| Rayadurg | |
| — town — | |
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| Coordinates | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District(s) | Anantapur |
| Population | 54,127 (2001[update]) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Area |
• 543 metres (1,781 ft) |
Rayadurg (రాయదుర్గ౦) is a taluk headquarters and municipality in Anantapur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
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According to 2001 Indian census,[1] Rayadurg had a population of 54,127 with 51% males and 49% females. Rayadurg has an average literacy rate of 56%, lower than the national average of 59.5% with male literacy of 65% and female literacy of 47%. In Rayadurg, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
A famous medieval fort is here...
'Rayadurga' literally means "King's Hill Fortress". The Rayadurga Fort played a very significant role in the history of the Vijayanagar Empire. The fort has many inner forts and is inaccessible for enemies to attack. It is built at a height of 2727 ft. from sea level.
Rayadurga was originally a stronghold of Balija palegar who were very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. The emperor deputed an officer to drive them out and ruled the place himself and the hill was thus called "Bhupatirayakonda". After the battle of 'Rakshasa Tangadi', the Bedars regained the place, but were again driven out after some time by 'Koneti Nayak'. His son 'Venkatapathi Nayak' who had differences with the 'Palegar' of Chittaldurg greatly strengthened the fortifications. Tipu captured the fort and made it a part of his Gooty province.
The ruins of the fort can still be seen on the hill at the foot of which the Raidurga town is built. The hill fort is said to have been built by one 'Junga Nayak'. A portion of the fort wall has crumbled. Down below the slope of the hill are four caves with small stone doors with carvings of 'Siddhas'.
The fort area contains most of the temples of the village including those of 'Narashimhaswamy', Hanuman, and 'Elamma', which are frequently visited by devotees. There are other temples including those of 'Prasanna Venkateswara', 'Venugopala', 'Jambukeswara', 'Veerabhadra', and 'Kanyakaparameswari'.
Another important and a spectacular sight is "Dasabhuja Ganapathi", a statue of Lord Ganesha with ten shoulders. It was carved out from a 4 m high monolithic stone. 'Dasabhuja Ganapathi' statue is witness to the beautiful "Shilpakala" of olden days.
Kalyandurg fort, Akkamma Konda and Kothi Konda(kota konda) are some of the famous tourist destinations.
The areas surrounding Rayadurg are famous for high quality Groundnut, Tamarind and Custard Apple (Seethaphal). A special variety of Pomegranate and Brinjal (vankaya) can be seen here throughout the year.
Weaving silk and cotton saris, Garment industry and farming are the main sources of revenue. Nearly 10,000 people are working in garment units. Rayadurg has one of the biggest garment industry in South India, exporting garments worth Rs.200 crores per annum. Silk sarees for marriages from Rayadurg are also famous.
It is also famous for Garment industry. It is connected through railways to other parts such as Bellary, Chitradurga and Bangalore. The first meter gauge line was laid in 1906 from Bellary (Karnataka) to Rayadurg (Andhra Pradesh). It was converted into broad gauge in 1993. As the railway constructed in 1906, still this city doesn't have more than two trains running a day.
Rayadurg is one of the Indian cities which has a Martian crater named after it. The other cities/towns are Amet, Bhor, Broach, Kakori, Poona (Pune), and Sandila.
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