|
Andhra Pradesh (275,00 sq. km) stands on the high Deccan
plateau, sloping down to the low-lying coastal region to the
east where the mighty Godavari and Krishna rivers meet the
Bay of Bengal. Andhra Pradesh The heart of the south. There
are three main regions in Andhra Pradesh –
(1) Northern Circars or coastal Andhra comprising Srikakulam,
Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur,
Ongole and Nellore districts;
(2) Rayalaseema or Ceded districts comprising Kurnool,
Cuddapah, Chittoor and Anantapur districts; and
(3) Telangana comprising Khammam, Nalgonda, Warangal,
Karimnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, Aadilabad, Mahbubnagar and
Hyderabad districts.
Andhra Pradesh is said to have been the home of the Pre-
Dravidian dark coloured inhabitants. Here, the Muslim,
Buddhist and Hindu faiths formed a brilliant mosaic of
cultures. And, with its eyes on the Pacific Rim countries
there is a growing port which could become the most powerful
in Asia by the 21st century. Once a major Buddhist centre
and part of Ashok's large empire. By the end of the third
century AD the Pallavas of Kanchi put an end to the rule of
the Ikshavakus. Art and Architecture advanced during their
rule. By 4th century AD the Anandas established their rule
which lasted till 6th century. During the 7th century the
Eastern Chalukyas exercised their power for many centuries.
Literature was advanced during this period with promotion of
the Telegu script. it was in the hands of Chalukyas from 7th
to 10th century and was ruled by Cholas till the 13th
century. The seat was annexed by the Muslims and conquered
by Vijaynagar rulers. Finally in the 16th century, the Qutab
Shahi dynasty was established at Hyderabad. During this
period, fortresses of Golconda. Their regime came to an end
in 1687 when the kingdom was taken over by a general of the
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The general's successor, the
Nizams of Hyderabad ruled the state thereafter till the
Independence.
Hyderabad, the capital was built by Mohammed Qul of the
Qutab Shahi dynasty. When the Qutab Shahis were defeated by
the Mughals, the princely Nizams took over as hereditary
governors and later became rulers in their own right,
reputedly the richest princes in the British Empire.
Visit the Char Minar, literally the Four Minarets, an
enormous gate built as a talisman to ward off a plague in
1591. Around it, is an old bazaar selling pearls, lacquer
and glass bangles, clothes and accessories for Hyderabadi
brides.
The great Mecca Masjid Mosque reputedly holds bricks brought
from the holy city of Mecca. An amazing collection of art,
artifacts and trinkets displayed in the Salar Jung Museum is
well worth lingering over. Atop a hill is a modern temple
and a planetarium built by the industrialist Birla Family;
good insights into other worlds and certainly over the city.
The zoo is one of the best in India and its safari park and
nocturnal house are good experiences. Savour typical
Hyderabadi food such as biryani, haleem, baghare baigan and
qubani ka meetha. Also explore Golconda Fort and the Qutab
Shahi Tombs on the way to the Fort. |
