Coastal Andhra Kōstā Āndhra | |
|---|---|
 Coastal Andhra region (old districts) highlighted in Andhra Pradesh | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Andhra Pradesh |
| Districts |
|
| Largest city | |
| Major Cities | |
| Area | |
• Total | 91,915 km2 (35,489 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
• Total | 34,195,655 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Vehicle registration | AP05, AP06, AP07, AP08, AP16, AP18, AP26, AP27, AP37, AP39 |
| Largest airport | Visakhapatnam Airport |
Coastal Andhra, also known asKosta Andhra (IAST: Kōstā Āndhra), is a geographic region in the Indian state ofAndhra Pradesh, comprising the coastal districts of the state between theEastern Ghats and theBay of Bengal, from the northern border withOrissa toRayalaseema in the south.[3] It includes major citiesVisakhapatnam,Vijayawada andGuntur City as well as the state capitalAmaravati and is recognized for its fertile lands, rich cultural heritage, and economic importance. Coastal Andhra plays a significant role in the state's agricultural output, particularly in rice and tobacco production, supported by abundant water resources from theGodavari,Krishna, andPenna rivers.[4][5]
While Coastal Andhra generally includes the districts along the Bay of Bengal, theUttarandhra (Northern Andhra) area is sometimes regarded as distinct due to its unique cultural and historical background. Coastal Andhra shares borders with theRayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh and the state ofTelangana. Covering an area of 91,915 square kilometres (35,489 sq mi), Coastal Andhra accounts for 58% of Andhra Pradesh's total area and, as per the2011 Census of India, hosts a population of over 3.4crore, constituting 69.20% of the state's population. Coastal Andhra was formerly part of theMadras State until 1953 and then became part ofAndhra State from 1953 to 1956.[3]
Historically, Coastal Andhra has been a centre of trade and culture, featuring strong traditions in literature, music, and dance. The region contributed actively to theIndian independence movement and continues to impact the state's economy through industries such as information technology, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals. It is also home to major ports inVisakhapatnam andKakinada, enhancing its status as a critical industrial and trading hub. Proximity to the Bay of Bengal, however, makes the region susceptible to tropical cyclones and coastal erosion, prompting investments in disaster preparedness and coastal management initiatives.[3]
The region of Andhra emerged as a prominent political power during theMaurya Empire. Historical accounts by Greek ambassadorMegasthenes (c. 310 BCE) reference Andhra as a flourishing region under theSatavahanas before theCommon Era.[6][7] The Satavahana dynasty dominated theDeccan Plateau from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE.[8] It had trade relations with the Roman Empire.[9] The Satavahanas madeDhanyakataka-Amaravathi their capital. According to historianStanley Wolpert, it might have been the most prosperous city in India in 2nd century CE.[10][11]
Coastal Andhra was subsequently governed by theEastern Chalukya dynasty between the 7th and 12th centuries CE, followed by successive rule under theChola,Kakatiya, andVijayanagara empires.[12][13][14] According to 11th-century inscriptions, the geographical boundaries of Coastal Andhra extended from theMahendragiri mountains in the northeastern border nearOrissa'sGajapati district, to theKalahasti Temple inTirupati district, and theSrisailam Temple inNandyal district.[15]
In the mid-18th century, theGajapati andGanjam districts, which were part of Coastal Andhra, were granted to theFrench East India Company in 1752 but were later transferred to British control. Nellore, including areas reaching up toOngole Taluk, came under British administration after being acquired from theNawab of Arcot. Additionally, certain parts of present-day Nellore and Chittoor were managed by theVenkatagiri Rajas until 1802, when the British entered into an arrangement with the Raja of Venkatagiri, consolidating their control over these territories.[16]
The Coastal Andhra districts, historically known as theNorthern Circars, along with theRayalaseema region, were ceded by theNizam of Hyderabad to the British colonial administration, becoming part of theMadras Presidency under British rule.[17]
Coastal Andhra is situated in the eastern region of the Indian state ofAndhra Pradesh, along the Circar Coast. It covers an area of 91,915 square kilometres (35,489 sq mi).[3] It comprises 18 districts:Srikakulam,Vizianagaram,Parvathipuram Manyam,Alluri Sitarama Raju,Visakhapatnam,Anakapalli,Kakinada,Konaseema,East Godavari,West Godavari,Eluru,Krishna,NTR,Guntur,Palnadu,Bapatla,Prakasam, andNellore.
The region borders theRayalaseema region within Andhra Pradesh and shares boundaries with the state ofTelangana. Fertile lands in Coastal Andhra are supported by the presence of three major rivers: theGodavari,Krishna, andPenna, which enhance agricultural productivity through extensive irrigation systems.[18]
The coastal length of this region spans approximately 974 km, making it the second-longest coastline in India.[18]
According to the2011 Census of India, Coastal Andhra has a total population of 34,195,655 constituting 69.20% of the state's population.[3]
The majority of the population in Coastal Andhra practicesHinduism, accounting for approximately 93% of the residents. TheChristian community represents around 1.51% of the region's population.[19]
The primary language spoken across Coastal Andhra isTelugu.[20]
Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of the state, which was originated in theKuchipudi village ofKrishna district.[21]
Rice is the staple food in the coastal cuisine and is usually consumed with a variety of curries and lentil soups or broths. The cuisine of Coastal Andhra is influenced by various seafood varieties.[citation needed]
The Coastal Andhra region of Andhra Pradesh comprises 18 districts:Srikakulam,Vizianagaram,Parvathipuram Manyam,Alluri Sitharama Raju,Visakhapatnam,Anakapalli,Kakinada,Konaseema,East Godavari,West Godavari,Eluru,Krishna,NTR,Guntur,Palnadu,Bapatla,Prakasam andNellore.[22]
Many Chief Ministers from the region have held office in Andhra Pradesh andAndhra State. They are:
Visakhapatnam,Vijayawada,Guntur,Nellore,Kakinada,Rajahmundry,Tuni andEluru are prominent cities in the Coastal Andhra region. Other major urban centers includeGudivada,Tenali,Narasaraopeta,Bhimavaram,Machilipatnam,Ongole, andTadepalligudem. Important towns in the area includeChirala,Amalapuram,Palakollu,Narasapuram,Kavali,Chilakaluripet, andKandukur.
Visakhapatnam is the most populous city in the region, whileAmaravati, serving as the state capital, is also situated within Coastal Andhra.
Coastal Andhra is a prominent hub forBuddhist heritage in India, second only to theGangetic plains ofBihar andUttar Pradesh. The region holds numerous ancient Buddhist sites, featuring remnants of largemonasteries,stupas, and other significant artifacts that span from Srikakulam district in the north to Nellore district in the south. Key sites includeAmaravathi,Salihundam,Ramatheertham,Thotlakonda,Bavikonda,Bojjannakonda, Kummarilova,[23] Kodavali,[24] andBhattiprolu. Excavations atGudiwada village in Vizianagaram district for instance, uncovered an ancient stupa mound, reflecting the depth of Buddhist influence across the region.[25]
Coastal Andhra is also noted for its diverse landscapes of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The region contains 259 coastal wetlands, covering approximately 18,552 square kilometers, including 88 man-made wetlands.[26]Kolleru Lake, a significant natural freshwater lake situated in West Godavari district, functions as a flood-balancing reservoir for the Godavari and Krishna rivers and supports up to 50,000 resident and migratory birds. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1999 under India's Wildlife Protection Act, Kolleru Lake was designated aRamsar wetland of international importance in 2002.[27] Additionally, theGodavari River splits into distributaries such as the Gouthami, Vasishta, Vainatheya, and Vruddha Gouthami before reaching the Bay of Bengal, creating an intricate riverine landscape across Coastal Andhra.[28]
.jpg)
.jpg)
Coastal Andhra is well-connected by various modes of transportation, including air, rail, and road networks, playing a crucial role in the region's connectivity and economy.
The region's railway infrastructure includes several major stations such asVijayawada railway station, one of the busiest railway junctions in India, along with other key stations inRajahmundry,Kakinada Town,Narsapuram,Machilipatnam,Guntur,Tenali,Nellore, andRepalle. Vijayawada serves as a central hub for numerous trains originating from and passing through the region.[29]
In terms of road transport,Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) in Vijayawada is one of the largest bus terminals in the country, handling a high volume of passengers.[30] Buses operate from various towns and cities in the region, further connecting the area with major destinations across Andhra Pradesh and beyond.
Air connectivity is provided byVisakhapatnam International Airport,Vijayawada International Airport andRajahmundry Airport, which serve both domestic and limited international flights. Additionally,Nellore Airport is currently under construction to enhance air travel access to the region.
Coastal Andhra is also home to several major ports, vital for the region's trade and commerce.Kakinada Port is a significant seaport, whileVisakhapatnam Port is one of the busiest cargo-handling ports in India.[31]Krishnapatnam Port atNellore is a major private port in the region,[32] and smaller ports such asMachilipatnam Port andNizampatnam Port in Bapatla district further contribute to maritime trade.[33][34] Andhra Pradesh is the second-busiest maritime state in India in terms of cargo handled, following Gujarat.[35]
National flag design
Singers
Telugu literature, arts and cinema
Amaravati on the banks of the Krishna, which was later the southeast capital of the Satavahanas, flourished in its trade with Rome, Ceylon, and Southeast Asia, and may well have been the most prosperous city of India during the second century of the Christian era.
_3.jpg)
{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
Media related toCoastal Andhra at Wikimedia CommonsCapital:Amaravati | |
| Topics | |
| Symbols |
|
| Regions | |
| Districts | |
| Metropolis | |
| Cities | |
| Transport | |
| Tourism | |
| History | |
| Related lists | |
