Nellore district
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| ?Nellore district Andhra Pradesh • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population | 2,668,564 (2001) |
- For the city, see Nellore.
Nellore District is a district of India's Andhra Pradesh state. Nellore is famous for high paddy yield, and so it got its name from "nelli", the Tamil word for paddy. The population of the district was 2,668,564 of which 22.45% were urban as of 2001.
Nellore city is its administrative headquarters. Three major cities in the district are Nellore, Kavali and Gudur. It is located in the southern most east corner of Andhra Pradesh. It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the state of Tamil Nadu to the South, the district of Cuddapah to the west, and the district of Prakasam to the north.
In 2008, the government of Andhra Pradesh approved a proposal to rename the district as Potti Sriramulu Nellore District.
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[edit] History
Nellore District had an important role in telugu history during the emergence of the language and also during the formation of the state.
[edit] Mauryas, Early Cholas and Pallavas
With the rise of the Mauryan Empire, many parts of the Andhra Pardesh including Nellore came under its influence and was part of the Ashokan empire in the third century B.C. The caves near Nellore have inscriptions in the brahmi script used by Ashoka. The Cholas were an important dynasty in the south peninsula. The early Cholas ruled between the 1st and the 4th centuries A.D. The district was part of the first and the most famous Chola, Karikalan. He is well known for his great engineering marvel.
Chola power declined with frequent attacks by the Pallavas, Cheras and Pandyas, until they rose to power again around the 9th century. Chola rule was broken when the Cholas were overthrown by Simha Vishnu Pallava and the region came under the Pallava rule between the fourth and sixth centuries A.D. With the dawn of the seventh century, the political centre of Gravity of the Pallavas shifted to the south and weakened their power towards the north. Several ancient Pallava and Chola temple are in Udayagiri village. Several ancient Pallava and Chola temple are in Udayagiri village. Several inscriptions about Pallava rule were found in the Guntur-Nellore tract of the Andhra Pradesh. The big four storeyed cave at Vundavalli and 8 cave temple at Bhairavkonda resembles the Pallava architecture during Mahendravarma's period.
[edit] Eastern Chalukyas, Rastrakutas and Medieval Cholas
The Eastern Chalukyas were a branch of the Chalukyas of Badami. Pulakesin II, the renowned ruler of Badami Chalukyas conquered Vengi (near Eluru) in 624 AD and installed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana (624-641 CE) as its ruler. His dynasty known as the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, ruled for nearly four centuries in all. Vishnuvardhana extended his dominions up to Srikakulam in the north and Nellore in the south. Later the Vengi kingdom again came under the Rashtrakuta rule. Since the time of Gunaga Vijayaditya (848AD), inscriptions started showing Telugu stanzas. [1]
The king Vijayalaya defeated the Pallavas and captured Thanjavur. These cholas seized back most parts of the south India. Based on his royal inscriptions, Parantaka I (907–953) took the northern boundary up to Nellore, where his advance was stopped by a defeat at the hands of the Rastrakuta king Krishna III.[2]
[edit] Nellore Chola kings
This was the period when the political power of Nellore was at its peak and also reached its ebb. Tikkana Somayajulu, a minister and famous telugu poet who translated Mahabharatham into telugu, gave the account of the history of this family in his other book called Nirvachanottara Ramayanamu. A branch of Telugu Cholas, feudatory of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani appointed them as rulers of Pakanadu for helping in the war between Cholas and Chalukyas. They ruled over the region consisting of the Nellore, Kadapa, Chittur and Chengalput districts with Vikramasimhapuri (modern Nellore) as their head capital.
Tikka (1223 - 1248 ) defeated both the Hoyasala and the Pandyas and got the Tondaimandalam region and assumed the title Cholasthapanacharya. During the reign of Tikka's son and successor Manumasiddhi II (1248 - 1263), Nellore faced lot of attacks from other Cholas and Pandyas. Tikkana visited Ganapatideva of Kakatiyas and gained military support for his king. About the year 1260, a dangerous feud broke out between Manumasiddhi and Katamaraju, the chief of Erragaddapadu in Kanigiri region. The feud was on the issue of the rights of the two princes to use certain wide meadows as grazing grounds for their flocks of cattle. It led to the bloody battle fought at Panchalingala near Muttukuru on the coast of river Penna. Manumasiddhi's forces led by Khadga Tikkana, the cousin of poet Tikkana won the battle, but the leader perished. This feud and the consequent battle formed the theme of the popular ballad entitled "Katamaraju Katha". Shortly after or during this battle, Manumasiddhi died and Nellore last its significance. [3]
[edit] Kakatiyas, Pandyas, Vijanagaras etc.
The kakatiyas, the feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, under influence of Prola declared his independence. Ganapati Deva, the first great king of Kakatiyas brought most of the telugu area under his rule. Nellore was part of kakatiya kingdom in the 13th century. It changed hands between them and Pandyas few times until Prataprudra II defeated Pandyas. After the fall of Kakatiya Empire, the region was under Tuglaq and then was later under Kondavidi Reddis.
The most parts of the district were annexed by the Sangama dynasty of the Vijayanagara empire in 14th century. The remaining portions of the district like Udayagiri were conquered by Krishnadeva Rayalu, the greatest king of the kingdom. The ruins of fortress built by the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century are at Udayagiri.
[edit] The Nawabs and the British period
After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the area was ruled by the Nawabs until the East India Company has taken control in 1792, and appointed Mr. Dyton as the 1st Collector. Nellore was declared the revenue unit for the district. [4]
During the British period, the district was at peace, the only event of any political importance being the sequestration in 1838, of the Jagir of Udayagiri, owing to its title holder's participation in a conspiracy, engineered by the Nawab of Kurnool, against the ruling power. After the district came under the British administration, the jurisdiction of the district did not undergo any major changes, but for the transfer of Ongole taluk in 1904 to Guntur district when it was newly constituted.
[edit] Post Indian Independence
It was part of the composite Madras State until 1 October 1953. On 1 November 1956, when the states were reorganised on a linguistic basis, this district came under Andhra Pradesh. Nellore played a major role in the formation of Andhra Pradesh state. Potti Sriramulu, a Telugu patriot and activist, fasted to death for the formation of Andhra Pradhesh state. His sacrifice resulted in the creation of linguistic based states in Indian Union.
[edit] Geography
The district lies between between 13 30’ and 15 6’ of Northern latitude and 70 5’ and 80 15’ of Eastern latitude. Nellore's total land area is 13,076 square kilometers (8,761) sq. miles). It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the state of Tamil Nadu to the South, the district of Cuddapah, and the district of Prakasam to the north. The eastern side consists of area of low lying land extending from the base of the Eastern Ghats to the sea. The west side of the district is separated from Cuddapah district by Veligonda hills. The district is split by the River Pennar and is located on both south and north banks of it.
Nellore's total land area is 13,076 square kilometers (8,761) sq. miles). It has an average elevation of 19 metres (62 feet).
About the half of the total area is cultivated and the rest is wasteland [5] because of it is rocky land, sandy coastline or covered with scrub jungles. Pennar, Swarnamukhi and Gundlakamma are the main rivers that flow through the most of the district. They are not navigable, and are mainly used for irrigation purposes. Tributaries to Penna like Kandaleru and Boggeru serve the remaining area.
This area is rich in particular kind of flint called quartzite, out of which prehistoric man made his weapons and implements.
[edit] Climate
- Winter: January and February
- Summer: March to May
- South West Monsoons - June to September
- North East Monsoons - October to December
The Maximum temperature is 36-46c during summer and the minimum temperature is 23-25c during winter. The rainfall ranges from 700-1000 mm through South West and North East Monsoons. Nellore is subject both to droughts and to floods based on the seasons.
[edit] Economy
Proximity to the sea as well as to agricultural heartland has helped Nellore district to grow. The sea-borne trade from Mipadu, Krishnapatnam and other port cities in district is on rise, but insignificant compared to trade via the road and rail.
[edit] Agriculture
Nellore is also famous for quality rice production and aqua (prawn and fish) culture. Nellore district is called the "Shrimp capital of India" due to is high production of cultured shrimp. About 70 percent of the total work force is dependent upon agriculture either as farmers or as agricultural labour. The main crops are rice paddy and sugar cane. It is particularly famous for a rice breed called "Molagolukulu". Other crops are cotton, lemon and oil seeds (like peanuts) and horticultural seeds.
A dam is located at Somasila across the Pennar River as it flows through the narrow Velikonda Hills. Another dam is located at Gandipalem across a tributary of Pennar. They support irrigation for many villages. in nellore district THIPPAGUNTAPALEM village is very famous in aqua culture, 70% of prawns are exported to america from this area.
[edit] Industrial
The handloom sector is a small scale industry and next to agriculture by the number of people depend on it. Venkatagiri and Patur are important handloom centres in the district noted for their traditional handcrafted fine cotton and silk sarees embrodied with pure zari.
The following are major industries located in Nellore District
- SHAR (SriHarikota High Altitude Range) located in Sriharikota, Nellore Dt.
- Kovur Thermal Power Plant ( defunct)
- Nellore Nippo Batteries factory.
- Balaji Steel in Nellore.
- Acqua and fisheries throughout the district
- Mica Mines in Gudur and Sydapuram mandals.
- Adidas Apache in Tada, Nellore dt.
- Krishnapatnam Thermal Station.
- Krishnapatnam Port trust.
Krishnapatnam is a major port and market center situated at a distance of 20 km. The port is hoped to become a world-class deep-water port. Iron ore and granite are being exported from KrishnaPatnam to other countries like China. One Railway line links it with Vekatachalam on main railway line. Tada is at a distance of 80 km from Nellore with new industrial ventures like the Adidas factory and Tata's Leather park.
[edit] Projects in progress
An International Leather park will start working soon at Krishnapatnam. A railway line is being constructed from Krishnapattanam to Obulavari palle to link up this port with Mumbai Railway line. Construction of two Ultra Mega Power Projects with the capacity of 4000 MW each at Krishnapatnam is going on. Recently Central government gave clearance to IFFCO fertilizer factory at Regadi Chelika near Nellore. Central government is also planning to set up a 'Petro Chemical Terminal' at Krishnapatnam. Air Deccan is going to set up an airport near Nellore city. Construction work of two textile parks at Menakur near Venmkatgiri/Nayudupet will start soon.IFFCO will soon set up an agriculture based food processing special economic zone (SEZ) in Nellore. The multi-product SEZ, to be named Kisan SEZ. Lord Swaraj Paul-led Caparo Group will invest Rs 3,500 crore to set up an auto Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a car-cum-aerospace components manufacturing facility in the Nellore. RKKR Steels Limited, which has been involved in manufacturing and trading flat and long steel products, will now invest around Rs 200 crore to set up a steel plant at Kolanakuduru of Manubolu mandal in Nellore district.
[edit] Divisions
Nellore District has 11 state assembly constituencies, namely Allur, Atmakur, Gudur, Kavali, Kovur, Nellore, Rapur, Sarvepalli, Sullurpeta, Udayagiri and Venkatagiri.[6] Nellore district also contributes to three seats in the Parliament of India, namely Nellore, Tirupati and Ongole.
It comprises 46 Revenue Mandals, 12 Agriculture Sub Divisions and 3 Revenue Divisions (Nellore, Kavali and Gudur) and 1204 Revenue Villages in which 1135 are inhabited. Number of Gram Panchayats are 968 and the number of Municipalities are three, namely Nellore, Kavali and Gudur.
Nellore district is divided into the following 46 mandals.
- Allur, 15 villages.
- Ananthasagaram, 23 villages.
- Anumasamudrampeta, 19 villages.
- Atmakur, 23 villages.
- Balayapalle, 24 villages.
- Bhogolu, 14 villages.
- Buchireddipalem, 12 villages.
- Chejerla, 22 villages.
- Chillakur, 31 villages.
- Chittamur, 23 villages.
- Dagadarthi, 11 villages.
- Dakkili, 26 villages.
- Doravarisatram, 22 villages.
- Duttalur, 17 villages.
- Gudur, 22 villages.
- Indukurpet, 18 villages.
- Jaladanki, 16 villages.
- Kaligiri, 23 villages.
- Kaluvoya, 19 villages.
- Kavali, 21 villages.
- Kodavalur, 17 villages.
- Kondapuram, 19 villages.
- Kota, 20 villages.
- Kovur, 5 villages.
- Manubolu, 18 villages.
- Marripadu, 24 villages.
- Muthukur, 19 villages.
- Naidupeta, 18 villages
- Nellore, 29 villages.
- Ozili, 26 villages.
- Pellakur, 24 villages.
- Podlakur, 29 villages.
- Rapur, 46 villages (34 Panchayats)
- Seetharamapuram, 14 villages
- Sangam, 19 villages.
- Sullurpeta, 19 villages
- Sydapuram, 30 villages.
- Tada with 17 villages.
- Thotapalligudur, 21 villages.
- Udayagiri, 16 villages
- Vakadu, 18 villages.
- Varikuntapadu, 24 villages
- Venkatachalam, 25 villages.
- Vinjamur, 15 villages.
- Venkatagiri with 24 villages.
- Vidavalur, 11 villages.
[edit] Transport
- The National Highway 5 (India) serves the major cities, Naidupeta, Gudur, Nellore and Kavali in the district.
- The nearest international airport is about 170 km south at Chennai.
- The national railway runs throughout the length of the district. The section of east coast railway from Nellore town to Gudur, formerly on the metre gauge, has been converted to the standard gauge.
[edit] Demographics
The population of the district was 2,668,564 of which 22.45% were urban as of 2001.[7] Total population has reached up to 7 lakhs according to recent assembly elections census.
[edit] Culture
Telugu is the language of the land. Most people live in villages (as opposed to cities or towns). While men can be seen in pants and suits, as well as in more traditional attire such as dhotis and lungis, women mostly limit themselves to sarees. The other major language spoken in Nellore district is Tamil, as it a district bordering Tamil Nadu state.
[edit] Art and Literature
Nellore region produced famous Telugu artists ranging from ancient poets like Tikkana and to modern artists like Atreya. Ancient telugu poets Tikkana, Molla, Marana, Ketana laid foundations for telugu literature here. Tikkana, the second in Kavitrayam translated Sanskrit epic Mahabharat. Molla, the second telugu poetess had translated Ramayan into telugu. Ketana, a disciple of Tikkana, dedicated his work called "Dasakumara Charitram" to Tikkana. Ketana also wrote Andhrabashabushanam, a grammar book for telugu. Marana, another poet and disciple of Tikkana wrote "Markandeya Puranam". Ramarajabhushanudu from this region was patronized by Krishnadevaraya.
Yuga Kavi'Gunturu Seshendra Sarma, 'a collossus and immortal of literature, who is a trendsetter both in poetry and criticism and occupies a place of crucial importance in the development and evolution of Modern Indian literature, is from Nellore. His books have been translated into English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Kannada, and Greek'.He is the only person to have been nominated for Nobel prize for his contribution to literary field from India.West Bengal government conferred him with "'Rashtrendu"(Moon of the Nation).Telugu University conferred Honorary D.Litt on him in 1994.He received "Kalidas Samman" award from Madhya Pradhesh government.He won Central Sahitya Akademi fellowship in 1999.The other important awards Seshendra received are ‘Subrahmanya Bharati Ekta Award’ from the Hindi Academy, Rashtriya Sanskriti Puraskar’, ‘Ugadi Puraskar’, ‘Tilak Award’ and ‘Sahitya Ratna 2001’ from Sri Ram Sahitya Mandal, Himachal Pradesh. He has been nominated as a member to the ‘Kendriya Hindi Samithi’ by Prime Minister of India. He was selected for Hamsa Award, in 2004-05, by the Govt. of AP.
Seshendra’s deep scholarship in Vedas, Upanishads and Kavyas has placed him in a unique position among the scholarly stallwarts of the country.His Magnum Opus ‘Naa Desham, Naa Prajalu’ (‘My Country, My People’ in English, ‘Meri Dharti, Mere Log’in Hindi and Urdu ) brought Seshendra prominence as one of the outstanding poets of India.Epics like ADHUNIK MAHABHARATHAM, JANAVAMSAM Signalled his arrival on the Indian literary scene clearly establishing him as a major voice of India. Added to this are his books of criticism "SHODASI"(A TANTRIC COMMENTARY OF VALMIKI’S RAMAYAN) SWARNA HAMSA (A TANTRIC COMMENTARY OF HARSHA Bhatta"s naishadhiya charitam) and KAVI SENA MANIFESTO (ADHINIK KAVYA SASTRA) .
During British period, 'Nellore' was the only education center in the regions that constituted the current day Andhra Pradesh.
The main entertainment in the region is movies and related activities. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, one of the India's top singers hailed from Nellore. Famous telugu lyrics writer Acharya Atreya is from this region. Pattabi Rami Reddy, a poet and director from Nellore wrote Ragala Dozen (A Dozen Melodies), a collection that recorded his observations in Madras and Nellore. He also produced a Telugu film, Pellinaati Pramanalu, the National award winner, and directed films Samskara, Chandamarutha, Sringaramasa, and Devara Kaadu.[8]. Nellore also is place of many yesteryear telugu actors like Rajanala and Ramana Reddy.
[edit] Architecture
- Venkatagiri fort, Venkatagiri—70 km from Nellore
- Udayagiri Fort
- Ranganayaka Temple, more than 500 years old temple with huge 29 m tall Galigopuram.
- Bhairavakonda Caves
[edit] Politics
Nellore people participated in Indian Independence movement and also in fight for formation of separate state for Telugu people. Notable freedom fighters are Muttharaju Gopalarao and Potti Sriramulu. People of Nellore district has vivid interest in politics. It produced two former chief ministers of state, Dr Bezawada Gopal Reddy and Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy. The main political parties of the district are Congress and Telugu Desam party. Communist parties of India also have more followers compared to the neighboring districts like Cuddappah and Ongole. Puchalapalli Sundaraiah, the great communist who sacrificed his life and properties for poor practiced communism here.
There are many patrons for the causes of district. Notable among them is Rebala Laxminarasa Reddy, who donated the town hall and pediatric hospital and Venkata Giri Raja, who constructed first college in the Nellore. Ex BJP National President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu comes from this district, Chavatapalem village.
[edit] Temples
Nellore has abundant of temples and few of the famous temples are listed here.
- Ranganayaka Temple, this temple is situated on the banks of the river Pennar.
- Jonnawada-Located 12 km from Nellore, It is famous for the temple of Goddess Kamakshi, praying to whom is believed to relieve one from all problems and diseases. A 'Sri Chakram' installed by Sri Jagadguru Sankaracharya. It is also one of the oldest temples in Nellore(1150CE). Nearby hill Narasimha Konda is also famous for another deity called Narasimha Swamy.
- Penchalakona- Located 70 km from Nellore in Rapur mandal. A major pilgrimage centre. It is famous for the temple of Sri Penusila Narsimha Swamy, situated at the foot of a hill. Mountains and dense forests surround the scenic spot.
- Someswara Swamy Temple - A famous Siva Temple built during the 7th century AD near somasila dam.
- Ramathirdham- 31 km from Nellore, it is famous for the temple of Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy. Lord Siva and Kamakshamma are the presiding deities while Vigneswara and Subramanya Swamy are the also worshipped.
- Chengalamma Temple, Sulurpeta- Pilgrim Centres. Located 100 km from Nellore, Situated on the banks of river kalingi is the Chengalamma Temple which represents the culmination of three goddesses namely Saraswathi, Mahalaxmi and Parvathi.
- Golagamudi Venkaiah Swamy Temple- It is Located 15km from Nellore it is one of the famous temple in nellore.
- Kasumur-Located 25 km from Nellore, Known for the Dargah of Hazarath Karimillah Sha Khadri alias Mastan valli, a visit to which is believed to cure various ailments. A popular place of pilgrimage.
- Sri Raja Rajeshwari Ammavari Devasthanam, Nellore- Sri Arul Jyoti Nataraja Murthy Swamy of Sri Arul Jyoti Nataraja Murthy Swamy Ashram Pitadhipathi wished to have a temple for Sri Devi. In 1968 Sri Ratna Swamy Mudiliar.
- Sri Venugopala Swamy Devasthanam, Moolapet, Nellore-Built in 1883, the presiding deity of the temple is Sri Rukmini Satyabhama Sametha Sri Venugopala Swamy. The idols are in lblack ... Udayagiri Fort-Located 96 km from Nellore, This is the site of a mighty fortress built by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 14th century. A towering peak can be seen here.
- kakaturtirath jain temple , kakaturtirath The jain temple which is located at kakatur villege in nellore dist which is 10km from nellore city
[edit] Flora and Fauna
Nellore is rich in flora and fauna. It had a lush coastal belt, moist Eastern Ghats, dry forests and short bushes.
The fauna is equally wonderful. Pulicat Lake near Sullurpeta, 75-80 km from Nellore, is a habitat for a variety of aquatic & terrestrial birds like flamingoes, painted storks, grey pelicans and seagulls and much more. There is a sanctuary called Nelapattu Bird Sancturay, on the banks of Pulicat lake, is spread over 486 km². It boasts the famous Siberian Cranes and nearly 160 species of birds. The annual Flamingo Festival is celebrated at this bird sanctuary at Nelapattu.
Nellore district is also famous for good lakes and beach parks. Kotha Koduru , located 22 km from Nellore has a picturesque beach. Maipadu beach , located 14 km from Nellore, is famous for sand dunes and giant sea waves. Nellore Lake park (Nellore cheruvu, near Podalakur road) provides paddle boating, speed boats, deluxe boats and a restaurant.
[edit] Education
Nellore has scores of schools, engineering and other degree colleges. On the other hand, providing educational facilities to rural areas is largely confined to the shelves of the Andhra Pradesh Government. All institutions and schools are affiliated with Sri Venkateswara University.
The headquarters of famous Narayana educational society is in Nellore. The society include Medical colleges, engineering colleges, Junior colleges and schools all over the country. One of its famous Medical college (chintharedy palem)Campus at Nellore is an ideal place for all kind of medical education with super speciality hospitals and facilities at par with international standards. The Founder and chairman of Narayana Educational Society Dr.P.Narayana is keen about providing quality education to rural areas.
[edit] Media
The district has long list of local newspapers such as Zaminryot, Lawyer, Nellore News, Gudur News, Nagarabheri and much more. Though most of them were swept away by district editions of the main state newspapers like Vaartha, Eenadu and Andhrajyothy, only Zaminryot is still a popular news item.
The popular TV Channels are state wide telugu cable channels ETV, Gemini and Teja and local city cable.
[edit] Sports
Cricket is the most played and well watched sport. Kabaddi, Badminton and Volleyball are also played in schools. Indoor sports like Chess and Carrom are also played in urban areas. T N Parameswaran, national chess champion in 1982 and 1996 and who also represented India in Chess Olympiads of 1982 and 1996 at Lausanne and Armenia is from Nellore. Many board games played with dice are popular in rural areas. Small villages host cockfight and bullfight events for special occasions.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- http://www.nellore.tv
- http://www.mananellore.com
- Nellore Website
- state government statistics about nellore district
[edit] Further reading
- History of Andhras up to 1565, Durga Prasad, P. G. Publishers, Guntur.
- Samagra Andhrula Charitram
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