Andhra Pradesh

Today let me tell you about Andhra Pradesh, which we the people of telugu call home.Andhra Pradesh or AP - “The Rice Bowl of India” – is a state in southern India bordered by Maharastra, Chattisgarh and Orissa in the North, Bay of Bengal in the East, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to the west. Andhra Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India by area and poplulation. The state is made fertile by two major rivers the Godavari and the Krishna. Historically this land was known as Andhrapatha, Andha Desa , Andhra-avani, Andhra-mandalamu, Andhra-vishaya, etc. It has an area of 275,068 km2 (106,204 sq mi). The capital of Andhra is Hyderabad, which is the largest city in Andhra. The state has 23 districts and a population of 76,210,007. Visakhapatnam, is the main seaport in the state and is the home to the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command.

The state has a rich cultural and musical heritage. Legends of the World known Carnatic music Trinity – Thyagaraja were of Telugu decent. Telugu literature is highly influenced by Sanskrit literature and Hindu scriptures. World renowned Emperor Krishna Deva Raya, who was a patron of Arts and Literature made the famous statement : “Desa Bhashalandu Telugu lessa” which means “Amoung all Country languages Telugu is the Best”.



The State Symbol is a “Poorna Kumbham” – which symbolizes the auspiciousness and the spiritual richness of Telugu people.
The State Song is “Maa telugu talliki ...” by Sankarambadi Sundarachari
The State Animal is “Krishna Jinka” - Blackbuck which is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah
The State Bird is “Paala Pitta” – Indian Roller is striking in its strong direct flight and is quite fearless.
The State Tree is “Vepa” - The neem is a tree noted for its drought resistance All parts of the tree (seeds, leaves, flowers and bark) are used for preparing many different medical preparations.
The State Game is “Kabaddi”
The State Dance is “Kuchipudi” - Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women
The State Flower is “Kamalam” - Water Lilies bloom only during the day