coastal Andhra

The region of Andhra emerged as a prominent political power during the Maurya Empire. Historical accounts by Greek ambassador Megasthenes ({{Circa|310 BCE}}) reference Andhra as a flourishing region under the Satavahanas before the Common Era.{{Cite book |last=V. D. |first=Mahajan |author-link=Vidya Dhar Mahajan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7TJlDwAAQBAJ&dq=Megasthenes+Andhras&pg=PA297 |title=Ancient India |date=2016 |publisher=S. Chand Publishing |isbn=978-93-5253-132-5 |pages=297}}{{Cbignore}}{{Cite news |title=History of Andhra Pradesh |url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716182646/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history.html |archive-date=16 July 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012 |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh}} The Satavahana dynasty dominated the Deccan Plateau from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE.{{Cite book |author=Charles Higham |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H1c1UIEVH9gC&pg=PA299 |title=Encyclopedia of ancient Asian civilizations |publisher=Infobase Publishing |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-4381-0996-1 |page=299 |access-date=6 March 2016}}{{Cbignore}} It had trade relations with the Roman Empire.{{Cite book |last1=Dutt |first1=Sukumar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lxRHYFd0fB4C&pg=PA132 |title=Buddhist monks and monasteries of India: Their history and their contribution to Indian culture |date=1988 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-20-80498-2 |page=132 |access-date=29 April 2024}}{{Cbignore}} The Satavahanas made Dhanyakataka-Amaravathi their capital. According to historian Stanley Wolpert, it might have been the most prosperous city in India in 2nd century CE.{{Cite web |title=History of Amaravati |url=https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/History/01~10531.Historical%20timeline.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519110822/https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/History/01~10531.Historical%20timeline.pdf |archive-date=19 May 2024 |access-date=29 July 2024 |website=crda.ap.gov.in |publisher=Government of AP}}{{Cite book |last=Wolpert |first=Stanley A. |author-link=Stanley Wolpert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QSZuAAAAMAAJ&q=Andhra |title=A new history of India |date=1989 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-505636-5 |pages=75, 76 |quote=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.}}{{Cbignore}}

Coastal Andhra was subsequently governed by the Eastern Chalukya dynasty between the 7th and 12th centuries CE, followed by successive rule under the Chola, Kakatiya, and Vijayanagara empires.{{Cite web |title=About Eastern Chalukyas – Official AP state government portal – AP state portal |url=http://www.ap.gov.in/eastern-chalukyas/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617075255/http://www.ap.gov.in/eastern-chalukyas/ |archive-date=17 June 2016 |access-date=27 May 2016}}For a map of their territory see: {{cite book |last1=Schwartzberg |first1=Joseph E. |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/pager.html?object=185 |title=A Historical atlas of South Asia |date=1978 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=0226742210 |location=Chicago |page=147, map XIV.3 (b)}}{{Cite book |last=Durga Prasad |first=J. |url=http://202.41.85.234:8000/gw_44_5/hi-res/hcu_images/G2.pdf |title=History of the Andhras up to 1565 A. D. |publisher=P.G. Publisher |year=1988 |location=Guntur |pages=231–235 |access-date=27 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060422120411/http://202.41.85.234:8000/gw_44_5/hi-res/hcu_images/G2.pdf |archive-date=22 April 2006 |url-status=dead}} According to 11th-century inscriptions, the geographical boundaries of Coastal Andhra extended from the Mahendragiri mountains in the northeastern border near Orissa’s Gajapati district, to the Kalahasti Temple in Tirupati district, and the Srisailam Temple in Nandyal district.{{Cite book |author=Austin Cynthia Talbot Assistant Professor of History and Asian Studies University of Texas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pfAKljlCJq0C&pg=PA36 |title=Precolonial India in Practice : Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra |date=23 August 2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-803123-9 |pages=36–}}

In the mid-18th century, the Gajapati and Ganjam districts, which were part of Coastal Andhra, were granted to the French East India Company in 1752 but were later transferred to British control. Nellore, including areas reaching up to Ongole Taluk, came under British administration after being acquired from the Nawab of Arcot. Additionally, certain parts of present-day Nellore and Chittoor were managed by the Venkatagiri Rajas until 1802, when the British entered into an arrangement with the Raja of Venkatagiri, consolidating their control over these territories.{{cite book |author=Alladi Jagannatha Sastri |url=https://archive.org/details/familyhistoryofv00sastrich |title=A family history of Venkatagiri Rajas |publisher=Addison Press, Madras |year=1922 |isbn=9785519483643 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/familyhistoryofv00sastrich/page/67 67]}}

The Coastal Andhra districts, historically known as the Northern Circars, along with the Rayalaseema region, were ceded by the Nizam of Hyderabad to the British colonial administration, becoming part of the Madras Presidency under British rule.{{Cite news |date=30 July 2013 |title=Andhra Pradesh – end of an era |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/andhra-pradesh-end-of-an-era-113073001018_1.html |access-date=8 April 2016 |work=Business Standard |location=Hyderabad}}

Coastal Andhra is situated in the eastern region of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, along the Circar Coast. It covers an area of {{convert|91915|sqkm}}. 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, and Nellore.

The region borders the Rayalaseema region within Andhra Pradesh and shares boundaries with the state of Telangana. Fertile lands in Coastal Andhra are supported by the presence of three major rivers: the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna, which enhance agricultural productivity through extensive irrigation systems.

The coastal length of this region spans approximately 974 km, making it the second-longest coastline in India.{{Cite web|title=Administrative and Geographic profile|url=http://msmehyd.ap.nic.in/PROFILE%20-AP.pdf|website=msmehyd.ap.nic.in|access-date=5 April 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911225305/http://msmehyd.ap.nic.in/PROFILE%20-AP.pdf|archive-date=11 September 2016}}

According to the 2011 Census of India, Coastal Andhra has a total population of 34,195,655 constituting 69.20% of the state’s population.

The majority of the population in Coastal Andhra practices Hinduism, accounting for approximately 93% of the residents. The Christian community represents around 1.51% of the region's population.{{Cite web|title=Census Reference Tables, C-Series Population by religious communities|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm|work=Censusindia.gov.in}}

The primary language spoken across Coastal Andhra is Telugu.{{Cite web|title=AP Government Portal – Official Andhra Pradesh State Govt. Portal|url=http://www.ap.gov.in/AP%20State%20Statistical%20Abstract%20May%202014/1%20ADMINISTRATIVE%20AND%20GEOGRAPHICAL%20PROFILE.pdf|website=www.ap.gov.in|access-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603172005/http://www.ap.gov.in/AP%20State%20Statistical%20Abstract%20May%202014/1%20ADMINISTRATIVE%20AND%20GEOGRAPHICAL%20PROFILE.pdf|archive-date=3 June 2016|url-status=dead}}

Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of the state, which was originated in the Kuchipudi village of Krishna district.{{Cite news|title=Art has to be nurtured to sustain|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/%E2%80%98Art-has-to-be-nurtured-to-sustain%E2%80%99/article16993784.ece|access-date=5 April 2017|work=The Hindu}}

{{See also|Andhra cuisine}}

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.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

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 and Nellore.{{Cite web | url = http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/andhrapradesh/districts/ | title=Districts of Coastal Andhra | publisher=mapsofindia | date=19 April 2014}}

Many Chief Ministers from the region have held office in Andhra Pradesh and Andhra State. They are:

• Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu – 1st Chief Minister of Andhra State (Prakasam)
• Bezawada Gopala Reddy – 2nd Chief Minister of Andhra State (Nellore)
• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy – 5th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu)
• Bhavanam Venkatarami Reddy – 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Guntur)
• N. T. Rama Rao – 12th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Krishna)
• Nadendla Bhaskara Rao – 13th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Guntur)
• K. Rosaiah – 17th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Bapatla)

Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore, Kakinada, Tuni,Rajahmundry and Eluru are prominent cities in the Coastal Andhra region. Other major urban centers include Gudivada, Tenali, Narasaraopeta, Bhimavaram, Machilipatnam, Ongole, and Tadepalligudem. Important towns in the area include Chirala, Amalapuram, Palakollu, Narasapuram, Kavali, Chilakaluripet, and Kandukur.

Visakhapatnam is the most populous city in the region, while Amaravati, serving as the state capital, is also situated within Coastal Andhra.

File:Gurubhaktulakonda Buddhist Monastery Remnants at Ramatheertham.jpg monastery remnants at Ramatheertham]]

Coastal Andhra is a prominent hub for Buddhist heritage in India, second only to the Gangetic plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The region holds numerous ancient Buddhist sites, featuring remnants of large monasteries, stupas, and other significant artifacts that span from Srikakulam district in the north to Nellore district in the south. Key sites include Amaravathi, Salihundam, Ramatheertham, Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Bojjannakonda, Kummarilova,{{Cite news |author=B.V.S. Bhaskar |date=16 February 2012 |title=Buddhist site found near Tuni |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/buddhist-site-found-near-tuni/article2898357.ece |access-date=29 July 2013 |work=The Hindu}} Kodavali,{{Cite news |author=K.N. Murali Sankar |date=29 November 2011 |title=ASI gets tough with encroachers |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/asi-gets-tough-with-encroachers/article2669627.ece |access-date=29 July 2013 |work=The Hindu}} and Bhattiprolu. Excavations at Gudiwada village in Vizianagaram district for instance, uncovered an ancient stupa mound, reflecting the depth of Buddhist influence across the region.{{cite web |author=B. Madhu Gopal |date=2012-10-09 |title=Evidence of Buddhist site found |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/evidence-of-buddhist-site-found/article3980627.ece |accessdate=2013-09-07 |publisher=The Hindu}}

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.Wetlands of India report, ISRO 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 a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2002.{{Cite web |title=Kolleru Water Lake |url=http://aptdc.gov.in/special-tours/kolleru_waterlake.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820024023/http://aptdc.gov.in/special-tours/kolleru_waterlake.html |archive-date=20 August 2016 |access-date=2018-02-08 |website=Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation |language=en}} Additionally, the Godavari 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.{{Cite web |date= |title=Godavari River |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Godavari-River |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |language=en}}

{{Multiple image

| image1 = River during sunset (Andhra Pradesh, 2016).jpg

| caption1 = Godavari River at Palakollu, West Godavari District in the evening

| image2 = Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG

| caption2 = Boats at Bhimili (Bheemunipatnam) beach in Visakhapatnam District

| image3 = Konaseema greenery 1.JPG

| caption3 = Lush green farms in East Godavari

| align = center

| total_width = 700

}}

File:Vizag Seaport aerial view.jpg

File:Vijayawada Airport 12 (November 2018).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 as Vijayawada railway station, one of the busiest railway junctions in India, along with other key stations in Rajahmundry, Kakinada Town, Narsapuram, Machilipatnam, Guntur, Tenali, Nellore, and Repalle. Vijayawada serves as a central hub for numerous trains originating from and passing through the region.{{Cite web |title=Howrah to Vijayawada: Explore India's 7 busiest railway stations - Howrah Junction |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/howrah-to-vijayawada-explore-indias-7-busiest-railway-stations/vijayawada-station/slideshow/114452681.cms |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=The Economic Times}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=Biggest Bus Stand in India |url=https://www.abhibus.com/blog/biggest-bus-stand-in-india/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=AbhiBus |language=en-US}} Buses operate from various towns and cities in the region, further connecting the area with major destinations across Andhra Pradesh and beyond.File:KAKINADA STATION MAIN ENTRANCE.jpg main entrance|220x220px]]Air connectivity is provided by Visakhapatnam International Airport, Vijayawada International Airport and Rajahmundry 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, while Visakhapatnam Port is one of the busiest cargo-handling ports in India.{{Cite news |author1=Rama Mohan |date=13 July 2014 |title=AP to Set up Maritime Board to Develop Ports |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/ap-set-maritime-board-develop-ports-604320 |access-date=26 July 2014 |work= |publisher=International Business Times, India}} Krishnapatnam Port at Nellore is a major private port in the region,{{cite news |date=11 June 2012 |title=Chennai port loses out to new facility |url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/chennai-port-loses-out-to-new-facility/article3512758.ece |accessdate=22 November 2012 |newspaper=The Hindu}} and smaller ports such as Machilipatnam Port and Nizampatnam Port in Bapatla district further contribute to maritime trade.{{Cite web |title=Andhra Sea Ports - Nizampatnam |url=https://www.indianlogisticsinfo.com/logistics_directory/seaports/nizam_patnam.html |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Indian Logistics Industry Directory}}{{Cite web |last=Sridhar |first=G. Naga |date=2024-10-02 |title=Machilipatnam port will be completed by December 2025: AP CM |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/machilipatnam-port-will-be-completed-by-december-2025-ap-cm/article68709641.ece |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}} Andhra Pradesh is the second-busiest maritime state in India in terms of cargo handled, following Gujarat.{{Cite news |author1=P.Manoj |date=10 May 2013 |title=Dugarajapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to have new major port |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/bOhk7gMjTCGnUqamWzNYAM/Dugarajapatnam-in-Andhra-Pradesh-to-have-new-major-port.html |access-date=26 July 2014 |work=Live Mint and The Wall Street Journal}}

National flag design

• Pingali Venkayya{{Cite news |date=3 August 2022 |title=Pingali Venkayya, the man behind Tricolour, struggled to make ends meet and died penniless in 1963 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/pingali-venkayya-the-man-behind-tricolour-struggled-to-make-ends-meet-died-penniless-in-1963/articleshow/93323828.cms |access-date=2022-08-10 |work=The Economic Times}}

Singers

• M. Balamuralikrishna{{cite news |date=1 March 2003 |title=Mangalampalli can't wait to come home |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/03/01/stories/2003030108610300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050120002053/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/03/01/stories/2003030108610300.htm |archive-date=20 January 2005 |access-date=2 November 2012 |work=The Hindu}}
• P. B. Srinivas{{Cite web |date=14 April 2013 |title=Chennai: Legendary singer Dr P B Sreenivas no more |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=170410 |website=Daijiworld}}
• S. P. Balasubrahmanyam{{Cite news |last=Murali |first=S. |date=25 September 2020 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926020903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |archive-date=26 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
• S. Janaki{{cite news |date=29 June 2007 |title=Timeless voice |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/06/29/stories/2007062950420200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108154101/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/06/29/stories/2007062950420200.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}
• P. Susheela{{Cite web |title=Melody Queen P. Susheela |url=https://psusheela.org/links/sony_bio.html |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=psusheela.org}}

Telugu literature, arts and cinema

• Nannayya
• Tikkana
• Tenali Ramakrishna
• Gurajada Apparao
• Kandukuri Veeresalingam
• Devulapalli Venkata Krishna Sastri
• Tripuraneni Ramaswamy Chowdary
• Gurram Jashuva
• S. V. Ranga Rao
• Ghantasala
• Pingali Venkayya
• N. T. Rama Rao
• Akkineni Nageswara Rao
• Krishna
• Chiranjeevi
• Nandamuri Balakrishna
• Pawan Kalyan
• Goparaju Ramachandra Rao
• Prabhas
• S. S. Rajamouli

• Northern Circars
• Rayalaseema
• Uttarandhra

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Coastal Andhra}}

{{Andhra Pradesh}}

{{Godavari basin}}

{{Wikivoyage|Southern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}}

Category:Coromandel Coast

Category:Regions of Andhra Pradesh

Category:Proposed states and union territories of India