
growth of the left movement, which in its initial stages was a part of it. Later on
during the 1940s, it developed into a strong communist movement with its
strong presence among the Kisans (farmers), industrial labour, students and the
youth. It is noteworthy that the communist movement in Andhra took up,
besides its politico-economic programme, the unfinished tasks of bourgeois
democratic revolution, reviving the renaissance spirit of the earlier times paving
the way for democratization of language, literature and culture.
Conditions of Hyderabad state under the Nizam
In the Telangana region of the erstwhile Hyderabad State, as noted
earlier, the Asafijahis established their rule in 1724 AD. Asafijahis, though by
and large, religiously tolerant, were essentially religious fundamentalists. They
were not popular economically and socially the region remained backward. In
the Telangana region the major reform activity centered round the Arya Samaj
78
with its Hindu religious overtones. However, it did not lead to religious
revivalism. On the other hand the consciousness that came out of Arya Samaj
activites gradually turned into nationalist upsurge. Swamy Ramananda Tirtha
was the leader of the movement and by 1930s the national movement gained
momentum in the Telangana region.
In the Hydrabad State under the Nizam there were three major linguistic
divisions, Telangana, Karnataka and Marathwada. All these territories put
together, it was 82,000 square miles in extent with about 20 million population.
Of this Telugu speaking people were more than ten million occupying about
50,000 square miles. It was thoroughly neglected during the rule of the Nizams.
The poor people mostly dependent on agriculture were subjected to forced
labour such as begar and vetti. Their conditions were worse than serfs. The
language and literature were totally neglected. Even to peak in Telugu which
was their mother tongue.
When the Indian National Congress was established in 1885 AD, the
enlightened sections of the state welcomed the event. Among them Aghoranath
Chattopadhyaya, father of Sarojini Naidu, Mulla Abdulla Khayyam, Sorabji,
Ismail Saheb, Iawyer Ramachandra Pillai were prominent. The steady growth of
journalism and journals like Hyderabad Record, and Shaukat-ul-Islam were
placed under strict surveillance. Political consciousness per se was evidenced
only by 1920s AD. However, with the organization of Arya Samaj in 1882 AD,
social awareness was gradually taking shape. The social culture movements in
the Andhra region during this period also had their deep impact. In 1901 AD,
with the initiative taken by Komarraju Lakshmana Rao, Sri
Krishnadeverayandhra Bhasha Nilayam, the first Telugu library, was
established in Hyderabad in 1901 AD. A number of literary, scientific and
historical works were published under the aegis of Vignana Chandrika Grandha
Mandali organized by Komarraju. With the establishment of Osmania
79
University in 1919 AD, the process of enlightenment quickened. The nationalist
movement under the leadership of Gandhiji in the second decade of the 20th
century had its strong impact mainly on the urban centers, Hyderabad, Warangal
and other towns. Already the literary movement which spread to several places
familiarized people with the latest publications of politics, economy literature
and culture. The ‘Constructive programme’ launched by Gandhiji inspired
people to take part in activities such as untouchability, Khadi, Hindi learning,
Swaraj fund and the like. Mention should be made of leaders like Jayasurya,
Akbar Ali Khan, Makbool Mohammed Ansari, Mir Muhammad Hussain and
several others who took active part in all these programmes. Khilafat Movement
was effectively organized in Hyderabad, Raichur, Gulbarga, Karimnagar,
Medak, Jangaon and other places. Without differences of religion, people in
large numbers enthusiastically participated.
Andhra Jana Sangham, a social and cultural organization representing the
emerging popular sentiment to revive, protect and propagate Telugu language,
literature and culture and also to spread social and political enlightenment in the
Telangana region was formed in 1922 AD. It was an event of great significance.
Leader like Madapati Hanumantha Rao, Adiraju Veerabhadra Rao, Burgula
Ramakrishna Rao, shaped the organization into a powerful body through their
service and sacrifice. Gradually, the Sangham was focusing on the concerns of
common people and poorer sections of society. They apposed vetti and
condemned the autocratic rule of the Nizam. To educate people, they brought
out several books, leaflets and published prestigious scholarly special numbers
like Kakatiya Sanchika. Through journals such as Nilagiri Patrika, Golkonda
Patrika, Telugu Patrika, they developed literary taste and spread enlightened
ideas relating to society and culture. Despite, a number of obstacles created by
the Nizam government, the Jana Sangham gradually evolved into a powerful
voice representing people’s problems. The transformation of the Jana Sangham
80
into Andhra Mahasabha at Jogipet in 1930 AD, heralded a new phase in the
history of Telangana people’s struggle against the Nizam. As an adjunct to the
Mahasabha, women’s wing was added at Jogipet. The Mahasabha now
expanded its agenda and became more people-oriented. Undertaking
programmes such as the protection of the rights of peasantry in Jagir lands,
women’s education, abolition of Purdah system, making Telugu the medium of
instruction, local elections and the like. By 1944 AD, the radical influence of
the communist party on the Mahasabha resulted in a split. The so-called
moderates under the leadership of Madapati Hanamantha Rao and K.V. Ranga
Reddy started ‘Jatiya Andhra Mahasabha’ which advocated the merger of
Hyderabad State in the Indian Union.
The Andhra Mahasabha on one hand and the Hyderabad congress
committee on the other participated in the national movement fighting against
the odds created by the autocratic rule of the nizam.from1938,when the
Hyderabad state congress was formed, it fought hand in hand against the Nizam.
their two fold programme, as stated earlier, was to work for the merger of the
state in the prospective free India and to fight against the Nizam’s anti-people’s
policies. The movement for the merger of the Hyderabad state into the union
gained momentum as it was drawing inspiration from the major political events
towards freedom were taking place all over the country outside Nizam’s
dominions. The merger movement was organized under the auspices of a
separate organizing committee. Resources, both men and materials, came in
abundance from outside. The Razakars, so-called volunteers, comparable to the
Nazistorm troupers of Hitler’s Germany were organized under the leadership of
Kasim Razvi with the avowed objects of ‘protecting’ the ‘special status’ of
Muslims as well as the Hindu nobles of the Nizam’s court. The Razakers let
loose a rein of terror all over the state, in particular the Telangana region.
81
By 1946 the Communists were leading an armed peasant struggle against
the Nizam. They fought against the Razakars and protected people in the
countryside. The Nizam’s rule almost became non-existent expect in the twin
cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. He was forced to conclude a ‘Stand Still
Agreement’ with the union government,though he did not implement it. It was
by this time known that the Nizam was secretly conspiring to merge the
Hyderabad state with Pakistan. Considering this as a potential threat to the
security of the nation, the Union government launched ‘Operation Polo’, the
Police Action. Without much resistance, forces of the Nizam surrendered on
17th September 1948. With this the Hyderabad State was merged into the Indian
Union.
The Formation of Andhra Province
History of Andhra’s, as seen above had undergone several vicissitudes
under the rule of several dynasties. In the process they were scattered all over
Deccan and lost their identity. Finally the British brought under their control the
coastal Andhra and the Ceded Districts (Rayalaseema region) by the year 1802
AD. The area under the rule of Nizam was called Telangana.
The demand for Andhra province, separating from the Madras Presidency
originated in a seed form at the beginning of the 20th century. During 1903-
1904, young Men’s Literary Association was formed in Guntur. Among its
prominent members mention may be made of Jonnavitthla Gurunatham, Unnava
Lakshminarayana, Nyapati Narayana Rao, G.Sitarama Sastry, Duggirala
Gopalakrishnayya and few others. Gurunatham wrote articles in The Hindu on
the backwardness of the Andhras in the Madras Presidency in the economic,
educational and cultural spheres. In the higher echelons of administration
members of Andhras were much less compared to Tamils. Later on journals like
Desabhimani came forward with the suggestion that Andhras should have a
82
separate political status to meet their aspirations and requirements. The
correspondent of Desabhimani, C.Seshagiri Rao,pointed out the importance of
language in the development of a people [Jati] and in binding them with love
and feeling of oneness. The articles in Desabhimani exhorted the other
newspapers, Andhra Patrika and Krishnapatrika to demand a separate State. The
growing freedom struggle due to the strong impetus provided by the
Vandemataram movement and active participation of Andhra leaders in it
further strengthened the sentiment for a separate state. In 1911 the members of
young Men’s Association at Guntur drew a map of united Andhra including
Telugu territories in the Nizam and also the Provinces. They also questioned
that when the people of Bihar were grated a separate state, why not a separate
province be constituted for Andhras?
At this took place 21st Krishna – Guntur district conference at
Nidadavolu. Simultaneous organization of social and literary conferences on the
same occasion and at the same venue was a special feature. It was at this
conference that the idea of separate Andhra took a definite shape when it was
decided to organize an all Andhra conference to discuss the issue thoroughly.
Accordingly the first Andhra Conference was held at Bapatla in 1913 AD.
Konda Venkatappayya was the secretary of the organizing committee along
with other members, Unnava Lakshminarayana and Vinjamuri
Bhavanacharyulu. The resolutions passed at the conference strengthened the
demand for a separate state. It was followed by several district conferences. A
separate committee was constituted under the leadership of Konda
Venkatappayya to visit different places in Andhra to educate and mobilize
people.
A series of conferences were held as a sequel to Bapatla session where
discussions were held and resolutions were passed. Due to the consistent efforts
put up by the Andhra Congress leaders, a separate Andhra Congress committee
83
was constituted in 1918 AD. This signaled the first victory of the movement for
a separate state. The next land mark of the movement was the establishment of
Andhra University at Vijayawada in 1926 AD. It is significant that a university
for the first time, was named after a people (Jati). However, the Rayalaseema
region staked claim for the headquarters of the university at Anantapur and
when it was rejected, the Rayalaseema colleges got affiliated to the nearby
Madras University. These incidents led to serious differences between the two
regions of Andhra and Rayalaseema. It caused considerable damage to the cause
of separate Andhra. The defeat of Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao in the
presidential elections of the Andhra Congress Committee sharpened these
differences. Efforts were made to bridge the differences. Sri Bhag pact was
concluded in 1937 AD between leaders of the two regions. The contents of the
pact are summarized below.
a) Under the auspices of the Andhra University, two centres, one at
Waltair and the other at Anantapur, shall be opened.
b) In the composition of the legislature, all districts shall be provided
equal representation.
c) In the location of the High Court and capital, the choice shall be given
to the Rayalaseema region.
d) In providing irrigation facilities through the river waters of Krishna,
Thungabhadra and Pennar and the construction of anicuts on them,
Rayalaseema should get preferential treatment.
Despite the Sri Bhag Pact, the formation of Andhra province was put off,
as some came to believe, due to munipulations of C. Rajagopalachari, the then
Chief Minister of the Madras Presidency. In the mean time the Second World
War broke out and in 1947 AD India secured independence.
84
In November, 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister, declared the
Union Government’s willingness to reorganize India on linguistic basis and
spoke in favour of separate Andhra. Sequel to Nehru’s declaration a
commission was constituted under the chairmanship of Justice S.K. Dar to look
into matters relating to the formation of new states, delineation of borders and
issues lelating to economy and general administration. The Dar Commission in
its report recommended that for the present no new provinces should be formed.
Further it stated that formation of provinces on linguistic consideration was not
in the larger interest of the nation. There was an uproar on this report. Hence
another committee comprising of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and
Pattabhi Sitaramayya (the J.V.P Committee) was constituted in 1949 AD to re-
examine the issue of formation of linguistic state. It recommended
postponement of formation linguistic provinces for some time except in the case
of Andhra, provided Andhra gave up its claim to Madras city.
It was in this background that Potti Sriramulu began his fast unto death
on 19th October 1952 at Madras. The fast continued for quite a long period and
after 58 days Sriramulu passed away on 15th December 1952 and became a
martyr for the long cherished dream of the Andhras. Under the pressure of
chaotic and unruly conditions that followed, Nehru announced the formation of
Andhra province with the undisputed Telugu districts without Madras city.
Justice K.N. Wanchoo was appointed the special officer to report on financial,
administrative and other implications. Finally the Andhra province was formed
with 11 districts and three taluks of Bellary district with Kurnool as capital. The
Congress party formed the government with Tanguturi Prakasam as Chief
Minister and Neelam Sanjivareddy as Deputy Chief Minister. On October 1st
1953 Prime Minister Nehru inaugurated the first ever linguistic state of India.
85
Emergence of Andhra Pradesh
Telangana region under the feudal rule of Nizam came to an end in 1948
AD, due to the heroic Telangana peasant struggle which paved the way for the
subsequent ‘Police Action’ by the Union Government in 1948 AD. Major
General J.N. Chowdary was the military governor of the Hyderabad state till
December 1949 AD. In the next year M.A. Vellodi was appointed the Chief
Minister. In December 1953 AD, the Union Government set up a States
Reorganization Commission to consider the question of reorganization of States
Reorganisation Commission to consider the question of reorganization of States
on linguistic basis with Sd. Fazal Ali as Chairman and K.M. Panikkar and
H.V.Kunzru as members. Now the unification of Andhra province and the
Telangana appeared to be a reality dreamed by leaders of both the regions.
Nevertheless there were a few who wanted Telangana to be a separate state.
In the meantime the general elections were held in 1952 AD. The
Congress came to power with the support of its members elected from the
Kannada and Marathi speaking regions. In the Telangana the Congress could
not secure absolute majority as the communists scored resounding victory and
were in a majority. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was sworn in as Chief Minister.
The communists intensified their demand for Visalandhra and in fact started a
newspaper by that name. Even prior to 1947 AD, Puchalapalli Sundarayya, the
leader of the Communist Party, wrote a book called Visalandhra Prajarajyam
(People’s government in Visalandhra) presenting detailed blue print of the
future scenario of the united province highlighting various plans and schemes.
On the other hand, the Congress leaders of Telangna were divided on the
issue. Swami Ramananda Tirtha and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao and others
favoured the formation of Visalandhra whereas K.V. Ranga Reddy, M. Chenna
Reddy and others opposed it. Even the Telangana Regional Congress
86
Committee was positive about Visalandhra. They presented their views before
the States Reorganization Commission (SRC) accordingly. The S.R.C.
presented the report in September, 1955 AD. The Commission recommended
the disintegration of Hyderabad state and formation of Visalandhra. It
underlined the benefits of large state comprising of both Andhra and Telangana,
with about 32 million people and considerable rich hinterland, plenty of water
and power resources, mineral wealth and raw materials. It even suggested that
Hyderabad would be highly suitable as the capital.
However, it concluded that there was considerable strength in the
advocacy of separate Telangana state. It recommended that in the next general
elections likely to be held in 1961 AD, if a 2/3 majority of the members in the
new legislature of the Hyderabad state opts for a united state, Visalandhra could
be formed. Until then Telangana should be continued as a separate state.
The advocates of Telangana were elated with the report. But the majority
of people including the Congress and communist legislators expressed their
resentment. The communist legislators declared that they were prepared to
resign to their legislative membership and contest again on the issue of
Visalandhra. In the vote taken in the Hyderabad legislature, of the 174 members
of the House barring the speaker, 147 who participated in the voting, 103 were
in favour of Visalandhra whereas 29 voted for Telangana and 15 members
remained neutral.
Meanwhile the Andhra Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a
resolution favouring the formation of a united Telugu province. Under these
circumstances, the Congress High Command convened a meeting of the
representatives of the two regions in Delhi in February 1956 AD. To dispel the
doubts of Telangana leaders, certain safeguards were provided in the
Gentlemen’s Agreement signed by the leaders of both the regions including the
87
Chief Ministers and Presidents of the Pradesh Congress Committees. The
Gentlemen’s Agreement was signed by Bezavada Gopala Reddy, Neelam
Sanjeeva Reddy, Gouthu Lachchnna and Alluri Satyanarayana Raju on behalf of
Andhra region and Burugula Ramakrishna Rao, K.V. Ranga Reddy, Marri
Chenna Reddy and J.V. Narsing Rao on behalf of Telangana. The main
provisions of the agreement are summarized below.
1. The administrative expenditure should be borne proportionately by the
two regions.
2. The educational facilities should be provided exclusively to the students
of Telangana with some exceptions. Further improvements in this regard
should be made.
3. Recruitment to the services shall be done on the basis of population of the
regions.
4. Domicile rules should be made on the basis of residence for a certain
number of years, for example 12 years to assure the prescribed proportion
to the recruitment of service for the Telangana area.
5. Steps will be initiated to constitute a Regional Council for the Telangana
region with a view to ensure its all-round development.
6. The Council shall be a statutory body.
7. The Council of Ministers will consist of members in proportion of 60 to
40 per cent for the Andhra and Telangana regions respectively.
8. If the Chief Minister is from Andhra, the Deputy Chief Minister will be
from Telangana and vice- versa.
88
When the demands of the Telangana leaders were met, there were no
major hurdles in the formation of a united state. The new state was christened as
Andhra Pradesh which came into existence on 1st November 1956 AD.
Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state in the country today in terms of
population and fourth in the aspect of area in the country. It has an area of 2.75
lakh sq. km. forming 8.37 per cent of the total geographic area of the country.
The state’s population according to the 2011 census, is 8.47 crore which
constitutes 7.86 per cent of the all-India population.
Physical features of Andhra Pradesh
The State is situated in tropical region between the latitudes 130 to 200
North, and the longitudes 770 to 850 East. It is bounded by Bay of Bengal in the
East, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra in the North,
Karnataka in the West, and Tamil Nadu in the South. The State has a long coast
line of 974 km. running from Ichapuram in Srikakulam district in the North to
Sullurpet in Nellore district in the South. There are 13 working ports in the State
including one major port (Visakhapatnam) and two inermedate ports (Kakinada
and Machilipatnam). Visakhapatnam is the only major port between Kolkatta
and Chennai with an excellent natural harbour, whose hinterland stretches into
Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Orissa. The development of Visakhapatnam
port was largely influenced by the massive export of iron ore from Bailadilla in
Chattisgarh to Japan. The ports of Kakinada and Machilipatnam have rich
hinterland comprising coastal Andhra Pradesh producing agricultural
commodities and minerals.
The state is divided into 23 districts for administrative purposes. Starting
from the North-East in a clockwise order, they are Srikakulam, Vizianagaram,
Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam,
Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur, Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar, Hyderabad,
89
Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam, and Nalgonda districts. It is usual to refer to the region constituted
by the 10 districts of Mahabubnagar, Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy Medak,
Nizabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda drawn
from the erstwhile Hyderabad State as the Telangana region. The Southern
plateau districts of Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor are referred to as
Rayalaseema Region or the Ceded districts and the rest of the districts are called
the Coastal Andhra. These areas present considerable regional disparities in
their economic development, the coastal Andhra region obviously being the
most prosperous area and the other two being backward-historically, politically
as well as administratively, as also from the point of economic development.
These three areas are from distinct regions for demarcation and study.
Viewing the state as a whole from the east three distinct physical zones
can be discerned, viz (1) the Coastal Plains (2) the Eastern Ghats and (3) the
Western Peneplains.
The hydro-power potential of the water resources of the state has been
estimated at about 2900 MW. The existing hydro-generation capacity is of the
order of 2660 MW indicating limited scope for further expansion and it is
proposed to tap the balance potential also through the hydro-projects now under
execution.
The total length of navigable waterways in Andhra Pradesh is about 2350
km, which is about on-sixth of the total length of inland water system in the
country. The inland water transport system of the state consists of a navigable
river length of 530 km and navigable canal length of 1820 km. In addition,
about 720 km., of drains in Krishna-Godavari delta are also navigable. The
Buckingham Canal connects Vijayawada and Chennai.
90
Climate and Rainfall
Andhra Pradesh receives its rainfall both from the South-West, as well as
the North-East monsoons. The South-West monsoon generally starts from early
June and lasts till about the end of September. The North-East monsoon occurs
from October to December. By virtue of the varying land formations of the
plateau and east coast with the intervening hill ranges, the effects of the
monsoons vary in the different regions. The average annual rainfall ranges from
about 74cm.,in the South to about 200cm.,in the North with considerable
fluctuations. The Rayalaseema regions is a zone of precarious rainfall, annual
average being hardly 69cm. the maximum rainfall is received in this area in the
month of August, September and October. Agriculture is dependent mostly on
the vicissitudes of the monsoon which often fails and this area has long been
known as the ‘stalking ground of famines’.
Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda districts in Telangana receive the lowest
rainfall of 75cm.followed by Rangareddy {81cm.}.other districts of Telangana
receive as average rainfall of over 95cm. North-East monsoon is least important
in this region being less than the rainfall received in any month during the
South-West monsoon.
The coastal area generally receives the highest average rainfall of about
102cm. the area north of the Godavari receives heavy rainfall of about 100 to
125cm. though the coastal area receives the benefit of both the monsoons, the
Eastern Ghats to some extent act as a barrier for this region to derive the fullest
benefit of the South-West monsoon. The hill ranges also prevent the returning
South-West monsoon winds from reaching the western plateau. The main
incidence of rain in the coastal region occurs in the month of October. The area
is also susceptible to frequent cyclones that generally occur between October
and December.
91
The state may be generally described as having a hot summer and a
pleasant winter. The summer months, March to June are fairly hot throughout
the state, may being the hottest month. The maximum and minimum
temperatures are 420C and 100 C respectively. The variation in the maximum
and minimum temperatures keeps increasing as one goes from the coast into the
interior.
The state has a long coastline of about 974 km indicating rich potential
for marine fisheries. With the estuaries, lagoons and backwaters covering nearly
640 km a river system with about 4,480 km in overall length, with tanks and
ponds covering about 10,125 hectares, and reservoirs about 1,11,375 hectares,
there is ample scope for development of inland fisheries.
Forest Wealth
Forests cover an area of 61,99,225 hectares forming 23.2 per cent of the
geographic area of the state. However, according to satellite data on remote
sensing imagery, forest area in the state had declined from 49 thousand sq. km.
during the survey period 1972-75 to 40.4 thousand sq. km. during 1980-82,
indicating deforestation of the order of 17.5 per cent.
The total growing stock representing the forest wealth of the state is
estimated at 200 million cubic meters of wood and 3.85 million tones of
bamboo.
Among the different species of wood, the total stock of teak is estimated
at 25.7 million cubic meters or nearly 13 per cent of the total stock. At the other
end, red sanders accounts for the smallest stock of 0.12 million cubic meters
forming less than 0.1 per cent of the total stock of wood. More than half of the
teak stock is concentrated in East Godavari and Adilabad catchments and nearly
92
another quarter in Warangal and Kothagudem catchments. As regards red
sanders, more than three-fourths is in the Nallamala Region.
Bamboo forests are situated in an area of less than 10,000 sq. km. pure
bamboo forests occur in one-fourth of this area, dense in another one-fourth of
the area and in a scattered from in the remaining half of the area. Nearly three-
fifths of the total stock of bamboo is in the East Godavari and Adilabad
catchments.
Geology
The state possesses a variety of geological formations, the oldest being
the Dharwar group of rocks. These rocks are well distributed throughout the
state and possess rich minerals. Horn blends, schists and ferruginous quartzite
are found in parts of Anantapur, Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar and
Adilabad districts. The ranges of Eastern Ghats covering Krishna, West
Godavari, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts are
composed of Khondalites. These rocks possess deposits of manganese, graphite,
bauxite and iron. The peninsular granites cover Chittoor, Anantapur, Kurnool,
Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and
Adilabad districts. The granites are mainly used in masonry constructions. The
purna formations are sedimentary rocks younger than Dharwar and peninsular
granites. They are mainly composed of limestone and hales and they occupy the
major part of Kurnool and Kadapa districts and parts of Mahabubnagar,
Nalgonda, Guntur, Ranga Reddy, Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, and
Adilabad districts. Asbestos, barites and steatite occur in these formations. The
Gondwana formations occur in the Godavari valley. The coal deposits of
Singareni Collieries occur in this formation. The Deccan trap is the next
geological formation. It starts from East Godavari and passes through
Telangana. The rock is used in grinding and crushing stones.
93
Andhra Pradesh is the second largest storehouse of mineral resources in
India. A total of 48 mineral are located with vast explored resources of coal,
limestone, bauxite, barites, mica, beach sands, granite, limestone slabs etc and
good resources of oil and natural gas, manganese, asbestos, iron ore, ball clay,
fireclay, gold, diamond, graphite, dolomite, quartz, tungsten, steatite, feldspar,
silica sand, uranium etc.
Rivers in Andhra Pradesh
Almost all the rivers in the state flow from North – West to South-East.
Most of the rivers emanate in the Eastern Ghats and join the Bay of Bengal
expect Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Penna, Pranahitha, and few. These
rivers are rainfed and as such water levels are high during the monsoons and
low during summer like sandy patches.
The river Godavari originating at Nasika Trayambakam in the Western
Ghats is the most important one in the state. It is referred to as the ‘Ganga of the
South’, since it is the largest of the rivers in the South India. It flows for about
770 km in Andhra Pradesh, providing water to Adilabad, Nizamabad,
Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and the Godavari districts. Its tributaries,
Manjeera, Pranahitha, Indravathi, Sabari and Sileru are also of note worthy
nature. Culture Civilisation and the agrarian economy of Andhra Pradesh owe
much to their river. The entire coal-belt in the state is stretched over the banks
of this river which is born to the state.
Krishna is another important river with its origin at Mahablesvarm in the
western Ghats. it covers the states of Maharastra,Karnataka and enters Andhra
Pradesh at Mukhtal in Mahaboobnagar districts. More than 25% of its
1440k.m.s flow is in the state extending over Mahaboobnagar, Kurnool,
Nalgonda, Guntur and Krishna districts. Tungabhadra, Paleru, Koyana, Moosi,
Bheemavaram and Munneru are some of its tributaries. Every drop of water in
94
this river is exploited for agriculture power generation and drinking water
facility. Cement factories are in good number on the banks of this river. In fact
the very economy of Andhra Pradesh depends to a large extent on the water
level in the river Krishna as Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailum, Prakasam barrage are
some important projects drawing water from it.
River Penna originating in Karnataka enters Andhra Pradesh in
Anantapur district. It covers Anantapur, Cuddapah and Nellore districts of its
600k.m.s flow more than 18% is in Andhra Pradesh. Chitravathi, Kunderu,
Nagitesu are some of the important tributaries.
Tungabhadra is the biggest tributary to the river Krishna. This river is a
mix of two rivers Tunga and Bhadra originating in the Western Ghats in
Karnataka it joins the Krishna at Amalapur in Kurnool district. Tungabhadra
Dam on this river is an important one in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh eagerly
awaits the release of water from this dam.
Manjeera, born in Maharastra enters Medak district in Andhra Pradesh
and covers Medak, Nizamabad districts. Nizam Sagar is on this river in
Nizamabad district. Ultimately it joins the river Godavari. Pranahita another
important tributary of the Godavari is a mix of three small rivers, Penganga,
Venganga and Wardha. It hails from the Satpura mountain ranges in Madhya
Pradesh and flows in the district of Adilabad. Finally it joins the Godavari at
Chennur.
The river Moosi is important in Ranga Reddy district. Gandipet reservoir
which meets the drinking water needs of the twin cities is on this river. Its origin
is the Ananthagiri hills and it flows through Hyderabad, enters Nalgonda district
and joins the Krishna at Vadapalli.
95
Palair, a small river born in Warangaldistrict flows for about 140 km, in
Nalgonda and Khammam districts and joins the river Krishna near Jaggaiahpet
in the Krishna district. Similarly Munner, another small river hails in Pakala
tank in Warangal district flows through Khammam district flows for about 198
km and joins the Krishna river at Keesara.
Most of the rivers in the state hover around the Godavari and Krishna and
thus the river structure in Andhra Pradesh is very closely linked up with the
Godavari and Krishna. There are many river valley projects under proposed
constructions on these two rivers adding to the water potential in the state.
Vamsadhara is born in the Eastern Ghats at Jaipur, Orissa and flows for
about 96 km in that state. It enters A. P in Srikakulam district and covers 130
km in the state and the joins the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam. Nagavali,
another river originates in Odisha and flows through Vizianagaram and
Srikakulam districts. Its tributaries like Suvarnamukhi, Janjhavati and Vegavati
also are important. It finally conjoins at Kallepalli, Srikakulam district in the
Bay of Bengal.
Machkhand/Muchikunda hails in the hills of Madugula in the
Visakhapatnam district. It flows on the edge of A.P in Odisha. The famous
hydro electric project ‘Duduma’ is on this river. Ultimately it joins the Bay of
Bengal.
Gundlakamma is born in the Nllamal hills in the Kurnool district. It flows
for about 235 kms in Guntur and Prakasam districts and join the Bay of Bengal.
A few rivers and rivulets in the state are not connected with the Godavari
and Krishna Basins, Kolleru, extending over 259 sq kms is between Krishna and
West Godavari districts in a famous fresh water lake. It attracts birds of
different hues from abroad and in famous for its flora and fauna besides fishers.
96
Pulicott lake in Nellore district is another important water source though its
water is saltish.
Andhra Pradesh is some times referred to as the state of rivers. The rivers
of different dimensions and the lakes conserve the ground water level and are
the basis for irrigation and power generation. The state in its progressive strides
in agriculture owes much to these water sources. Most of the religious cultural
and commercial centers in the state are on the banks of theses rivers.
Transport Facilities in the State
Transport facilities constitute the nervous system for agriculture, industry,
trade & commerce and tourism. A. P. has different modes of transportation
connecting the state with the other parts of the country and even abroad.
A. Roads: Total road length in the state is about 1.26 lakh kms. National
High ways and State High ways are the vital ones. The State has 4.6
thousand Kms of National High ways, N.H. 4, 5, 7, 9, 18, 43, 63, 205,
214, 219, 221, 222 and 234 connect the state with other states. These
National High ways stretch through the state. State High ways, District
High ways and link roads connect the different parts of the state.
B. Railways: South Central Railway, with its Head Quarters at
Secunderabad is the most important zone in A.P. 3812 Kms of Railway
lines are under the South Central Railway against the total of 5046 Kms.
Southern Railways and South East Railways are also operating in the
state. Chennai – Howrah, Chennai – Mumbai, Chennai – New Delhi,
Secunderabad – New Delhi/ Mumbai are the important lines. The State is
connected with the entire nation through railway. Vijayawada, Kazipet,
Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam are the important Railway Junctions.
97
C. Water ways: A.P. is lucky in having about 1000 Kms of Coastal line.
The Godavari and Krishna alones with their canals also serve as water
ways. Water Transportation is cheap especially with regard to bulk goods.
There are ports of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Narasapur,
Vaolarevu and Kalingapatnam is a natural port supported by ‘Dolphin’s
house’ a hillock. There is Hindusthan Ship Buildings Yard in
Visakhaptnam. Ports and port towns act like hubs of economic activities.
D. Air ways: Air India and Indian Airlines operate International and
National flights. There are Cargo services also to move goods
Shamshabad in Hyderabad is an International air port with global
standards. Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupathi, Rajahmundry,
Cuddapha also have air ports for internal flights. All major cities in India
and abroad are connected with the Shamshabad air port.
Industries in Andhra Pradesh.
Jute industry in A.P. is in the second place at the all India level. The first
Jute factory was established in 1905 at Eluru in West Godavari district. It is
concentrated in the districts of Vijayanagaram, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam,
Guntur and West Godavari as raw jute is available in these districts.
Sugar Industry in A.P. dates back to 1930’s with the establishment of
factories at Bobbili and Seethanagaram in Vijayanagaram districts by the Raja
of Bobbili. Over the years it has spread to Nizamabad, West Godavari, East
Godavari, Krishna, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool, Khammam, Cuddapah, Chittoor,
Medak, Srikakulam districts. Most of the factories are in the Co-operative
sector. Nizam Sugar Factory at Bodan of Nizamabad district is dominant than
the rest of the factories in the state, but it was privatized in 2004 under the
implementation of L.P.G. policies.
98
Textile Industry in the State is concentrated in Chittoor, Ananthapur,
Kurnool, Rangareddy, Adilabad, Warangal, East and West Godavari districts.
The first spinning mill was established in 1915 in the East Godavari district.
While the first weaving mill in Anathapur district in 1921.
Cement is an important component of the construction sector as well as
infrastructure facilities. Cement industry in the state was established in the late
1930’s – ACC in Vijayawada and Krishna cement factory in Guntur district.
Over the years the industry has expanded to Nalgonda, Adilabad, Cuddapah,
Kurnool besides Krishna and Guntur districts, with the increase in demand
factories and output in the industry has been increasing. Availability of raw
material is the basic factor for the contribution in the Krishna basin mostly.
Paper industry is also closely linked to the availability of raw materials,
Sirpur Paper Mills at Kagaznagar of Adilabad district, Andhra Paper Mills at
Rajahmundry of East Godavari district, Rayalaseema Paper Mills at (Adoni,
Kurnool dist) and Bhadrachalam Paper Boards (Bhadrachalam, Khammam dist)
are the major paper mills are in good number extending over Khammam,
Cuddapah, Srikakulam, Medak, East Godavari, Nellore and Krishna districts.
Straw Board and Plywood units are in a few centers.
Chemical fertilizers to give a boost to the green revolution are being
produced in the state. These units play a vital role in the state as A.P. is an
agrarian state to a large extent, Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) at
Ramangundam of Karimnagar district. Coramandal Fertilizers (Visakhapatnam)
Godavari Fertilizers (East Godavari) Hyderabad Chemicals and Fertilizers
(Hyd) are some of the important units.
Hyderabad is centrally located in the country and as such the Central
Government over the years has preferred to locate public sector units in the
state. H.M.T., B.H.E.L., E.C.I.L., H.C.L., I.D.P.L., are some of the Central
99
Government Units in Hyderabad. Hindusthan Ship Yard, B.H.P.V., Hindusthan
Zinc Ltd, Steel plant and Dredging Corporation of India are located in
Visakhapatnam. Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam alone account for Public Sector
Units under Central Government. Under the state government are located a few
units like Alwin Metal works in Hyderabad.
The state has a good number of cottage and small scale units spread over
different districts. Nirmal and Kondapalli are famous for toys. Gadwal,
Dharmavaram, Siricilla, Uppada and Guntur have their mark in sarees. Carpets,
Bangles, Musical instruments, Silk Garments, Agarbathis, Rold Gold jewelries
are produced in some parts of the state. Agro based units are in good number in
different districts.
Power Generation
Energy in the form of electricity is vital for economic development.
Domestic consumption and industrialization need more and more electricity
with the increasing population. Of late, Andhra Pradesh has slipped into power
deficient state though it was a surplus state a few years ago.
Hydro electricity is produced with water by operating turbans utilizing
the water stored in the projects. It is cheap and renewable. More over the state
has good number of rivers on which dams are constructed. The only problem is
shortage of water during summer as most of the rivers are rain fed.
Machkhand Hydro Electric generation has started since 1955 on the river
Machkhand. It is a joint venture between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and the
power is shared In 70:30 ratios. Srikakulam, Vizayanagaram, Visakhapatnam,
East and West Godavari districts, Krishna and Guntur districts receive power
from this centre.
100
Tungabhadra hydro electric project generates power which is shared by
the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It started to produce power from
1957, power produced there is supplied to Cuddapha, Kurnool, Anantapur and
Chittoor.
Nizam Sagar Hydro Electric Project is on the river Manjeera. It was
started during the Nizam region and power has been produced since 1936. Twin
cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad receive electricity from this project.
Upper Sileru project is on the river Sileru. Cost of production of
electricity per unit is the lowest from this project. Electricity from this project is
made available to Visakhapatnam and the adjoining areas.
Lower Sileru project is also on the river Sileru in the Bhadrachelam
Taluk. Natural water fall of 198 meters at the point where Tadikaragu joins
Sileru is taken for the construction of the project.
Srisailam project is on the river Krishna in Kurnool district. It is one of
the most important hydro power generating unit in Andhra Pradesh.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the largest dams in the country. It is on
the river Krishna providing water to many districts in the state. As it is multi
purpose project electricity is also generated. It was inaugurated and dedicated to
the nation by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955.
Coal deposits are abundant in the state. So the production of Thermal
power to meet the shortage in the power sector is important in the state. As the
rivers in Andhra Pradesh are rainfed Thermal Power Generation is imperative.
S.C.C.L Kothagudem provides coal for Thermal Power and the coal deposits
may last for more than 150 years
Vijayawada Thermal Power Station (1974); Kothagudam Thermal Power
Station in Khammam district (1966); Nellore Thermal Powert Station (1950);
101
Husseninsagar Thermal Power Station in Secunderabad (1923) and the National
Thermal Power corporation at Ramagundam (1983) are important units in the
state. They generate power to meet the deficiency in Hydro Power requirements
in the state.
Andhra Pradesh Government has been seriously Planning to encourage
Solar Power Generation recently. It provides incentives to popularize Solar
Power so as to overcome the Power shortage in the years to come.
Special features of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was the first state to be constituted on linguistic basis in
1956 by combining the Telugu speaking districts of coastal Andhra and
Rayalaseema and the Telangana from the Nizam’s Hyderabad state. These
regions have different natural resources, geographical conditions, historical
legacies and institutional arrangements. Dissent in some form, has existed ever
since the integration in 1956 in the Telangana region.
Andhra Pradesh is one of the few states in the country which adopted the
green revolution especially in rice. Irrigation power, selective seeds and other
inputs were given importance in 1960’s and 1970’s. However the benefits
accured to the districts (mostly Coastal) where accured irrigation was available.
Dry land agriculture was neglected. In the recent years the state Govt has
initiated steps under Jalayagnam to convert some of the dry land areas into
irrigated ones.
Development of participative institutions is a remarkable feature in
Andhra Pradesh and emphasis has been laid on rural development community
empowerment and support to women’s groups. Self help women groups, water
shed committees, School Committees, Rytumitra groups, Vana Samrakshna
samithis and the like involve the beneficiaries Andhra Pradesh has made
102
spectacular progress in Teachnical education, Engineering and Medicine,
Mathematics and Science are focused more in the colleges to improve the
standards of the students. Many students from Andhra Pradesh are successful in
getting admissions in IITS, BITs and reputed Engineering colleges along with
Medical colleges in the state and other parts of the country. Professionally
qualified and compotent youth from the state work in other countries including
U.S.A in large number. poverty alleviation programme have been given special
importance in the state. In the 1980’s “Two Rupees kilo rice” supply through
public distribution system was introduced. Velugu or Indira Kranthi Pathakam
aims at improving the assets, capabilities and abilities of the poor. This
programme has improved the lot of the rural women and thus contributed for
the empowerment of women, old age pensions, widow pensions, housing
programmes, distribution of house sites and the like help the poor to a great
extent.
Andhra Pradesh has done well on the demographic fronts. The state
registered fastest reduction in population growth. Women’s self help groups
better administration of the family planning and welfare programmes have
contributed more for population control. In the sex-ratio also the state is
comfortably placed unlike Gujarat, Punjab and the northern states. The very
recent programme “Bangaru Talli” helps to extend support and protection to the
girls in the state.
Many Non-Govt organizations have been working in the state with all
commitment. They focus on areas relating to food, nutrition, health, livelihood
and natural resource Mangement.
Andhra Pradesh has stood for economic reforms since mid 1990’s. It was
referred to as the state at the fore front in India with regard to reforms. Fiscal,
103
Governance, and other reforms were introduced to accelerate economic
development.
Andhra Pradesh is still largely dependent on agriculture. No doubt the
share of agriculture in GSDP has techined from 60% in 1950s to 22% in the
recent years. But 60% of the population, still, depends on Agriculture. The state
Govt recognized the importance of agriculture and allocated a large part of
resource to irrigation and power in the 1960,s and 1970’s.But 1980s and 1990s
neglected agriculture as a result of which agrarian distress has taken place.
Episodes of Suicides of framers in the state have become a regular feature.
The state has one of the highest work participation rates in the country. It
has more people in the working age group and thus enjoys “Demographic
dividend”. However the growth of employment in the state in the post-reform-
era has declined. More than 90% of the workers in Andhra Pradesh are in the
unorganized sector. Andhra Pradesh possesses a bounty of natural resources. It
has fertilize land, water, and conducive agro-climatic conditions. It is one of the
largest producers of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, maize, chillies,
tobacco, dairy and poultry products. It is a leading state in several agro based
industries like sugar, edible oil, sea food. Andhra Pradesh has vast and variety
of mineral wealth. Un exploited and under exploited minerals and oil reserves in
the Godavari basin are considerable.
Andhra Pradesh is centre to many manufacturing and service industries.
I.T, bulk drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Agro processing, Mineral based industries,
Textiles Leather goods Gems and Jewelry are a few to mention.
Almost all the important towns and cities in the state are well connected
by Air, Rail, and road. Vishkapatnam and Kakinada are important seaports
besides Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram,Shamshabad air port in Hyderabad is
of world class and the Vishkapatnam airport is also being expanded.
104
Region specific features
Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956 as the first linguistic state. Three
regions Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, and Telangana with separate historical
backgrounds were intrigated. Physical and natural endowments, institutional
forms and the nature of governance were also different at the time of formation.
Though all the three were under the Nizam for some time first Coastal Andhra
(1766 AD) and then Rayalaseema (1800 AD) where under the British rule while
Telangana was under the Nizama’s as the Hyderabad Province. Coastal Andhra
and Rayalaseema were declared as Andhra State due to the sacrifice of Sri Potti
Sriramulu in 1953 with Kurnool as capital. Right from 1956 formation of
Andhra Pradesh, there have been voice of separate Telangana and there were
movements for separation during 1969 – 1971. There was a movement for
separate in Andhra in 1972. Last ten years have witnessed Telangana
movements at feverish heat and any moment the state is going to be bifurcated.
Region specific features throw light on the variations on many a front.
Coastal Andhra: There are 9 districts extending over Ichapuram (Srikakulam
district) to Nellore. All these districts are on the coastal line of Bay of Bengal.
They had been under the British rule till 1947 as part of Madras state. Among
the coastal line districts again, there are variations.
Srikakulam district has Odisha to its north, Vijayanagaram district in the
South and West and the Bay of Bengal in the East. Area is 5.8 thousand sq km
and the population is around 27 lakhs. Literacy 62.3 per cent and the rainfall
1086 mm on an average. Vamsadhara, Nagavali are the important rivers.
Manganese, Graphite. Limestone, Quartz and Mica are the minerals available.
Jute, Sugar, oil extraction, Cashew processing are the important industries.
Howrah – Chennai railway line goes through the district N.H. 5 connecting
105
Calcutta and Chennai goes through the dist. Places of tourist importance are
Srikakulam, Arasavalli, Kalingapatnam, Mukhalingam and Salihundam.
Vijayanagaram district is 6.5 thousand sq km in area with a population of
23.4 lakhs. Literacy is 59.5 per cent, rainfall is 1161 mm on an average.
Nagavali, Suvarnamukhi, Vegavathi, Jamjhavathi are some important rivers.
Groundnut, Jute, Sugarcane, Paddy, Ragi are the important crops with Ferro
Manganese, Sugar and Jute industries. Places of tourists importance are Forts at
Bobbli, Vijayanagaram, Borra caves, Ramatirthalu. It is a Railway Junction
connecting Odisha and Howrah with Andhra Pradesh.
Visakhapatnam has 42.7 lakh population spread over 11.2 thousand sq
km. Literacy is 67.7 per cent. Visakhapatnam city is a Muncipal Corporation.
N.H. 5 goes through the district. Sarada, Tandava, Gostami, Varaha are the
important rivers. Rainfall is 1085 mm. Paddy, Ragi, Groundnut, Sugarcane, Jute
are some of the important crops. Manganese, Graphite, iron ore, Bauxite are
important minerals available. Visakhapatnam and the surrounding areas are
have a number of industries like Iron and Steel, Sugar, Jiggery, Ship building,
Fertilizers, Oil refinery and machine making. The port of Visakhapatnam is of
National importance. The city has an air port. Places of tourists importance are
Visakha city, industrial centers, beach, ship building yard port and the like. The
famous Araku Valley is a centre of attraction with the hills and greenery. Borra
Caves, Bhimili, Simhachalam temple, Anantagiri are other places. Urban
Visakha is next to twin cities in industrial development and tourist attraction.
Together these three districts are called Uttarandhra. They are far from
the state capital as they were parts of composite Madras state before
independence. Their proximity to Odisha and Chattisgar lag them behind in
development. These three districts are backward on many counts of course,
urban Visakha is an exception.
106
East Godavari district with its head quarters at Kakinada is 10.8 thousand
sq km with 51.5 lakh population. Literacy is 71.35 per cent and rainfall is 1160
mm. The Godavari, Pampa are the important rivers with irrigation potential to a
large extent. Paddy, Sugarcane, Coconut, Mango, Banana and the like are the
important crops. Graphite, Bauxite, iron ore are the important minerals
available. Annavaram, Draksharamam, Dhowaleswaram, Kakinada are the
places of tourist interest. The district has rail and road connectivity. Water ways
are also there and coastal prosperity is evident in this district.
West Godavari district with its head quarters at Eluru is the Granary of
A.P. Its area is 7.7 thousand sq km and the population is 39.3 lakhs, rainfall is
1076 mm. Paddy, Tobacco, Chillies, Sugarcane and Coconut are the important
crops. Graphite, Limestone, Mica, Chromate are the important minerals. Sugar,
Jute, Fertilizers, Textiles are the main industries. Dwaraka Tirumala,
Antharvedi, Tanuku are the places of tourism. One can see vast paddy fields
although and coconut groves in the district.
Krishna district with its head quarters at Machilipatnam is 8.7 thousand
sq km in area with 45.3 lakhs population. It is one of the prosperous districts of
A.P. Rainfall is 1027 mm. Literacy is 74.4 per cent. N.H. 5 and N.H. 9 go
through this district. Vijayawada Railway Junction is one of the largest in Asia
connecting North, South, East and the West. Paddy, Pulses, Sugarcane,
Tobacco, Mango are important crops. Sugar, Cement and other are the
important industries. It is the hub of the film industry, commercial and political
activities in the state. Places of tourist interest are Durga Temple,
Machilipatnam, Prakasam barrage, Kuchipudi and the like. Krishna, Budameru
and Tammileru are the important rivers.
Guntur district has 48.9 lakhs population, in an area of 11.4 thousand sq
km, literacy is 68 per cent and rainfall on an average is 890 mm. N.H. 5 goes
107
through the district, and there is rail way connectivity. Krishna, Gundlakamma
and Naguleru are the important rivers. Paddy, Pulses, Tobacco, are the crops of
importance. Textiles, Jute, Cement, Fertilizers, and tanneries are the industries
of importance. Amaravathi, Kotappa Konda, Mangalagiri, Nagarjuna Sagar,
Ettipothala water falls Bapatla Beach are worth seeing by the tourists.
Prakasam district extends over 17.6 thousand sq km. with a population of
17.12 lakhs. Literacy is 70.2 per cent and the average rainfall is 1153 mm.
Gundlakamma, Paleru, Munneru are the important rivers. Granite, Copper,
Stones for flooring are the minerals. Textiles, tobacco, Tanneries, Granite
industries are there in the district. Paddy, Pulses, Cotton, Tobacco, Jute and the
Groundnut are important crops. Chirala, Singarayakonda, Thripurantakam are
important places of tourism.
Potti Sriramulu Nellore district is 13.1 thousand sq km. in area with a
population of 29.7 Lakhs. Literacy is 69.15 per cent and the rainfall on an
average is 981 mm. N.H. 5 goes through the district and rail way connectivity is
also there. Copper, Iron ore and Mica are the minerals. Suvarnamukhi,
Kandeleru, Kalangi, Paleru are some important rivers and Paddy, Cotton,
Castor, Chillies and Ragi are the major crops. Venkatagiri, (Sarees) Pulicott
lake, Mypadu beach, Sriharikota, are places of tourism.
Among the Coastal districts Uttar Andhra districts have less than 68 per
cent literacy where as the other six districts have more than 69 per cent literacy
rates. There are variations in irrigation facilities, forest and minerals
endowments crop patterns are also different. However, all these districts are on
the coastal line at some point or other.
108
Rayalaseema Region
Rayalaseema was separately ceded by the Nizam to the Britishers in 1800
AD. At the time of the formation of Andhra State in 1953 it was merged on the
basis of “Sribagh Agreement” . There are 4 districts in this region.
Ananthapur district is 19.1 thousand sq km. with a population of 40.8
lakhs. Literacy is 64.3 per cent and the rainfall is scanty at 381 mm only.
Penna, Suvarnamukhi, Chitravathi, Kunderu are the rivers of importance.
Groundnut, Paddy and Mulberry (Sericulture), are the main crops. Iron ore,
Limestone, Diamonds and Gold are the important minerals available. Lepakshi,
Kadhiri, Puttaparthi and Penugonda are places of tourism. Land is mostly rocky
and the rainfall is low.
Chittor district is 15.15 thousand sq km, with a population of 41.7 lakhs.
Literacy is 72.4 per cent and the rainfall is 908 mm on an average. N. H. 4
passes through the district and there is railway connectivity the district is
bordered by Karnataka on the west Paddy, Sugarcane, groundnut and Pulses are
important crops. Iron ore, Mica, raw gold, Granite and lime stone are some
important minerals. Sugar, jaggery, textiles and metal industries are there
Suvarnamuki, Bahuda, Paleru, Kalyani are important rivers God of the seven
hills (Tirupati), Horsely hills, Kalahasti, Chandragiri fort, Kanipakam and
Arogyavaram are tourist places. Pilgrims visit Tirupati in large numbers from
all over India through out the year.
Y.S.R. Cuddapah district is named after Y.S.Raja Sekhara Reddy, late
Chief Minister of the state. Its arera is 15.4 sq km and population is 28.84 lakhs,
literacy is 68.88 per cent and the average rainfall is 695 mm. The district has
railway line connecting Bangalore and Bombay. Penna, Nagileru, Chitravathi
and Kundu are important rivers. Limestone, Iron ore, flooring stones and other
minerals are available. Groundnut, Paddy, Maize, Cotton, Chilies and Onions
109
are important crops. Textiles, fruit processing and lime powder are major
industries. Pothuluri Veerabrahamam Matham, Tallapaka, Pushpagiri and
Vontimitta are places of tourism. It has received more focus during the regime
of Y.S.R as C.M.
Kurnool district extends over 17.6 thousand sq km, population is 40.46
lakhs. Rainfall is 630 mm, which is low. The district has railway connectivity,
(recent intercity express train between Kurnool and Secundrabad) and N.H. 7
passes through the district. Krishna, Thunga Badhra, Handri, Kunduru and
Nagileru are important rivers. The district has deposits of minerals including
Limestone. Paddy, Maize, Pulses, Groundnut, Cotton and Onions are important
crops. Textiles, Paper, Cement and Wool industries are there. Manthralayam,
Srisailam, Mahanoli, Ahobilam and Srisailam project are places of tourism.
When compared to Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema districts lag behind in
many aspects. Land in their regions is not quite suitable for cultivation. Rainfall
is scanty and irrigation facilities are limited. Groundnut is a major crop besides
onions. Literacy levels are also low.
Telangana Region
Ten districts are in the Telangana region. They were in the Hyderabad
province, before 1956 and with the formation of A.P. they have become part of
the state. Ever since the formation of A.P. there has been dissent in some form
or other and the demand for separate Telangana has picked up movement during
the last few years.
Rangareddy district extends over 7.5 thousand sq km with Hyderabad as
its head quarters, population is 53.9 lakhs. It surrounds the state capital with
high density (707) of population. Literacy is 78 per cent and the rainfall is 610
mm. National Highways and railways to different parts of the country bring the
110
connectivity. International airport at Shamshabad is of global standards.
Textiles, cigarettes, drugs, electric equipments, machine tools are the important
industries. Service sector and industrial units are important though agriculture is
of little importance in Vikarabad and Chevella areas paddy, maize, and
groundnut are important crops. Astrological observatory at Rangapur,
Kisaraguttu and all the tourist centers in the capital city are attractions to
tourists.
Nalgonda district is in 14.2 thousand sq km with a population of 34.84
lakhs, literacy is 65.05 per cent and the rainfall is 750 mm. N.H. 9 passes
through the district, Krishna, Mosi, Aleru are the important rivers. Limestone is
available in the district. Paddy, Pulses, Oilseeds and Maize are the important
crops. Tanneries, Wool, Jaggery and textile industries are there.
Nagarjunasagar, Bhonagiri, Yadagirigutta and Vadapalli are the tourist
attractions. Nalgonda town is the district head quarters.
Mahaboobnagar district is 18.4 thousand sq km with a population of 40.4
lakhs. Literacy is the lowest in the district at 56 per cent. Rainfall is 1154 mm,
Maize, Paddy and Sugarcane are the important crops. Asbestos, Clay and some
minor minerals are available. Tanneries and fertilizers are important industries.
Gadwal fort, Alampur and Pillalmarri are the places of tourist interest. It has
Karnataka on the western boarder.
Kareemnagar district is 11.8 thousand sq km in area with a population of
36.12 lakhs. Rainfall on an average is 1153 mm and literacy is 64.9 per cent.
Godavari and Maneru are the major rivers in the district. Paddy, Maize,
Groundnut, Pulses and Chillies are the important crops. Iron ore, limestone and
some minor minerals are available. Tanneries and wool industries have some
units. Vemulawada, Dharmapuri, Kaleswaram, Ramagundam, Sriramsagar and
Maneru dam are places of tourism.
111
Nizamabad district has Maharastra to the West. Its area is 8 thousand
sq.km, and the population is 25.5 lakhs. Rainfall is 780 mm and the literacy is
62.25 per cent, Godavari and Manjeera are the important rivers, Paddy,
Sugarcane, Pulses, Groundnut and Maize are grown in the district. Jaggery,
Sugar and alcohol are the industries. Nizam Sagar, Nizamabad fort and
Manchipalli reservoir are the tourist centers.
Medak district with its head quarters at Sangareddy, has Karnataka to its
West. Its area is 9.7 thousand sq km and population is 12.5 lakhs and it is very
close to Hyderabad. Rainfall is 969 mm and literacy is 62.5 per cent. Manjeera,
and Kandleru are important rivers. Principal crops in the district are Paddy,
Maize, Sugarcane, Ragi, Chillies and Potatoes. Poultry and weaving are
important. B.H.E.L, Singur reservoir, Icrisat, Zaheerabad are places of tourist
importance.
Khammam district has Odisha and Chattisgadh to the North. Its area is 16
thousand sq km and the population is 28 lakhs. The district has 7.6 lakhs
hectares of forest and 5.6 lakhs S.T population. Chennai - New Delhi,
Secundrabad, Visakhapatnam railway lines go through the district, N.H. 5 also
passes through the district. Godavari, Sabari, Sileru, Kinnerasani, Munneru and
Paleru are the rivers of importance. Iron ore, Coal, Granite and Marbles are the
minerals available in the district. Khammam quilla, N.T.P.C.C. (Paloncha),
Kinnerasani dam Bhuddist Stupa at Nelakondapalli are important places of
tourism. Fertilizers, Coal and Sugar Industries are important in the district.
Warangal district is 12.9 thousand sq km, in area with a population of
35.2 lakhs, literacy is 66.16 per cent and the rainfall is 1049 mm. Kazipet in the
district is an important railway junction connecting North, East, South and
Western parts of the country. The Godavari, Munneru, Kinnerasani, Aleru and
Wyra are important rivers. Paddy, Maize, Chillies, Pulses, Casters and
112
Groundnut are the important crops. Textiles and Tanneries are the major
industries. It is next to Hyderabad in the Telanagana region with a university
and National Institute of Technology besides a Medical college of long
standing. Warangal fort, thousand pillars temple, Ramappa, Pakal and Kazipet
Darga are places of tourism.
Adilabad district is 16.1 thousand sq km in area and has 27.4 lakhs
population, 61.5 per cent of literacy. Rainfall is 1045 mm as the district has 7
lakhs hectares of forests. N.H. 7 goes through the district. There is railway
connectivity. The Godavari, Pranahitha, Penganga and Kadem are important
rivers. Cotton, Maize, Paddy and Pulses are mostly cultivated. Edible oil, Paper
and cement industries are significant. Coal, Copper, limestone, Iron ore and
some other minerals are available in the district. Basara (Saraswathi Temple),
Nirmal, Kagaznagar and Kuntala water fall are tourist attractions.
Hyderabad district is 2000 sq km with 40.1 lakhs population and the
literacy is 80.5 per cent. Hyderabad is the district head quarter and the state
capital. Railway lines and National Highways connect the districts with
different parts of the Nation. There is Shamshabad air port with Global
standards. Paddy, Maize, Vegetables and fruits are cultivated. Graphite, Iron ore
and Bauxite are the available minerals. Public sector units like ECIL, BHEL,
IDPL, HMT, HAL are in good number. APSRTC of the state Govt is a major
organization. Nehru zoological park, Birla Mandir, Salarzung museum,
Golkond Quilla, Tankbund, Charminar, Gandipeta, Ramoji film city are of
tourist importance. Hyderabad is a hub of software units and centre for business
activity attracting business not only from other parts of the country but also
from other countries commercial tourism goes hand in hand with general
tourism in this city.
113
The three regions of Andhra Pradesh, as examined so far, have distinct
and unique features. Historical background are different. Physical and natural
endowments are different. Locational advantages vary. Social religious and
cultural features vary with the basics remaining the same. The only binding
thread is language. Ever since the integration of the regions into A.P. the
clamour for separate Telangana started. It has assumed the form of Telangana
movement over the years and the bifurcation of A.P by forming a separate
Telangana state (29th in India) was announced by the Government of India in
February 2014. This is a historical decision satisfying the aspirations of the
people in Telangana.
Sum-up:
Profiles of the state, its regions and the districts are elaborated in this
chapter. Derivation of the word “Andhra”, existence of the people in the early
years, writings of the foreign tourists, early rulers like Satavahans’s and
Kakatiya’s, Vijayanagara Kingdom, Bahamani and Muslim rulers, advent of the
British and Andhra under the colonial rule are explained. Handing over of the
Circar districts and the Rayalaseema to the Britishers by the Nizam, Hyderabad
state under the Nizam rule, social movements, formation of Hyderabad state and
Andhra Province in 1953 under the Sribagh Pact and the ultimat integration of
Andhra Pradesh in 1956 under the Gentle Man Agreement are all depicted in
detail in this chapter. Physical features of Andhra Pradesh such as climate,
rainfall, forests, minerals, geological variations, rives and the industries, power
generation, irrigation sources and the like are presented. The diversities of the
three regions are pointed out and this chapter serves as the base for human
activities which lead to Human Development and to identify the disparities
there in. The fact that the demand for separation of Telangana in view of the
disparities has started on the very first day of the formation of Andhra Pradesh
has also been stated here in this chapter.
114
Reference:
1. Prof, L.Mukherjee, ‘History of India’ Optional Publishers, Mandal Brothers & Co
Ltd, Kolkotta, 1946.
2. Ancient and Medieval India, R.S. Publishers Honse, 20 Mahatma Gandhi Marg,
Allahabad, 1979.
3. ‘Andhra Desha Charithra’ ‘Bhugola Sarvaswam’ by Andhra Rachayitala Sangham,
Hyderabad, 1971.
4. ‘Koti Reddy’, A.V. ‘Adhunikaandhra Desha Charithra’ Telugu Akademi, Hyderabad,
1987.
5. Directorate of Economic and Statistics, Govt of A.P. 2012
6. ‘Hand Books of Annual Volumes of the Districts of A.P’ districts planning
departments: A.P
7. Fifty Years of Andhra Pradesh, 1956 – 2006, editated by R.S. Rao, V. Hanumantha
Rao and N. Venugopal ‘Centre for documentation Research and Communication,
Hyderabad, 2006
8. ‘Human Development Report – 2007, Andhra Pradesh’, Published by Centre for
Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad May 2008.
top related