Guntur district#Divisions

The district derives its name from its district headquarters, Guntur.{{Sfn|Babu|2009|p=77}}

There are several opinions on the meaning and origin of the word Guntur. The word owes its origin to words like gundu (a rock), gunta (a pond) and kunta (1/3 of an acre). In Sanskrit Guntur is called Garthapuri (Guntlapuri).

The earliest reference to Guntur, a variant of Guntur, comes from the Idern plates of Ammaraja I (922-929 AD) of the Chalukyas of Vengi. Guntur also appears in another two inscriptions dated 1147 AD and 1158 AD.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

{{historical populations|11=1901|12=11,33,968|13=1911|14=12,99,257|15=1921|16=13,85,050|17=1931|18=15,63,095|19=1941|20=17,55,986|21=1951|22=19,75,395|23=1961|24=23,27,246|25=1971|26=28,44,488|27=1981|28=34,34,724|29=1991|30=41,06,999|31=2001|32=44,65,144|33=2011|34=48,87,813|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]|align=left}}The original Sanskrit name (ancient Vedic culture) for Guntur was Garthapuri. The 'Agasthyeswara Sivalayam' in the old city of Guntur is an ancient temple for Siva.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} It has inscriptions on two stones in 'Naga Lipi' (ancient script). It is said that Agastya built the temple in the last Treta Yuga around the Swayambhu Linga and hence the name. The 'Nagas' were said to have ruled the region. The place of Sitanagaram and the Guthikonda Caves can be traced (through Vedic Puranas) back to the traditional timescale Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} Guntur District is home to the second oldest evidence of human habitation in India, in the form of Palaeolithic (old Stone Age) implements. Ancient history can be traced from the time of Sala kings who ruled during the 5th century BCE. The earliest reference to Guntur, a variant of Guntur, comes from the Idern plates of Ammaraja I (922–929 CE), the Vengi Chalukyan King. Guntur also appears in two inscriptions dated 1147 and 1158 CE. {{citation needed|date=June 2017}}File:Brahmi Script inscribed on a Railing Pillar at Velpuru 02.jpg inscribed on a Railing Pillar at Velpuru|left]]Since the beginning of Buddhist time, Guntur stood in the forefront in matters of culture, education and civilisation. Gautama Buddha preached at Dharanikota/Dhanyakatakam near Guntur and conducted Kalachakra ceremony, which takes its antiquity to 500 BCE.Buddha's Preaching of the Kalachakra Tantra at the Stupa of Dhanyakataka, H. Hoffman, in: German Scholars on India, Vol. I, 1973, pp. 136–140, Varanasi Taranatha, a Buddhist monk writes: "On the full moon of the month Chaitra in the year following his enlightenment, at the great stupa of Dhanyakataka, the Buddha emanated the mandala of "The Glorious Lunar Mansions" (Kalachakra).Taranatha; [http://www.kalacakra.org/history/khistor2.htm The history of the Kālacakra tradition in Sambhala and India] Buddhists established universities in ancient times at Dhanyakataka and Amaravathi. Scores of Buddhist stupas were excavated in the villages of Guntur district. Acharya Nagarjuna, an influential Buddhist philosopher taught at Nagarjunakonda and is said to have discovered Mica in 200 BCE. Chinese traveller and Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited Amaravati in 640 C.E., stayed for sometime and studied 'Abhidhammapitakam'. He observed that there were many Viharas and some of them were deserted, which points out that Hinduism was gaining ground at that time. Xuanzang wrote a glorious account of the place, Viharas and monasteries that existed.{{cite web|url=http://www.odiseos.net/XTWeb/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413225634/http://www.odiseos.net/XTWeb/index.html|title=Xuanzang's Journey|archive-date=13 April 2009|work=odiseos.net|url-status=usurped}}

Guntur was successively ruled by famous dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Ananda Gotrikas, Vishnukundina, Kota Vamsa, Chalukyas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Musunuris, Reddys, Vijayanagara and Qutb Shahis during ancient and medieval times. The famous battle of Palnadu which is enshrined in legend and literature as Palnati Yuddham was fought in Guntur district in 1180 CE.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

During the 16th century Guntur became part of the Mughal empire. In 1579 Khasa Rayarao, a Deshastha Brahmin who was the Commander-in-Chief of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah captured Kondaveedu Fort. After that, Khasa Rayarao was made the Governor of the Kondaveedu Sima (present Guntur district) by changing its name to Murtazanagar Sircar and kept the financial administration of this region in his hands. Khasa Rayarao appointed many Deshastha Brahmins, Kammas and some Golconda Vyaparis as Deshmukhs and Chowdarys.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P5gzTp13AXQC&pg=PA112|title=State and Society: A Reader in Comparative Political Sociology|author=Coenraad M. Brand|year=1973|page=112|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520024908 }}{{cite news|title=Revealing the missing links|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2016-07-24/Revealing-the-missing-links/244188|publisher=Hans India|date=24 July 2016}} In 1687 CE when the emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Qutb Shahi sultanate of Golconda, of which Guntur was then a part. In 1724 CE, Asaf Jah, viceroy of the empire's southern provinces, declared his independence as the Nizam of Hyderabad. The coastal districts of Hyderabad, known as the Northern Circars, were occupied by the French in 1750. During this time, the Manur Rao family of Deshastha Brahmin community, the Vasireddi family of Kamma community and the Manik Rao family of Velama community were prominent Zamindar families in the present day Guntur district. The Manur Rao family were rulers of Chilakaluripet Zamindari and Sattenapalle Zamindari, The Vasireddi family were rulers of Amaravathi Zamindari and The Manik Rao family were the rulers of Repalle Zamindari.{{Sfn|Brand|1973|p=113}}

The Guntur region played a significant role in the struggle for independence and the formation of Andhra Pradesh. The northern, Telugu- speaking districts of Madras State, including Guntur, advocated to become a separate state after independence. The new state of Andhra region named Andhra State, was created in 1953 from the eleven northern districts of Madras State. In 1970, part of Guntur district was split off to become part of the Prakasam district.{{cite web | url = http://www.statoids.com/yin.html | title = Districts of India | access-date = 11 October 2011 | last = Law | first = Gwillim | date = 25 September 2011 | work = Statoids| url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210320121214/http://www.statoids.com/yin.html | archive-date = 20 March 2021 }}

The district suffers from Naxalite insurgency and is a part of the Red corridor.{{cite web |url=http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/12/naxal-menace-83-districts-under.html |title=83 districts under the Security Related Expenditure Scheme |publisher=IntelliBriefs |date=11 December 2009 |access-date=17 September 2011 |archive-date=27 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027115807/http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/12/naxal-menace-83-districts-under.html |url-status=dead }}

File:NASA-GNT.jpg

Guntur district occupies an area of approximately {{convert|2,443|km2|sqmi}},{{cite book | editor = Srivastava, Dayawanti | title = India 2010: A Reference Annual | chapter = States and Union Territories: Andhra Pradesh: Government | edition = 54th | publisher = Additional Director General, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), Government of India | year = 2010 | location = New Delhi, India | pages = 1111–1112 | isbn = 978-81-230-1617-7}}{{cite web | url = http://islands.unep.ch/Tiarea.htm | title = Island Directory Tables: Islands by Land Area | access-date = 11 October 2011 | date = 18 February 1998 | publisher = United Nations Environment Program | quote = Bangka 11,413| url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210208011525/http://islands.unep.ch/Tiarea.htm | archive-date = 8 February 2021 }} The Krishna River forms the northeastern and eastern boundary of the district, separating it from Krishna district. The district is bounded on the southeast by the Bay of Bengal, on the south by Bapatla district, on the west by Palnadu district and on the northwest by NTR district and north east Krishna district.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

Guntur Coast is located on the south east coast of India (also known as the Coromandel Coast) (quotes from NASA site). Krishna river merges into Bay of Bengal at the coastal area of Guntur district. The braided stream channels, broad floodplain, and extensive sandbars suggest that this part of the Krishna river flows through relatively flat terrain and carries substantial amounts of sediment, especially during the monsoon season. Suryalanka Beach near Bapatla, Bobbarrlanka in Repalle, Nizampatnam Beach in Nizampatnam are tourist beaches in Guntur coastline.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

{{bar box

|title=Religions in Guntur district (2011){{Efn|In Andhra Pradesh, most Christians record their religion as 'Hindu' on the census so the real number of Christians is around 15-20% of the population of Guntur district}}{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Population by Religion - Andhra Pradesh|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11363/download/14476/DDW28C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

|titlebar=#Fcd116

|left1=Religion

|right1=Percent

|float=left

|bars=

{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|83.94}}

{{bar percent|Islam|green|13.37}}

{{bar percent|Christianity|dodgerblue|2.21}}

{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.48}}

|caption=Distribution of religions

}}

{{As of|2011}} census of India, the district had a population of 4,887,813 with a density of {{convert|193|pd/sqkm}}. The total population constitute, 2,440,521 males and 2,447,292 females – a sex ratio of 1003 females per 1000 males. The total urban population is 16,52,738 (33.81%).{{rp|19}} There are 29,60,441 literates with a literacy rate of 67.40%.

After bifurcation the district had a population of 20,91,075, of which 1,072,544 (51.29%) lived in urban areas. Guntur district had a sex ratio of 1007 females to 1000 males. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 4,21,861 (20.17%) and 69,017 (3.30%) of the population respectively.{{cite web |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/146/download/234/DH_2011_2817_PART_A_DCHB_GUNTUR.pdf|website=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}{{rp|77–82}}

{{Pie chart

|caption = Languages of Guntur district (2011)

|label1 = Telugu |value1 = 86.14 |color1 = steelblue

|label2 = Urdu |value2 = 12.32 |color2 = green

|label3 = Others |value3 = 1.54 |color3 = grey

}}

At the time of the 2011 census, 86.14% of the population spoke Telugu and 12.32% Urdu as their first language.{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Andhra Pradesh |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10193/download/13305/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2800.XLSX |website=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

The Collectorate play a pivotal role in the district administration. Collector in the cadre of IAS heads the district. He acts as the District Magistrate for maintaining Law and order in his jurisdiction. He deals mainly with planning and development. Law and Order, scheduled areas/ agency areas, general elections, arms licensing etc.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

The Joint Collector, who also belongs to the IAS cadre, runs the Revenue administration under various enactments in the district. He is also designated as Additional District Magistrate. He mainly deals with civil supplies,land matters, mines and minerals,village officers etc.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

The District Revenue Officer (DRO), in the cadre of Special Grade Deputy Collectors, assists the Collector and Joint Collector in discharging their duties. The District Revenue Officer looks after all the branches of the Collectorate. He deals mainly with general administration and is vested with supervision of day-to-day functions of the collectorate.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

The administrative officer in the rank of a Tahsildar is the general assistant to the collector. He directly supervises all the sections in the collectorate and most of the files are routed through him.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

The collectorate is divided into 8 sections as per the administrative reforms taken up by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

• Section A:: Deals with Establishment and Office Procedures
• Section B:: Deals with Accounts and audit
• Section C:: Deals with Magisterial (Court/Legal) matters.
• Section D:: Deals with land Revenue and relief
• Section E:: Deals with Land Administration
• Section F:: Deals with Land Reforms
• Section G:: Deals with Land Acquisition
• Section H:: Deals with Protocol, elections and Residual work.

{{See also|List of villages in Guntur district|List of revenue divisions in Andhra Pradesh}}

The district is divided into Two Revenue divisions, namely, Guntur, Tenali. These are sub-divided into 18 mandals,{{cite news |last1=India |first1=The Hans |title=Guntur urban divided into east, west mandals |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-31/Guntur-urban-divided-into-east-west-mandals/370772 |access-date=26 April 2019 |work=www.thehansindia.com |date=31 March 2018 |location=Guntur|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405162937/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-31/Guntur-urban-divided-into-east-west-mandals/370772 |archive-date=5 April 2021 }} which are in turn divided as 57 Panchayat Samiti (Block)s, 712 villages and 16 towns. These 16 towns includes, 2 municipal corporation, 2 municipalities{{cite news|title=Dachepalli, Gurazala in Guntur district get municipality status|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2020/jan/27/dachepalli-gurazala-in-guntur-district-get-municipality-status-2095047.html|access-date=27 January 2020|work=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406171859/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2020/jan/27/dachepalli-gurazala-in-guntur-district-get-municipality-status-2095047.html|archive-date=6 April 2021}} and 1 census town. Gurazala revenue division was newly formed in the year 2013.{{cite news|title=New Gurazala revenue division created|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/new-gurazala-revenue-division-created/article4868383.ece|access-date=17 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=1 July 2013|location=Gurazala (Guntur District)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504051637/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/new-gurazala-revenue-division-created/article4868383.ece|archive-date=4 May 2019}}{{cite news|title=Ten new revenue divisions created|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/ten-new-revenue-divisions-created/article4579468.ece|access-date=31 October 2014|work=The Hindu|date=4 April 2013|location=Hyderabad|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406172017/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/ten-new-revenue-divisions-created/article4579468.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}} Guntur city is the one municipal corporation and district headquarter Mangalagiri Tadepalli Municipal Corporation is the second municipal corporation in Guntur district. Vaddeswaram is categorised as a census town.{{cite web|title=District Census Handbook – Guntur |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2817_PART_B_DCHB_GUNTUR.pdf|website=Census of India|access-date=18 January 2015|pages=14–15, 46}} The 2 municipalities in the district are Tenali, Ponnur.{{cite web|title=Urban Local Bodies|url=http://cdma.ap.gov.in/About.html|website=Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration – Government of Andhra Pradesh|publisher=National Informatics Centre|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211193543/http://cdma.ap.gov.in/About.html|archive-date=11 February 2015|url-status=dead}}

Guntur Lok Sabha constituency

Guntur constituency presently comprises the following legislative assembly segments:{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf|title=Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008|date=17 December 2018|website=The Election Commission of India|publisher=National Informatics Centre|page=31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003220916/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2018|access-date=25 April 2019}}

File: Guntur district.png

The below table categorises the 18 mandals into their respective revenue divisions in the district:{{Cite web |title=Mandals {{!}} Guntur District, Government of Andhra Pradesh {{!}} India |url=https://guntur.ap.gov.in/mandals/ |website=Guntur district website}}

{{Div col}}

1. Guntur revenue division
2. Guntur East
3. Guntur West
4. Medikonduru
5. Pedakakani
6. Pedanandipadu
7. Phirangipuram
8. Prathipadu
9. Tadikonda
10. Thullur
11. Vatticherukuru
12. Tenali revenue division
13. Chebrolu
14. Duggirala
15. Kakumanu
16. Kollipara
17. Mangalagiri
18. Ponnur
19. Tadepalle
20. Tenali

{{Div end}}

{{Largest cities

| country = Guntur District

| stat_ref = As per the 2011 Census

| list_by_pop = List of towns in Guntur District

| div_name = Division

| div_link = List of towns in Guntur District{{!}}Division

| city_1 = Guntur

| div_1 = Guntur revenue division{{!}}Guntur Division

| pop_1 = 10,566,677

| img_1 = Sri Sringeri Muth.jpg

| city_2 = Mangalagiri

| div_2 = Tenali revenue division{{!}}Tenali Division

| pop_2 = 207,197

| img_2 = Mangalagiri town.jpg

| city_3 = Tadepalle, Guntur {{!}}Tadepalle

| div_3 = Tenali revenue division{{!}}Tenali Division

| pop_3 = 174,937

| img_3 = Residential houses at Tadepalli.jpg

| city_4 = Tenali

| div_4 = Tenali revenue division{{!}}Tenali Division

| pop_4 = 164,937

| img_4 = Martyrs' Memorial, Tenali.jpg

| city_5 = Ponnur

| div_5 = Tenali revenue division{{!}}Tenali Division

| pop_5 = 59,913

| city_6 = Pedakakani

| div_6 = Guntur revenue division{{!}}Guntur Division

| pop_6 = 23,201

| city_7 = Namburu

| div_7 = Guntur revenue division{{!}}Guntur Division

| pop_7 = 19,676

| city_8 = Tadikonda

| div_8 = Guntur revenue division{{!}}Guntur Division

| pop_8 = 18,505

| city_9 = Pedavadlapudi

| div_9 = Tenali revenue division{{!}}Tenali Division

| pop_9 = 13,076

| city_10 = Kaza, Guntur district{{!}}Kaza

| div_10 = Tenali revenue division{{!}}Tenali Division

| pop_10 = 11,098

}}

Note -

• Dachepalli Nagar Panchayat includes Dachepalli and Nadikudi.
• Gurazala Nagar Panchayat includes Gurazala and Jangamaheswaram.

{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2021}}

Guntur district has 1022 Gram Panchayats covering 58 mandals including seized mandals. Panchayat secretaries have been working for the cluster Headquarter Gram Panchayats. The main objective of the Panchayat Raj Department is to provide civic amenities to the rural public.

• Before Formation of mandals, Administration was done through Taluka system.
• Guntur District had 8 Talukas in 1971, later in 1978 they were increased to 21 Talukas.
• In 1985, Mandal system was created and 57 mandals were formed in the district.
• In 2018, Guntur mandal is split into Guntur East and Guntur West mandals making a total of 58 mandals.{{cite news |date=31 March 2018 |title=Guntur urban divided into east, west mandals |work=The Hans India |location=Guntur |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-31/Guntur-urban-divided-into-east-west-mandals/370772 |url-status=live |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405162937/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-31/Guntur-urban-divided-into-east-west-mandals/370772 |archive-date=5 April 2021}}
• In 2022, with 18 mandals new district was formed.

File:Tobacco Drying at Grandhasiri village.JPG

The Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) of the district is {{INRConvert|49722|c|abbr=on}} and it contributes 9.5% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). For the FY 2013–14, the per capita income at current prices was {{INRConvert|82026}}. The primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the district contribute {{INRConvert|16111|c|abbr=on}}, {{INRConvert|8770|c|abbr=on}} and {{INRConvert|24841|c|abbr=on}} respectively to the GDDP.{{cite web|title=Economy of Guntur District|url=http://apedb.gov.in/infrastrctr.html|website=Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board|access-date=23 April 2017}}

The major products contributing to the GVA of the district from agriculture and allied services are paddy, cotton kapas, chillies, banana, milk, meat and fisheries. The GVA to the industrial and service sector is contributed from construction, electricity, manufacturing, transport and education.

The total road length of state highways in the district is {{Convert|1258|km|mi|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://aprdc.ap.gov.in/Documents/DOWNLOADDOCUMENTS/STATE%20SH%20ROADS.pdf|title=Existing State Highways|website=Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920122729/http://aprdc.ap.gov.in/Documents/DOWNLOADDOCUMENTS/STATE%20SH%20ROADS.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2018|access-date=11 May 2019}} There exists {{Convert|406|km|abbr=on}} of rail network in the district.

File:Hindu college in Guntur.jpg

File:Acharyanagarjuna3.JPG

The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.{{cite web|title=School Education Department |url=http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf |publisher=School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227185018/http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2015 }}{{cite web|title=The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal |url=http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ |website=www.ap.gov.in |access-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155331/http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ |archive-date= 7 November 2016 }} As per the school information report for the academic year 2015–16, there are a total of 4,739 schools. They include, 32 government, 2,839 mandal and zilla parishads, 2 residential, 1329 private, 14 model, 24 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), 296 municipal and 203 other types of schools.{{cite web|title=School Information Report|url=http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls#|website=Commissionerate of School Education|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=8 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108154343/http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls|archive-date=8 November 2016|url-status=dead}} The total number of students enrolled in primary, upper primary and high schools of the district are 637,031.{{cite web|title=Student Information Report|url=http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/districtStudentReport.do|website=Commissionerate of School Education|publisher=Child info 2015–16, District School Education – Andhra Pradesh|access-date=8 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522011144/http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/districtStudentReport.do|archive-date=22 May 2015|url-status=dead}} The district being home to the capital city, it is experiencing a growth in private international schools as well.{{cite news|title=Schools, colleges brace for rush|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-03-22/Schools-colleges-brace-for-rush/215395|access-date=23 September 2016|work=The Hans India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228154856/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-03-22/Schools-colleges-brace-for-rush/215395|archive-date=28 December 2019}} The Central Board of Secondary Education, Secondary School Certificate or the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education are the different types of syllabus followed by different schools. The medium of instruction followed by different schools are English, Telugu and Urdu.{{cite news|title=74 GMC schools switch to English medium – Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/74-GMC-schools-switch-to-English-medium/articleshow/53203336.cms|access-date=23 September 2016|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203095858/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/74-GMC-schools-switch-to-English-medium/articleshow/53203336.cms|archive-date=3 February 2020}}{{cite news|last1=Mallikarjun|first1=Y.|title=Classrooms in State-run schools set to go digital|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/classrooms-in-staterun-schools-set-to-go-digital/article8293878.ece|access-date=23 September 2016|work=The Hindu|date=29 February 2016|language=en-IN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228154844/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/classrooms-in-staterun-schools-set-to-go-digital/article8293878.ece|archive-date=28 December 2019}}

There are several junior colleges which are under government, residential, social welfare, disabled welfare, private aided and unaided for the purpose of imparting (10+2) education and the students sit for the certificate of Board of Intermediate Education.{{cite web|title=List of colleges in Guntur district|url=http://bieap.gov.in/pdf/guntur.pdf|website=Board of Intermediate Education|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=21 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021151643/http://bieap.gov.in/pdf/guntur.pdf|url-status=dead}} AC college is the oldest private aided college of the district, established in 1885. The higher education colleges have various fields of study like medical, nursing, degree, post graduate, polytechnic, law, teaching, pharmacy, engineering, veterinary etc.{{cite web|title=Educational Institutions and Strength at a Glance|url=http://guntur.nic.in/statistics/Education.pdf|website=Official website of Guntur District|access-date=28 September 2016}} The Acharya Nagarjuna University is a state university which has fourteen autonomous colleges as per Universities Grant Commission.{{cite web|title=Autonomous colleges|url=http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/colleges/autonomous_colleges-list.pdf|website=University Grants Commission|access-date=28 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018071151/http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/colleges/autonomous_colleges-list.pdf|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Autonomous colleges list|url=http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/colleges/autonomous_colleges-list.pdf|website=Universities Grants Commission|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018071151/http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/colleges/autonomous_colleges-list.pdf|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=dead}} The KMC, GMC, AIIMS are some of the premier medical institutes in Guntur. There are also many private universities like Vignan University, KL University in the district. The Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University at Lam is a public agricultural university, equipped with a Regional Agricultural Research Station.{{cite news|author=Staff Reporter|title=Marketing Department moves to capital region|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Marketing-Department-moves-to-capital-region/article14422056.ece|access-date=27 September 2016|work=The Hindu|date=14 June 2016|language=en-IN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228154906/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Marketing-Department-moves-to-capital-region/article14422056.ece|archive-date=28 December 2019}}{{cite news|last1=Jonathan|first1=P. Samuel|title=It is final, Lam to get Agri University|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/it-is-final-lam-to-get-agri-university/article6258822.ece|access-date=28 September 2016|work=The Hindu|date=29 July 2014|language=en-IN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228154901/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/it-is-final-lam-to-get-agri-university/article6258822.ece|archive-date=28 December 2019}}

File:Ponnur Anjaneya Swamy Temple 02.jpg

The district has many festivals such as Rama Navami,{{cite news|title=Rama Navami festival in Guntur|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/srirama-navami-celebrated-on-a-grand-scale/article4636700.ece|access-date=16 October 2017|work=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117003730/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/srirama-navami-celebrated-on-a-grand-scale/article4636700.ece|archive-date=17 November 2017}} Maha Sivaratri,{{cite news|title=Guntur: Maha Shivarathri festival|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/250217/guntur-mahashivratri-fervour-everywhere.html|access-date=17 November 2017|work=Deccan Chronicle|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813051130/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/250217/guntur-mahashivratri-fervour-everywhere.html|archive-date=13 August 2019}} Vinayaka Chavithi,{{cite news|title=Vinayaka Chavithi festivities in Guntur|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2015-09-17/Vinayaka-Chavithi-festivities-in-Guntur/176332|access-date=17 November 2017|work=The Hans India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813051131/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2015-09-17/Vinayaka-Chavithi-festivities-in-Guntur/176332|archive-date=13 August 2019}} Vijaya Dasami,{{cite news|title=Navaratri in Guntur|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/temples-decked-up-for-navaratri-festivities-in-guntur/article5206200.ece|access-date=11 November 2017|work=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830191348/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/temples-decked-up-for-navaratri-festivities-in-guntur/article5206200.ece|archive-date=30 August 2014}} Deepawali,{{cite news|title=Diwali celebrated with gaiety in AP, Telangana|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2015-11-12/Diwali-celebrated-with-gaiety-in-AP-Telangana/186016|access-date=4 October 2016|work=The Hans India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813051128/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2015-11-12/Diwali-celebrated-with-gaiety-in-AP-Telangana/186016|archive-date=13 August 2019}} Holi,{{cite news|title=Gaiety, colour, fervour mark Holi festivities|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/gaiety-colour-fervour-mark-holi-festivities/article8390879.ece|access-date=4 October 2016|work=The Hindu|date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324023155/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/gaiety-colour-fervour-mark-holi-festivities/article8390879.ece|archive-date=24 March 2016}} Ugadi,{{cite news|title=Sahiti Vasanthotsavam on Ugadi|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/sahiti-vasanthotsavam-on-ugadi/article4597499.ece|access-date=22 November 2017|work=The Hindu|date=9 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831090250/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/sahiti-vasanthotsavam-on-ugadi/article4597499.ece|archive-date=31 August 2014}} Eid,{{cite news|title=Nation Celebrates Eid-ul-Adha with Religious Fervour|url=http://www.sakshipost.com/news/2016/09/13/nation-celebrates-eid-ul-adha-with-religious-fervour|access-date=4 October 2016|work=Sakshipost|date=13 September 2016}} Krishnastami,{{cite news|title=Gaiety, fervour mark Krishna Janmashtami|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2017/aug/15/gaiety-fervour-mark-krishna-janmashtami-1643356.html|access-date=11 November 2017|work=New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406172154/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2017/aug/15/gaiety-fervour-mark-krishna-janmashtami-1643356.html|archive-date=6 April 2021}} Christmas.{{cite news|title=CM Chandrababu for Guntur today|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2014-12-24/CM-Chandrababu-for-Guntur-today/122666|access-date=4 October 2016|work=The Hans India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128020452/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2014-12-24/CM-Chandrababu-for-Guntur-today/122666|archive-date=28 November 2020}} There are hill temple festivals at Kotappakonda, Mangalagiri.

Mangalagiri International Cricket Stadium is being built in a {{convert|20|acre|ha|adj=on}} site in Navuluru, village of Mangalagiri town, Guntur district, about 15 km from the city of Vijayawada. The exclusive stadium of the Andhra Cricket Association will be the venue for international and Ranji matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Keeping-home-turf-in-top-shape/article14715464.ece |title=Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News: Keeping home turf in top shape |work=The Hindu |date=4 February 2007 |access-date=30 January 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226165538/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Keeping-home-turf-in-top-shape/article14715464.ece |archive-date=26 February 2021 }}

Places of historical importance in the district include Ponnur, Undavalli Caves, Gurazala, Mangalagiri, Tadepalle, Tenali and the archaeological museum in Guntur. There are many places of interest like Undavalli Caves.

{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2021}}

Prolaya Vema Reddi built number of Lord Shiva temples during his reign. Number of temples were constructed in Krishna valley during the reign of Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu. Tall towers (Gaali Gopuram) of these temples in many villages and towns of Guntur district stand testimony to his devotion and munificence. Some of the famous destinations are Nadivelamma Talli Temple in Rajavolu, and there will be annual festival on Full moon day in the month of Chaitra maas. Amaravathi temple, the abode of Lord Shiva, present in the form of a {{convert|15|ft|m|abbr=on}} Shiva Linga. The Auspicious Hill of Mangalagiri town, is dedicated to Lord Narasimha with three temples of Panakala Narasimha Swamy on the hill, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at the foot of the temple, Gandala Narasimha Swamy at the top of the hill, are also famous. Other famous temples are Bhavanarayanaswami temple in Bapatla, Sri Laxmi Chennakesava Swamy Temple in Macherla, Kotappakonda,http://www.kotappakonda.com Kotappakonda.com Pedakakani, Vykuntapuram in Tenali.and also subramaneswara Swamy temple,polleramathalli temple, agastheswaraswamy temple (which was built in 8 century by agasthaya mahrashi and rebuilt by Sri Krishna Devaraya)

{{wide image|Panorama of Amaravathi Cultural Heritage Museum.jpg|1000px|Amaravathi Cultural Heritage Museum|alt=Panorama of a cultural heritage museum}}

File:Government General Hospital, Guntur.jpg

Healthcare is provided by government and private institutions. The Guntur Government Hospital provides free healthcare.{{cite web|url=http://myguntur.in/new-block-guntur-government-hospital/ |title=New Blocks for Guntur Government Hospital by Government|website=My Guntur|date=4 March 2017 |access-date=10 April 2017}} All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is situated in Mangalagiri.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aiimsmangalagiri.edu.in/|title=AIIMS Mangalagiri|accessdate=28 July 2024}} The nonprofit or charity hospitals are the Sankara Eye Hospital.{{cite web|url=http://www.giftofvision.org|title=Sanakara Eye Foundation|work=giftofvision.org|access-date=10 April 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/01/stories/2007030104630200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001064029/http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/01/stories/2007030104630200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2007|title=Sankara Eye Hospital goes hi-tech| location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu|date=1 March 2007}}

• Aluri Chakrapani, film producer
• Jamuna, actress
• Krishna, film actor
• Posani Krishna Murali, actor, writer
• Dokka Manikya Vara Prasad, former State Minister
• Ambati Rayudu, former Indian Cricketer
• Kotha Raghuramaiah, Member of Parliament and former Central Minister
• N. G. Ranga, Member of Parliament
• N. Bhaskara Rao, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
• Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Member of Parliament and Founded Ramky Group of Companies
• A. V. Gurava Reddy, leading surgeon
• Bhavanam Venkatarami Reddy, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
• Kallam Anji Reddy, the founder of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
• Kallam Satish Reddy present Chairman of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
• Savitri, actress
• Sharada, actress and Member of Parliament
• Sumalatha, actress and Member of Parliament

• Timeline of Guntur
• List of people from Guntur
• Kollur Mine

{{Clear}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite book|last=Babu|first=J. Ravindra|title=Universalisation of Elementary Education: A Study of District Primary Education Programme from South India|year=2009|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|isbn=978-1-4438-1069-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWAZBwAAQBAJ&q=guntur+is+located+north+of+bay+of+bengal&pg=PA77|access-date=9 June 2017|language=en|oclc=929657976}}
• {{cite book|title=State and Society: A Reader in Comparative Political Sociology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P5gzTp13AXQC|first=Coenraad M.|last= Brand|editor-first=Reinhard|editor-last=Bendix|publisher=University of California Press|year=1973|isbn=978-0520024908|location=Berkeley|oclc=898268056}}

{{Refend}}

{{Sister project links| wikt=no | commons=Category:Guntur district | b=no | n=no | q=no | s=no | v=no | voy=no | species=no | d=Q15341}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111015044446/http://guntur.nic.in/ Official site]
• [https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/2022220#map=8/16.269/80.054 Guntur district marked on OpenStreetMap]

{{Geographic location

|Centre = Guntur district

|North = NTR district

|Northeast = Krishna district

|East = Bapatla district

|Southeast =

|South = Bapatla district

|Southwest =

|West = Palnadu district

|Northwest = Palnadu district

}}

{{Districts of Andhra Pradesh}}

{{Guntur district}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Districts of Andhra Pradesh

Category:Coastal Andhra