Rayadurg

Rayadurgam రాయదుర్గ౦
Town
Rayadurgam Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 14°42′00″N 76°52′00″E / 14.7000°N 76.8667°E / 14.7000; 76.8667Coordinates: 14°42′00″N 76°52′00″E / 14.7000°N 76.8667°E / 14.7000; 76.8667
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District	Anantapur
Elevation	543 m (1,781 ft)
Population (2011)[1]
• Total	61,749
Languages
• Official	Telugu
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	515 xxx
Telephone code	+91–8495
Website	Rayadurg Municipality

Rayadurgam is a municipal town and taluk headquarters in Anantapur district of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

History

'Rayadurgam' literally means "King's Hill Fortress". The Rayadurgam 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.

Rayadurgam was originally a stronghold of "Rayadurgam Palegar" who were very turbulent during the Vijayanagara 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 Nayaka'. His son 'Venkatapathi Nayaka' 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 Nayaka'. 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.

Kalyanadurga fort, Akkamma Konda and Kothi Konda(kota konda) are some of the famous tourist destinations.

Demographics

As of 2011 Census of India, the town had a population of 61,749. The total population constitute, 30,911 males, 30,838 females and 7,462 children, in the age group of 0–6 years. The average literacy rate stands at 69.60% with 37,781 literates, significantly lower than the national average of 73.00%.^[2]

Economy

The areas surrounding Rayadurg are famous for high quality Groundnut, Tamarind and Custard Apple (Sharifa). 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 20,000 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 and Jeans, cargos, full shirts were very famous in this area. These are available in cheap prices. For example if we buy a one pencil cut pant it cost was only 220 rupees and it was a quality one.

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 Rayadurgam (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.But there are four express trains going via Rayadurg without stopage.

Martian crater

Rayadurgam 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.

References