Machilipatnam

మచిలిపట్నం
Machilipatnam
—  city  —
మచిలిపట్నం
Machilipatnam
Location of మచిలిపట్నం
Machilipatnam
in Andhra Pradesh and India
Coordinates
Country  India
State Andhra Pradesh
District(s) Krishna
MP[1] Konathala Narayana
Population

• Density
• Metro

 183,370 (2001)

• 6,875 /km2 (17,806 /sq mi)
• 250,895
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area

• Elevation

 26.67 km2 (10 sq mi)

• 14 metres (46 ft)

Machilipatnam (Telugu: మచిలిపట్నం) pronunciation is a city and a special grade municipality in the Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The town has existed since the 3rd century BCE (Satavahana period) when, according to Ptolemy, it was known as Maisolos. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea calls it Masalia in the 1st century CE.[2] The port is located on the southeastern, or Coromandel Coast, of India. Situated in the mouth of the River Krishna on the Bay of Bengal, the Masula port saw flourishing sea trade. It was a 17th century port for French, British and Dutch trade, then it was known as Masulipatam.

The port has a medium-size fishing harbour which can accommodate 350 fishing vessels and an active carpet-weaving industry. The other products from the town include rice, oilseeds and scientific instruments. This town is a railway terminus and an important educational centre.

The area is vulnerable to storm surges caused by the frequent cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. The 2004 Tsunami affected many fishing villages around Machilipatnam. The Government and NGOs are involved in rebuilding and reconstructing devastated villages.

Contents

History

A view of Machilipatnam in the late seventeenth century. (Museum of the French East India Company)

Machilipatnam was a flourishing seaport on the east coast during the time of the Satavahanas. It was mentioned in the Periplus that a great quantity of muslins are made in Masalia.[3] Finest muslins were exported from Masulipatam to Egypt, Rome, Athens and Arabia.[4] The town retained its importance throughout the history and was the major port of Golkonda kingdom.[5] In the 17th century CE, the port was a centre of French, British and Dutch trade. It is one of the earliest known British settlements in the Indian subcontinent and the British East India Company's first trading post on the Coromandel coast. An agency was established there in 1611 CE. During the Carnatic Wars, the British were temporarily expelled from the town, which was held by the French for some years. In 1759, the town and fort were captured by Colonel Forde, an achievement followed by the acquisition of the Northern Circars. In 1864 a great storm-wave swept over the entire town and is said to have destroyed 30,000 lives. A monument was erected by the then District collector of Masulipatam, Mr Thornhill, almost 3 km away from the inundated town in Robertson Square (nowadays familiar as Koneru centre)

The port is only a roadstead, where vessels anchor 5 m. out. A branch line from Vijayawada on the Southern Mahratta railway was opened in 1908. The port of Machilipatnam today is in need of modernization. It has not seen any ships in the last decade. In its heyday, the port used to handle exports of items weighing more than 2.7 lakh tonnes and imports of 37,000 tonnes. It used to export Iron Ore to Japan.[6] In January 2006, the Government of Andhra Pradesh revealed plans to revive the Machilipatnam port at a cost of Rs. 1200 crores. It has allocated 6000 acres (24 km2) of land for the project.[7]

Geography

Machilipatnam is located at [8] on the southeast coast of India and in the east corner of Andhra Pradesh. The city has an average elevation of 14 meters (45 feet).

Climate

Machilipatnam gets annual rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. The climate is tropical in nature with hot summers and moderate winters. The hottest months are between April and June. The average normal rainfall in the district is 102 cm.

Machilipatnam is frequently hit by cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal. On 8 December 2004, a high capacity S-Band Doppler radar meant for cyclone warning was installed, commissioned and made operational at the city.[9] It was purchased from a German manufacturer, Gematronik. The Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Machilipatnam is vulnerable to high surges of the sea due to cyclones. The Andhra Cyclone of 14–20 November 1977 crossed the coast near Nizampatnam and took approximately 10,000 lives. As the storm approached the coast, gale winds reaching 200 km/h lashed Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, East Godavari and West Godavari districts. A storm surge, 5 meters high, inundated Krishna estuary and the coast south of Machilipatnam (bandar)

With the installation of the radar, the state will be better equipped to track down cyclones by the onset of monsoon, according to an official from the State Met Office talking to the The Hindu newspaper. This facility will monitor 960 km long coastline of the state.[10] The radar's information is posted real-time on the Indian Meteorological Department website.[11] Similar radars were installed in other coastal cities forming an S-Band Cyclone Detection Radar Network.[12]

Politics and administration

For administrative purposes, Machilipatnam falls into the Bandar revenue division of the Krishna District. It is a special grade municipality with 36 panchayats and 28 villages. The city area covers an area of 28 kilometres (10 miles). Machilipatnam is a parliament constituency in Andhra Pradesh. It is governed by the Collector and the District Magistrate of the Krishna district.It is the first municipality in ANDHRA PRADESH next come tenali

Economy

Koneru center, the business center of Machilipatnam

Machilipatnam has many small scale industries. Fashion gold (also called rolled gold or gold covering) ornaments are made in the town. Gold Prince, Yasasri gold, National gold,Adarsa gold,Tiruganesh gold, Uma gold, Hema Sri Gold Covering Works, Raja gold, Fancy gold, Ravi Teja gold, Mohan gold, Laxmana Gold, Ravi Gold, and USHA GOLD are among the leading manufacturers of fashion gold in Machilipatnam. Agriculture is the most important occupation, paddy being the main food crop produced. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a unit of the Union Defence Ministry, of the Government of India, operates a manufacturing unit in Machilipatnam.[13] BEL is involved in design, development and manufacture of state-of-the art electronic equipment that are used by the Indian Defence Services and para military organisations. it aiso has cyclone detection radar station under imd dept. of science and techonology govt. of India.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[14] Machilipatnam had a population of 183,370.Present population(2009) increased to 250,043. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Machilipatnam has an average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 65%. In Machilipatnam, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Culture

People in Machilipatnam practice Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Hindus and Christians speak Telugu and the Muslims tend to speak Urdu. Women of all cultures and faiths typically wear the traditional Indian dress, the sari - sometimes Shalwar Qamis.

The city is well-known for sweet dishes called Bandar Laddu and Bandar Halwa.

Literary organizations

The literary organisation "Saahithee Mitrulu" was established in Machilipatnam in 1981. It has conducted literary and cultural programmes since then without pause, functioning chiefly to bring out the creative skills of youth and new writers; it has published at least 66 books of literature and treating of language and culture. In 1999, the organization conducted the "Sathaavadhaanam" of Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad, created a history.[15][16][17]

Mahila Seva Mandali, near Congress Office9 Founded by Smt. Dulla Venkata Ramanamma and Sriyutha Dulla China Pattabhi Ramayya)

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi, a popular Indian Classical Dance form originated at Kuchipudi, 25 kilometres from Machilipatnam. The dance form is in practice in Machilipatnam.

Arts and crafts

The Kalamkari fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti, with their intricate designs, are used in clothing and wall hangings. Kalamkari refers to dye-painted cloths and the technique used to create them. Their name derives from kalam, for a pen-like tool used to draw outlines on the cloth, and kari (work). Fabrics are outlined with a cotton-tipped bamboo stick and dyed in vegetable or mineral colours. The process involves washing, rinsing, soaking and bleaching muslin, and applying mordants and dyes using natural substances like indigo for blue, madder for red, mango bark and dried myrobalan fruit for yellow, palm sugar and rusted iron for black. The dyeing process is very elaborate and can take several days to complete. While some pieces are hand-drawn, large canvas and sheets are block-printed. The work done in Machilipatnam, often using block printing in conjunction with hand painting, features decorative floral and vegetable designs that appealed to local kingdoms and to export trade. This culminated in European demand for Machilipatnam chintz, which derives its name from the Hindi word chint (spotted). There are so many families developed kalamkari art. the famous persons made an effort for developing these art is Anumukonda Venkatarangayya Naidu etc...And Machilipatnam is also famous for imitation jewellery whisch is also called as "Chilakalapudi Bangram", it has over 150yrs of production and business, over 200 companies are dependent on this and over 30000 artizans are working for it. Most of the jewellery used in cinemas of south india are from here itself, the jewellery is also exported to many countries like Dubai, Singapore, Malysia etc...Some of the companies to name here are Uma gold covering,Ajanta Gold Covering,Raja Gold Covering, Konark Rolled Gold Company, Sagar Gold Covering Works and many.

Tourism

Machilipatnam is a city with a rich history of foreign conquests, business and trade. The relics of Bandar Kota (Machilipatnam Fort) can be visited. The old light house is still standing.

Temples

Sai Baba Temple at Machilipatnam

Sai maharaj devalayam at district court centre Machilipatnam is the main attraction of the town. It has the biggest statue of sri saibaba of shirdi. Dattashram is a pilgrimage site on the coast. Dattashram has an ancient Shiva temple and a recently built Datta temple. Manginapudi is popularly known as "Datta Rameswaram" due to the consecration of 12 wells for bathing (recalling those at Rameswaram).[18] Panduranga Swamy temple at Chilakalapudi near the city, is a famous piligrimage site. It is a temple of Lord Vishnu, said to be similar to the temple at Pandaripur. Sivaganga Temple is a historical temple maintained by Challapalli jameendars rather than the Government. It is one of the oldest temples in the area. Located on the Avanigadda road, it attracts tourists and devotees all through the year. On Shivaratri major celebrations are carried out by the temple trustees. Anjaneya Swami Temple, in Paraspet, was built by Samarth Ramdas, the guru of Chatrapathi Sivaji. Ghantasala, 21 km from Machilipatnam, has the remains of an old Buddhist stupa. Agastheeswara Temple, 36 km from Machilipatnam, is a temple of Lord Shiva and piligrimage site. At this temple Lord Shiva is called by the name Ekaratri Mallikarjunaswamy. An annual festival is celebrated here and the deities are taken out in procession. At Gudivada, North west of Machilipatnam, visitors are attracted by the old ruins of the stupas. Further up the coast of Machilipatnam there are five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These ancient temples are located at Amravati, Samalkot, Bhimavaram, Draksharama and Chebrolu. Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy temple, located at Godugupet, has a history of over hundred years.

Beaches

Beach near Machilipatnam

The beaches in Machilipatnam are long, broad, pristine, with pale blonde sands. Manginapudi Beach, a beach side fishing hamlet 11 km from Machilipatnam, is well known for its scenic beauty and also as a historic port city. During its heyday this port served as a gateway to India. The beach has a natural bay with shallow waters. Sri Ganganamma Temple is constructed in the year of 1977 when the great cyclon came i.e. uppena at Rajupet,Machilpatnam,

Transport

Road transport

The National highway NH-9 from Pune via Hyderabad and Vijayawada is being extended to Bandar Fort through Machilipatnam. A coastal National highway NH-214A from Narsapur to Ongole via Machiipatnam has been sanctioned 4 years ago.

Rail transport

Machilipatnam is well connected to important cities of India. Nearest city is Vijayawada, south central railway's important railway station and junction. There are eleven passenger trains to Vijayawada, one fast passenger to Visakhapatnam and two express trains to Secunderabad and Tirupathi. Two weekly thrice expresses to Bangalore.

Sea transport

As of 2008 there is no transport by the sea. However, Machilipatnam Deep Water Seaport is under development by navayuga constructions pvt. ltd. who built krishnapatnam port.

Air transport

The nearest airport is Gannavaram airport near Vijayawada, about 70 km away.

Media

The city receives television and radio transmissions from Hyderabad and the rest of country. All major print media are in circulation. The major Telugu dailies include the Eenadu, Surya, Vaartha, Andhra Jyoti, Andhra Bhoomi, Saakshi and Andhra Prabha. The major English dailies are The Deccan Chronicle, Business Standard, The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express and The Economic Times.

Education

Further information: Education in India

Machilipatnam is an educational center, offering all the academic courses except Medicine. It has public (state-run) and private-run schools. The local Hindu college and allied institutions offer KG to PG level of education. There are several Telugu language and English language schools. Daita Madhusudhana Sastry, the former secretary and correspondent of the Hindu college and allied institutions was instrumental in the establishment and expansion of most of the educational institutions in Machilipatnam.

Schools

Telugu schools

English medium schools

Colleges

References

  1. ↑ Election Commission of India
  2. ↑ The Great Stupa at Nagarjunakonda in Southern India
  3. ↑ "Ancient History Sourcebook: The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea:". http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/periplus.html. Retrieved 2009-01-20. 
  4. ↑ Indian muslims: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021019/windows/main4.htm
  5. ↑ 'Masulipatnam and Cambay', S. Arasaratnam and A. Ray, Munshiram Manoharlal, New Delhi.
  6. ↑ The Hindu - Machilipatnam port crying for modernisation
  7. ↑ The Hindu Business Line - Machilipatnam port revival bid
  8. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Machilipatnam
  9. ↑ Department of Science and Technology
  10. ↑ The Hindu - Modern cyclone warning system for Machilipatnam
  11. ↑ Indian Meteorological Department website
  12. ↑ India Meteorological Department
  13. ↑ Bharat Electronics
  14. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
  15. ↑ Preparation of Bandar Laddu
  16. ↑ Heralding spring
  17. ↑ Catering for the Sweet tooth
  18. ↑ Datta Peetham
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 University Grants Commission - List of colleges in Andhra Pradesh

External links

Krishna district
Portuguese Empire
Portuguese colonization of the Americas
Theory of Portuguese discovery of Australia