Andhra Pradesh - the fifth largest state of India situated
on the south-eastern coast, Andhra possesses its own unique
charms. The recorded history of Andhra begins with the Mauryan
period. The Satavahans founded a long dynasty of 30 kings and
ruled over the region around Hyderabad for nearly 450 years.
They were followed by the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas and the Eastern
Chalukyas of the 7th century who ruled over the area for four
centuries. The Chalukyas were followed in the 13th century by
the Kakatiyas and in 1336 was founded the famous Vijayanagar
kingdom.
The 16th century witnessed the rule of the Qutub Shahi kings
who were followed a little later by the famous Nizams of Hyderabad.
The latter contributed immensely by way of art, architecture,
culture, tradition, monuments, life-style, and riches. The remarkable
monuments of Hyderabad speak of the architectural genius of
the Qutub Shahi rulers, and it was from the bowels of the Golconda
mines that the most controversial, most coveted and most magnificent
of diamonds, the Kohinoor, was extracted in 1656. Buddhist stupas,
viharas and sculptures show Andhra as one of the important religious
centres of Buddhism.
Shopper's
Paradise
Hyderabad is famous forits pearls, silver filigreework,
printed tapestries, Kondapalli clay toys, stone studded lac
bangles and brightly coloured mirrored Banjara embroidery. You
can shop for Bidri a metalcraft using an alloy of zinc oxidised
and intricately inlaid with silver, or you can pick up items
in Nirmal Art decorative wooden articles like furniture, boxes
etc, beautifully painted in the miniatures of the Pahar, Kangra
and Ajanta Schools. Himroo is a luxurious fabric with a cotton
base and silk or arts silk weave which can be made into stoles,
gowns, and furnishings. And then there are leather puppets,
as well as exquisite silk and cotton sarees pochampalli, Venkatgiri,
Siddipet, Gadwal, Narayanpet and Dharmavaram. But, one of the
things that you just cannot miss out on are the pearls of Hyderabad.
Area: 276,754 sq km
Population: 76 million
Capital: Hyderabad
Main Languages: Telugu and Urdu
Best time to visit: October to February |
