Andhra Pradesh, Geography, Arts & Culture, Climate Religions, Literacy

Andhra Pradesh State Capital Hyderabad Population('000s in 1991) 66,508 Area('000 sq. km) 275 Females per 1000 males(1991) 972 Literacy rate(1991) 44.1 Ratio of urban population (1991) 26.9 Net Domestic Product (Rs. million at current prices in 1992-93) 397,040 Per Capita Income (Rs. at current prices in 1992-93) 5,802 Principal Languages Telugu and Urdu

Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state is a massive spread of 27,068 sq. km. History, here,
unfolds its vital links with the past, and manifests itself triumphantly in the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins left behind by dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and Vijayanagar afford imposing vistas that create tourist interest.

Andhra Pradesh lies in the south eastern part of India, with itscoastline stretching for over a distance of 1200 kilometres, from Orissa to Tamil Nadu.The state of Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1st November 1956, by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad, with the Andhra state. The state of Andhra had been formed in 1953, when the Telugu speaking areas were separated from the composite Madras state.

Beautiful crafts, exquisite remnants of a glorious past, vibrant religious festivities, irresistible delicacies together with the charming features of the people and the sonorant mother tongue Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state.

The skyscape of the state presents a montage of architectural styles, replete with astonishing sculpture and splendid edifices left behind by several dynasties.Hyderabad,the state capital, is a historic city, and is famous as the former seat of the wealthy nizams. Charminar,Salar Jung museum and the mighty Golconda Fort are famous tourist spots in the city. Other touristspots of the state include the Kakatiya Gate in Warangal,Sri Laxminarasimha Swamy Temple at the Yadagirigutta,Buddha Stupa at Nagarjunakonda, the pilgrimage site at Tirumala - Tirupati,Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple at Srisailam amongst many other attractions. A giant 60 foot statue of LordBuddha has been erected in the Hussainsagar lake,separating Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities.

The Eastern Ghats rail route from Vishakapatnam to Anantagiri is one of the highest broad gauge tracks in the world.

Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Lacquer toys, anakapalliarticles,nirmal,painted pottery,bidri-lead inlaid black metal trinklets, palm and slate articles, as well as Gadhwalk, Pochampalli and Dharmvaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts the state is renowned for.

Agriculture is the main occupation of about 70 percent of the people in Andhra Pradesh. The main crops are rice, maize, millets, pulses, castor, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, groundnut and banana. The covered forest area in the state is about 23 percent, and important forest products include teak, eucalyptus, cashew, bamboo and soft wood. Some of the major industries in the state are machine tools, synthetic drugs, pharmaceuticals, heavy electrical machinery, ships, fertilizers, electronic equipment, aeronautical parts, cement and cement products, chemicals, asbestos, glass and watches. Important minerals found in the state are copper ore, manganese, mica, coal and limestone.