{{redirect|Andhra}}
{{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
|type = state
|state_name = Andhra Pradesh
|native_name = Andhra Pradesh
|other_name = ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్
|abbreviation = IN-AP
|capital = [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
|latd = 17.366 |longd = 78.476
|largest_city = [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
|major_cities = [[Vishakhapatnam]], [[Vijayawada]], [[Guntur]], [[Kurnool]], [[Warangal]]
|official_languages = [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Urdu]]
|legislature_type = Bicameral
|legislature_strength = 295+90
|leader_title_1 = [[Governors of Andhra Pradesh|Governor]]
|leader_name_1 = Narayan Dutt Tiwari
|leader_title_2 = [[Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh|Chief Minister]]
|leader_name_2 = [[Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy]]
|established_date = [[November 1]], [[1956]]
|area_total = 275068
|area_magnitude = 11
|area_rank = 4th
|area_magnitude = 11
|climate = Aw, BSh
|population_year = 2001
|population_total = 76210007
|population_rank = 5th
|population_density = 277
|districts = 23
|website = www.aponline.gov.in
|seal = Andhraseal.png
}}
'''Andhra Pradesh''' <!--Do not add any link to wowtelugu.com or fullastrology.com. See talk page for details.-->({{lang-te|ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్}}, {{lang-ur|آندھرا پردیش}} {{Audio-IPA|Andhra.ogg|[aːnd̪ʱɾə pɾədeːʃ]}}) or '''AP''', the "Rice Bowl of India", is a [[States and territories of India|state]] in southern [[India]]. It lies between 12°41' and 22°N latitude and 77° and 84°40'E longitude, and is bordered by [[Maharashtra]], [[Chhattisgarh]] and [[Orissa]] in the north, the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the East, [[Tamil Nadu]] to the south and [[Karnataka]] to the west. Andhra Pradesh is the 4th largest state in India by area and population. It is the largest and most populous state in [[South India]]. The state is crossed by two major rivers, the [[Godavari River|Godavari]] and the [[Krishna River|Krishna]]. Historically this land was known as Andhrapatha, Andhra-mandalamu, Andhra-vishaya, Andhra-avani, Andhradesa, etc.<ref> P. 10 ''A Study of Telugu Place-names'' By S. S. Ramachandra Murthy </ref>

==History==
{{main|History of Andhra}}

An [[Andhra Kingdom]] was mentioned in the [[Sanskrit epics]] such as [[Aitareya Brahmana]] and [[Mahabharata]]. Inscriptional evidence showed that there was a kingdom in coastal [[Andhra]] ruled by Kuberaka with Pratipalapura ([[Bhattiprolu]]) as his capital in 5th century BCE. This probably was the oldest known kingdom in [[south India]]. Around the same time Dhanyakatakam/Dhranikota (present day [[Amaravati]]) seemed to be a very important place. According to Taranatha: "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]])<ref>Helmutt Hoffmann, "Buddha's Preaching of the Kalachakra Tantra at the Stupa of Dhanyakataka," in: German Scholars on India, Vol. I. PP. 136-140. (Varanasi, 1973)</ref><ref>Taranatha; http://www.kalacakra.org/history/khistor2.htm</ref>. The [[Maurya]]ns extended their rule over [[Andhra]] in 4th century BCE. With the fall of the [[Mauryan Empire]] [[Andhra]] [[Satavahana]]s became independent in 3rd century BCE. After the decline of the [[Satavahana]]s in 220 CE, [[Ikshvaku]]s, [[Pallava]]s, [[Vishnukundina]]s, Anandagotrikas and [[Chola]]s ruled the [[Telugu people|Telugu]] land. Inscriptional evidence of [[Telugu language|Telugu]] was found during the rule of Renati [[Cholas]] (Kadapa region) in 5th century CE{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. During this period the [[Telugu language]], emerged as a popular medium undermining the predominance of [[Prakrit]] and [[Sanskrit]]{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. [[Telugu]] was made official language during [[Vishnukundina]] Kings{{Fact|date=August 2007}} who ruled from [[Vinukonda]] as the capital. Eastern Chalukyas ruled for a long period after the decline of [[Vishnukundina]]s. Their capital was [[Vengi]]. As early as 1st century CE, they were mentioned as being the vassals and chieftains under the [[Satavahana]]s and later under [[Ikshvaku]]s.

The battle of [[Palnadu]] resulted in the weakening of [[Chalukya]]n power and emergence of the [[Kakatiya]] dynasty in the 12th and the 13th centuries CE. The [[Kakatiya]]s were at first the feudatories of the Western [[Chalukya]]s of [[Kalyani]], ruling over a small territory near [[Warangal]]. In 1323 CE, Delhi [[Sultan]] Ghiaz-ud-din [[Tughlaq]] sent a large army under Ulugh Khan to conquer the [[Telugu people|Telugu]] country and capture [[Warangal]]. King Prataprudra was taken prisoner. [[Musunuri Nayaks]] recaptured [[Warangal]] from the [[Delhi Sultanate]] and ruled for fifty years. The [[Vijayanagar empire]], one of the greatest empires in the history of Andhra Pradesh and [[India]], was founded by [[Harihara]] and [[Bukka]], who served as as treasury officers of the [[Kakatiya]]s of [[Warangal]]<ref>Robert Sewell, A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A contribution to the history of India, Chapter 2 (http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext02/fevch10.txt</ref>. In 1347 CE, an independent Muslim state, the [[Bahmani]] kingdom, was established in [[south India]] by Alla-ud-din [[Hasan Gangu]] as a revolt against the [[Delhi Sultanate]]. The [[Qutb Shahi]] dynasty held sway over the [[Andhra]] country for about two hundred years from the early part of the 16th century to the end of the 17th century.

In [[Colonial India]], [[Northern Circars]] became part of the British [[Madras Presidency]]. Eventually this region emerged as the [[Coastal Andhra]] region. Later the [[Nizam]] had ceded five territories to the [[United Kingdom|British]] which eventually emerged as [[Rayalaseema]] region. The [[Nizam]]s retained control of the interior provinces as the [[Princely state]] of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]], acknowledging British rule in return for local autonomy.

[[Independence of India|India became independent]] from the [[United Kingdom]] in 1947. The Muslim [[Nizam of Hyderabad]] wanted to retain his independence from [[India]], but the people of the region launched movement to join Indian Union. His state of [[Hyderabad]] was forced to become part of the Republic of India in 1948 as [[Hyderabad State]].

In an effort to gain an independent state, and protect the interests of the [[Telugu]] people of [[Madras State]], Amarajeevi [[Potti Sriramulu]] fasted until death. Public outcry and civil unrest after his death forced the government to announce the formation of a new state for [[Telugu]] speakers. Andhra attained statehood in October 1953 with [[Kurnool]] as its capital.

On 1 November 1 1956 Andhra State merged with the [[Telangana]] region of [[Hyderabad]] State to form the state of Andhra Pradesh, which would be mainly Telugu-speaking. [[Hyderabad]], the former capital of the Hyderabad State, was made the capital of the new state Andhra Pradesh.

== Economy ==
=== Agriculture ===
[[Image:Paddy fields.jpg|thumb|250px|Paddy fields beside NH5]]
Agriculture has been the chief source of income for the state's economy. Two important rivers of India, the Godavari and [[Krishna]], flow through the state, providing irrigation. [[Rice]], [[sugarcane]], cotton, [[Chilli pepper|mirchi]], Mangoes and [[tobacco]] are the local [[agriculture|crops]]. There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including [[Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agri.ap.nic.in|title=Agriculture dept. of Andhra Pradesh}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apind.gov.in/indussectors.html|title=Key Sectors of Andhra Pradesh}}</ref>

=== Information technology ===
[[Image:Hitec city.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cyber towers]]
The state has also started to focus on the fields of [[information technology]] and [[biotechnology]]. In 2004 - 2005, Andhra Pradesh is at the fifth position in the list of top IT exporting states of India. The IT exports from the State were Rs.1,800 million in 2004. But by a percentage increase of 52.3% every year, the IT exports reached Rs.19,000 million in 2006 - 2007 and ranked fourth in [[India]]. The service sector of the state already accounts for 43% of the GSDP and employs 20% of the work force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apind.gov.in/indussectors.html|title=Key Sectors of Andhra Pradesh}}</ref>

=== Mineral wealth ===
Andhra Pradesh is a mineral rich state, ranking second in India in terms of mineral wealth. For example, the state has about one third of India's [[limestone]] reserves, at about 30 billion tonnes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apind.gov.in/indussectors.html|title=Key Sectors of Andhra Pradesh}}</ref>

The state ranks [[States of India by installed power capacity|first nationwide]] in hydro electricity generation with national market share of over 11%.

Andhra Pradesh's gross state domestic product for 2005 is estimated at $62 billion in current prices. This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Andhra Pradesh at market prices [http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_nad_main.htm estimated] by ''Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation'' with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Gross state domestic product
|-
| 1980
| 81,910
|-
| 1985
| 152,660
|-
| 1990
| 333,360
|-
| 1995
| 798,540
|-
| 2000
| 1,401,190
|}

== Andhra's Annapurna ==

[[Nagarjuna Sagar Dam]] is a [[Masonry dam]] built across Krishna River in Nagarjuna Sagar, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the world's tallest masonry dam, at a height of 124 metres and creates a reservoir holding up to 11,472 million cubic metres.

[[Image:NagarjunaSagarDam.JPG|thumb|250px|Nagarjuna sagar, worlds largest [[masonry dam]]]]
It is one of the earliest irrigation and hydro-electric projects in India. The dam provides irrigation water to the Nalgonda District, Prakasam District, Khammam District and Guntur District. The right canal (AKA "Jawahar canal") is 203 km long and irrigates 1.113 million acres (4,500 km²) of land. The left canal (AKA "Lalbahadur Shastri canal") is 295 km long and irrigates 1.03 million acres (4,200 km²) of land. The project transformed the economy of above districts. The hydro electric plant has a power generation capacity of 815.6 MW with 8 units(1x110 MW+7x100.8 MW).

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Andhra Pradesh Politics|List of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh}}
[[Image:800px-Assembly1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly at the centre of the [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] City]]
Andhra Pradesh has a [[Legislative Assembly]] of 294 seats. The state has 60 members in the [[Parliament of India]]: 18 in the [[Rajya Sabha]], Upper House and 42 in the [[Lok Sabha]], Lower House.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apassemblylive.com|title=Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://164.100.24.209/newls/membershomepage.aspx|title=Parliament of India}}</ref>

Andhra Pradesh had a series of Congress governments till 1982. [[Kasu Brahmananda Reddy]] held the record for the longest serving chief minister which was broken by [[N.T. Rama Rao]]. [[P.V. Narasimha Rao]] also served as the chief minister for the state, who later went on to become the Prime Minister of India. Among the notable chief ministers of the state are [[Tanguturi Prakasam]], CM for only the Andhra state, [[Neelam Sanjiva Reddy]], [[Kasu Brahmananda Reddy]], [[Marri Chenna Reddy]], [[Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy]], [[N.T. Rama Rao]], [[Nara Chandrababu Naidu]] and [[Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy]].

=== The Beginning of multi-party politics ===
In 1982 the [[Telugu Desam Party]]'s [[N.T. Rama Rao]] (NTR), became the chief minister of the state for the first time introducing a formidable second political party to Andhra politics and thus breaking the virtually-single party monopoly on Andhra politics. Nadendla Bhaskar Rao attempted a hijack when NTR was away to the [[US]] for a medical treatment. After coming back, NTR successfully convinced the governor to dissolve the Assembly and call for a fresh election. NTR won by a large majority. His government's policies included investment in education and rural development and in holding corrupt government offices accountable.

1989 assembly elections ended the 7-year rule of NTR with the congress being returned to power and Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy at the helm. He was replaced by N. Janardhan Reddy who was in turn replaced by Kotla Vijaya Bhasker Reddy.

In 1994 Assembly saw NTR becoming the chief minister again but he was soon thrown out of power by his finance minister and son-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu. NTR died from a heart attack before the next elections and thus Naidu was able to win a second term before he was defeated by the Congress-led coalition in the May 2004 polls.

[[Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy]] of the Indian National Congress (INC) is the current chief minister of the states. Rajasekhara Reddy fought the 2004 Assembly elections in an alliance with the [[Telangana Rashtra Samithi]] (TRS), which was born out of aspirations of 35 million Telangana people to form a separate state called Telangana.

== Divisions ==
[[Image:Map AP dist all shaded.png|thumb|250px|[[Districts of Andhra Pradesh]]]]
Andhra Pradesh can be divided into four governance regions, namely Coastal Andhra, [[Uttarandhra]] or North Cosatal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana.<ref> [http://www.blonnet.com/2007/05/17/stories/2007051704252100.htm AP Cabinet approves four regional planning boards].</ref>

Andhra Pradesh has 23 districts:
# [[Adilabad district|Adilabad]]
# [[Anantapur district|Anantapur]]
# [[Chittoor district|Chittoor]]
# [[Kadapa district|Kadapa]]
# [[East Godavari]] (Kakinada)
# [[Guntur district|Guntur]]
# [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
# [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]] (Sriramapuram)
# [[Khammam district|Khammam]]
# [[Krishna district|Krishna]] (Machilipatnam)
# [[Kurnool district|Kurnool]]
# [[Mahbubnagar district|Mahbubnagar]], (Palamuru)
# [[Medak district|Medak]]
# [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]]
# [[Nellore district|Nellore]]
# [[Nizamabad district|Nizamabad]] (Induru)
# [[Prakasam district|Prakasam]] (Ongole)
# [[Rangareddi district|Rangareddi]]
# [[Srikakulam district|Srikakulam]]
# [[Visakhapatnam district|Visakhapatnam]]
# [[Vizianagaram district|Vizianagaram]]
# [[Warangal district|Warangal]]
# [[West Godavari]]

== Important cities ==
A list of the most important cities in the state:
* [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]] is the capital and with the adjoining twin city of [[Secunderabad]], is the largest city in the state.
* [[Guntur]] is the heart of [[tobacco]], [[mirchi]] and [[cotton]] industries, features many nearby ancient sites([[Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh|A]],[[Nagarjunakonda|N]],[[Sitanagaram|S]],[[Bhattiprolu|B]]).
* [[Tirupati]] is the place of richest temple in the world and the most visited pilgrimage site in [[India]].
* [[Vijayawada]] is an important [[trade|trading]] centre and a prominent [[railway]] junction.
* [[Visakhapatnam]], Andhra Pradesh's main seaport, is home to the [[Indian Navy]]'s Eastern Naval Command.
* [[Warangal]] is one of the oldest cities in the state with a history of 800 years. It was the capital of the [[Kakatiya]] dynasty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kakatiya.ac.in|title=Warangal - The Kakatiyas}}</ref>

== Transport ==
[[Image:Map AP dist NH roads.png|thumb|250px|Major road links of Andhra Pradesh]]

=== Railways ===
# [[South Central Railway]]
# [[East Coast Railway]]

=== Airports ===
# [[Begumpet Airport|Hyderabad]] (Begumpet)
# [[Shamshabad]] (Expected to start from [[March 2]], [[2008]])
# [[Visakhapatnam]]
# [[Vijayawada]] ([[Gannavaram]])
# [[Rajahmundry]] (Madhurapudi)
# [[Tirupati]] ([[Renigunta]])
# [[Warangal]] ([[Mamnoor]])
Government also have plans to start airports in 6 other cities including [[Nellore]], [[Warangal]] and [[Kadapa]].

=== Road ===
Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is the major public transport corporation owned by government of andhra pradesh connecting all the cities and villages. APSRTC has also the distinction of being in the Guinness book of World records for having the largest fleet of vehicles, and the longest area covered/commuted daily (Rahil).
Apart from this thousands of private operators run buses connecting major cities and towns of the state. Private vehicles like autorickshaws occupy a major share of the local transport in the cities and adjoining villages.

== Demographics ==
[[Telugu language|Telugu]] is the regional and official language of the state, spoken by 84.86% of the population. Telugu is the second largest language in [[India]]. The major linguistic minority groups in the state include the speakers of [[Urdu]](7.86%), the 2nd official language of Andhra Pradesh, [[Hindi]](2.65%) and [[Tamil language|Tamil]](1.27%).<ref>http://www.languageinindia.com/april2003/urduinap.html</ref>

The minority language speakers who constitute less than 1% are the speakers of [[Kannada]](0.94%), [[Marathi]](0.84%), [[Oriya language|Oriya]](0.42%), [[Gondi]](0.21%) and [[Malayalam]](0.1%). The speakers of minority languages who constitute less than 0.1% are the speakers of [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]](0.09%), Savara(0.09%), [[Koya]](0.08%), Jatapu(0.04%), [[Punjabi]](0.04%), [[Kolami]](0.03%), [[Konda]](0.03%), Gadaba(0.02%), [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]](0.02%), Gorkhali / Nepali(0.01%) and Khond / Kondh(0.01%).
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! || Telugu || Other languages || Total
|-
| '''Hindu''' || 79% || 7%{{fn|1}} || '''86%'''
|-
| '''Muslim''' || 1% || 8%{{fn|2}} || '''9%'''
|-
| '''Christian''' || 3.5% || 0.5%{{fn|3}} || '''4%'''
|-
| '''Other religions''' || 0.5% || 0.5% || '''1%'''
|-
| '''Total''' || '''84%''' || '''16%''' || '''100%'''
|}

==Music==
{{main|Music of Andhra Pradesh}}
The state has a rich musical heritage. All three legends of the [[Karnataka/Carnatic music]] (that started during [[Vijayanagara]] Dynasty's Sri Krishna Deva Raya) Trinity - [[Thyagaraja]], [[Shyama Sastri]] and [[Muthuswami Dikshitar]] were of Telugu descent. Other great composers include [[Annamacharya]], Kshetrayya, and Bhadrachala [[Ramadasu]]. [[Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna]] is a contemporary legend.

{{Main|Qawwali|Sama-qwaani}}
[[Qawwali]] and [[Sama]] are most popular forms of devotional Sufi songs, [[Akbar Hussain]] & [[Ehsan Hussain]] are notable Qawwals.

==Literature==
{{main|Telugu literature}}
[[Nannayya]], [[Tikkana]], and [[Yerrapragada]] form the trinity who translated the great epic [[Mahabharatha]] into Telugu. Bammera [[Potana]] is another great poet famous for his great classic Sri ''Madandhra Maha Bhagavatamu'', a Telugu translation of 'Sri Bhagavatham' authored by Veda Vyasa in [[Sanskrit]]. Emperor[[Krishnadevaraya]] wrote [[Amuktamalyada]]. Modern writers include [[Jnanpith Award]] winners [[Viswanatha Satyanarayana|Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana]] and [[C. Narayana Reddy|Dr. C.Narayana Reddy]].
{{main|Urdu Literature}}
Mohammad [[Quli Qutub Shah]] was the first Deewan Shayar of Urdu Literary History. [[Makhdoom Mohiuddin]] regarded as ''revellutionary'' poet. Many classical writers like, [[Wali Mohammed Wali]] Dakhni, [[Amjad Hyderabadi]], [[Charagh]] Hyderabadi, [[Aqeel Hashmi]], [[Suleman Athhar Javed]], [[Aslam Farshori]], [[Ahmadnisar]], [[Barq Kadapavi]], [[Qamar Ameeni]] and many others.
{{Main|Mushaira}}

[[Mushaira]] is a poets meet. It is widely organised in Telangana & Rayalaseema Regions. In Coasta districts, Krishna Guntur districts found fond of it.

==Dance==
{{Main| Telugu dance}}[[Image:Kuchi pudi dancers.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Kuchipudi]], the traditional dance of Andhra]]
Jayapa Senani ([[Jayapa Nayudu]]) is the first person who wrote about the dances prevalent in Andhra Pradesh <ref>''Ntitya Ratnavali'' (http://www.telugupeople.com/discussion/article.asp?id=111</ref>. Both Desi and Margi forms of dances have been included in his Sanskrit treatise 'Nritya Ratnavali'. It contains eight chapters. Folk dance forms like Perani, Prenkhana, Suddha Nartana, Carcari, Rasaka, Danda Rasaka, Shiva Priya, Kanduka Nartana, Bhandika Nrityam, Carana Nrityam, Chindu, Gondali and Kolatam are described. In the first chapter the author deals with discussion of the differences between Marga and desi, tandava and lasya, Natya and nritta. In the 2nd and 3rd chapters he deals with angikabhinaya, caris, Sthanakas and mandalas. In the 4th Chapter Karnas, angaharas and recakas are described. In following chapters he described the local dance forms i.e. desi nritya. In the last chapter he deals with art and practice of dance.

Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women, however women tend to learn it more often. [[Kuchipudi]] is the state's best-known classical [[dance forms of Andhra Pradesh]]. The various dance forms that existed through the states's history are Chenchu Bhagotham, [[Kuchipudi]], [[Bhamakalapam]], [[Burra katha|Burrakatha]], [[Veeranatyam]], [[Butta bommalu]], [[Dappu]], [[Tappeta Gullu]], [[Lambadi]], Bonalu, [[Dhimsa]], and [[Kolattam]].

==Movies==
{{main|Telugu Cinema}}
Andhra Pradesh is the state with the most cinema halls in India, at around 3000{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. The state also produces about 200{{Fact|date=February 2007}} movies a year. It has around 40%( 330 cinema halls out of 930 dts cinema halls in india((http://www.dtsonline.com/digitalcinema/find/index.php)) of all Dolby digital theatres in India. Now it also houses an IMax theatre with a big 3D screen and also 3-5 multiplexes. It is also the largest movie industry in India, producing more movies than any other industry.

==State symbols==
[[Image:Blackbuck male female.jpg|thumb|left|170px|[[Krishna jinka,the state animal]]]]
* [[State language]] - [[Telugu language|Telugu]] & [[Urdu Language|Urdu]]
* [[State symbol]] - [[Poorna Kumbham]]
* [[State song]] - [[Maa telugu thalliki]] by Sankarambadi Sundarachari
* [[State animal]] - [[Blackbuck]], (''Krishna Jinka'')
* [[State bird]] - [[Indian Roller]], (''Paala Pitta'')
* [[State tree]] - [[Neem]] (''Vepa'')
* [[State sport]] - [[Kabaddi]], in Telugu ''Chedugudu''
* [[State dance]] - [[Kuchipudi]], [[Andhra Natyam]]
* [[State flower]] - [[Nymphaeaceae|Water lily]]

==Temples==
[[Tirupati]]: Tirupati is the abode for the famous Hindu temple of Lord [[Venkateswara]]. It is the richest Hindu religious institution and second richest in the world after the [[Holy See|Vatican]]{{Fact|date=September 2007}}. It records an annual income of about 100 Billion Rupees (2.5 Billion US Dollars), mostly from offerings by the devotees.
[[Image:Tirumalatemple.jpg|thumbnail|right|220px|The temple[[Tirumala]] lit during the night]]

[[Yadagiri Gutta]]:

[[Vemulavada]]:Notable for the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple complex, a site of pilgrimage for both Hindu (particularly devotees of Vishnu and Shiva) and Muslim worshippers. Built by Chaluka Kings between AD 750 and 975, the complex is named for its presiding deity Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, an incarnation of Shiva. It houses several temples dedicated to other deities including Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Lakshmi, Ganapathy, Lord Padmanabha Swamy and Lord Bhimeshwara. The complex also contains a 400 year old mosque.

[[Vijayawada]]: Vijayawada houses the second biggest and equally famous [[Kanaka Durga Temple|temple of Goddess Durga]] also known as [[Kanaka Durga]].

[[Narayanpet]]: Sri Sri Sri Sadguru Avadhuth Narasimha Swami Math is located in Narayanpet of Mahabubnagar dist. www.srisadguru.com

[[Srisailam]]: Abode for Lord [[Siva]] worshipped with the name of [[Mallikarjuna]] and Goddess [[Parvathi]], worshipped with the name of Bhramaramba. [[Srisailam]] has a unique distinction amongst the Hindu temples of the world; it is the only place to be one of 18 [[Shaktipithas]] and one of 12 [[Jyothirlingas]]. Huge hydro-electric multi-purpose dam has also been constructed at this place on river [[Krishna]].

[[Bhadrachalam]]: Abode for Lord [[Rama]]. The legend goes back a few hundred years. There was a devotee by name Bhakta Ramadas, who was a tax collector in Taneesha (a Muslim ruler of [[Golkonda]])'s government. Apparently he spent all the tax collection money on building a temple for lord [[Rama]], eventually was put in prison by the Taneesha. Bhakta Ramdas has offered his prayers to lord [[Rama]] in the form of Kirtanas, and one fine day, lord [[Rama]] and his brother [[Lakshmana]] come in disguise to re-pay the money to Taneesha. Taneesha finally realized his mistake and from that day, not only freed Bhakta Ramadas, but also agreed to supply the required alms for the temple at Bhadrachalam. Till date, in independent India, the state administration maintains the ritual.

[[Srikalahasti]]: SriKalahasti is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams signifying the 5 elements, 1) wind (Kalahasti), 2) water (Thiruvanaikaval), 3) fire (Tiruvannamalai), 4) earth (Kanchipuram) and 5) space (Chidambaram) that Siva embodies.

[[Ahobilam]]: Ahobilam or Ahobala is a complex of 9 temples of Lord [[Narasimha]].
[[Tandur]] : Sri Bhavigi Bhadreshar Temple in [[Tandur]] Rangareddy Dist of [[Andhra Pradesh]]

[[Mangalagiri]]: A temple town between [[Vijayawada]] and [[Guntur]]. Adobe of Lord [[Narasimha]]. The unique distinction at this shrine is that, the deity is offered payers in the form of 'Panakam' or Jaggery Water.

[[Annavaram]]: The holy shrine is the sanctum sanctorum of Lord "Satyadeva" or "Satyanarayana".

[[Simhachalam]]:This holy shrine is the adobe of Lord Narasimha, worshipped in the name of "Narasimha".

[[Pechalakona]]:It is the place of Penchala Narasimha Swamy Temple. It is located in Rapur mandal of Nellore Dist.

[[Srikakulam]]: There are two places with the same name in the state. A district and town by the same name on the north east corner of the state as well as a small village on the bank of river Krishna in Krishna district. The village Srikakulam houses the "Andhra Mahavishnu" temple. Legend says that this temple was constructed by the great [[Krishnadevaraya]] of the [[Vijayanagara Kingdom]].

[[Ramappa Temple]]: a [[Shiva]] temple in the temple town of Palampet, near [[Warangal]].

[[Thousand Pillars Temple]] : a [[Shiva]] temple in [[Hanamkonda]] city center, near [[Warangal]].

[[Veerabhadra temple (Lepakshi)|Veerabhadra temple]] in the temple town of [[Lepakshi]] is a example of the [[Vijayanagar]] architectural style and art.

[[Ujjaini Mahakali Temple]]: The Temple is located in Secunderabad, Monda Market. The Temple is very famous for its Festival called Bonalu.

[[Sri Mogileeswara Temple]]: The temple is located at a small village known as mogili which is by the side of [[NH4]],which is 10 km far from [[palamaneru]].The temple is abode for the Lord[[siva]] and [[parvathi]].In this temple water is coming from the mouth of Nandi(ox)but it is stopped due to some natural changes.From this 3 km away a hill called as [[Devara Konda]]is abode for [[Parvathi]]

==Cultural institutions==

Andhra Pradesh has many museums, including the Archaeological Museum at [[Amaravati]] near Guntur City that features relics of nearby ancient sites, the [[Salar Jung Museum]] in Hyderabad, which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, and the [http://www.vizagcityonline.com/visakha_museum/ Visakha Museum] in Vizag [[Visakhapatnam|(Visakhapatnam)]], which displays the history of the pre-Independence [[Madras Presidency]] in a rehabilitated Dutch bungalow.

==Other elements of Culture==

[[Bapu (artist)|Bapu's]] paintings, [[Nanduri Subbarao]]'s ''Yenki Paatalu'' (Songs on/by a washerwoman called Yenki), mischievous Budugu (a character by [[Mullapudi]]), [[Annamacharya|Annamayya's]] songs, [[Aavakaaya]] (a variant of mango pickle in which the kernel of mango is retained), [[Gongura]] (a [[chutney]] from Roselle plant), ''Atla taddi'' (a seasonal festival predominantly for teenage girls), banks of river Godavari, ''Dudu basavanna'' (The ceremonial ox decorated for door-to-door exhibition during the harvest festival [[Sankranti]]) have long defined Telugu culture. The village of [[Durgi]] is known for originating stone craft, carvings of [[cult image|idols]] in soft stone that must be exhibited in the shade because they are prone to weathering.

==Festivals==

* ''[[New Year]]'' in January
* ''[[Sankranthi]]'' in January.
* ''[[Maha Shivaratri]]'' in February/March.
* ''[[Ugadi]]'' or the Telugu New Year in March/April.
* ''[[Rama Navami]]'' celebrated in March/April 9 days after Ugadi.
* ''[[Good Friday]]'' in March/April.
* ''[[Varalakshmi Vratham]]'' in August.
* ''[[Ganesh Chaturdhi|Vinayaka Chavithi]]'' in August.
* ''[[Eid|Ramzan]]'' in October, 2007.
* ''[[Vijayadasami|Dasara]]'' in September/October.
* ''[[Atla Tadde]]'' 3rd day in bright half of Aswiyuja month (falls in September/October in Gregorian calendar)
* ''[[Diwali|Deepavali]]'' in October/November.
* ''[[Eid-al-Azha|Bakrid]]'' in January, 2008.
* ''[[Bonalu]]'' in [[Sravanam]]. (Celebrated in [[Telangana]] region).
* ''[[Bathukamma]]'' celebrated during September/October in [[Telangana]] region.
* ''[[Christmas]]'' celebrated in December all over the state.

==Cuisine==
{{ main|Andhra cuisine}}
The cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is reputedly the spiciest of all [[Indian cuisine]]. There are many variations to the Andhra cuisine depending on caste, geographical regions, traditions etc. [[Indian pickle|Pickle]]s and chutneys, called ''pachchadi'' in [[Telugu]] are particularly popular in Andhra Pradesh and many varieties of pickles and chutneys are unique to the state. Chutneys are made from practically every vegetable including [[tomato]]es, [[brinjal]]s, and [[roselle (plant)|roselle]] ([[Gongura]], ). The mango pickle [[Aavakaaya]] is probably the best known of the Andhra pickles.

[[Rice]] is the [[staple food]] and is used in a wide variety of ways. Typically, rice is either boiled and eaten with curry, or made into a batter for use in a [[crepe]]-like dish called [[attu]] (pesarattu) or [[dosa]]s.

[[Meat]], [[vegetable]]s, and [[greens (vegetable)|greens]] are prepared with different masalas into a variety of strongly flavoured dishes.

Hyderabadi cuisine is influenced by the Muslims who arrived in [[Telangana]] in the 14th century. Much of the cuisine revolves around meat. It is rich and aromatic, with a liberal use of exotic spices and ghee. Lamb, chicken and fish are the most widely used meats in the non-vegetarian dishes. The [[biryani]]s are perhaps the most distinctive and popular of Hyderabadi dishes.

==Education==
[[Image:GntMedC2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A medical campus at [[Education in Guntur|Guntur Region]].]] Andhra Pradesh is served by more than 20 leading institutes of excellence in higher education. All major arts, humanities, science, engineering, law, medicine, business and veterinary science are offered, leading to first degrees as well as postgraduate awards. Advanced research is conducted in all major areas.

Andhra Pradesh has 1330 arts, science and commerce colleges, 238 engineering colleges and 53 medical colleges. The student to teacher ratio is 19:1 in the higher education. According to census taken in 2001, Andhra Pradesh has an overall literacy rate of 60.5%. While male literacy rate is at 70.3%, the female literacy rate however is only at 50.4%, a cause for concern.

The state has recently made strides in setting up several institutes of high quality. [[IIIT Hyderabad|International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT)]] and [[Indian School of Business]] (ISB) are gaining international attention for their standards. National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad (NIFT)[http://www.hyderabad.niftindia.com/]is well reputed among those interested in a career in fashion.

Major Universities/Institutes in Andhra Pradesh:
* '''[[National Institute of Technology]]''' [[NIT]],[[Warangal]]
* [[Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University|Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[Andhra Pradesh Open University| Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University: Andhra Pradesh Open University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[Acharya Nagarjuna University]], [[Guntur]]
* [[Andhra University]], [[Visakhapatnam]]
* [[Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[Kakatiya University]], [[Warangal]]
* [[Maulana Azad National Urdu University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[Osmania University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[Sri Venkateswara University]], [[Tirupati]]
* [[Sri Padmawati University]], [[Tirupati]]
* [[Sri Krishnadevaraya University]], [[Anantapur]]
* [[Sri Sathya Sai University]], [[Puttaparthi]]
* [[University of Hyderabad]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[GITAM University]],[[Visakhapatnam]]
* [[ICFAI University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[NALSAR University of Law]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]
* [[NTR University of Health Sciences]], [[Vijayawada]]

(''See also [[List of institutions based in Hyderabad India]]'')

== Media ==
Andhra Pradesh has several newspapers. Prominent among them are:
*'''Telugu Newspapers''' - [[Eenadu]], [[Andhra Jyothi]], [[Vaartha]], [[Praja Shakti]], [[Andhra Bhoomi]], [[Visalandra]], [[Andhra Prabha]], [[Telugu Journal]] and [[KalamPotu]]
*'''Urdu Newspapers''' - [[Siasat Daily]], [[Munsif Daily]], [[Rehnuma-e-Deccan]], [[Itimad Urdu Daily]] and [[The Milap Daily]].

*'''English Newspapers''' - [[Deccan Chronicle]], [[The Hindu]], [[The Times of India]], [[Indian Express]], [[The Economic Times]], [[Business Line|The Business Line]]

== Tourism ==
[[Image:Araku-valley.gif|thumb|left|Araku valley]]
Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centres. [[Tirupati]], the abode of [[Lord Venkateswara]], is the richest and most visited Hindu temple in India. [[Srisailam]], the abode of ''Sri Mallikarjuna'', is one of twelve ''[[Jyothirlingam|Jyothirlingalu]]'' in India, Amaravati's Siva temple is one of the Pancharamams,and Yadagirigutta, the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The Ramappa temple and Thousand Pillars temple in Warangal are famous for some fine temple carvings. The state has numerous Buddhist centres at Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda, Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, Nelakondapalli, Dhulikatta, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Sankaram,Phanigiri and Kolanpaka.
[[Image:RishikondaBeachmain.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Rishikonda beach]]
The golden beaches at Visakhapatnam, the one-million-year old limestone caves at Borra, picturesque [[Araku Valley]], hill resorts of Horsley Hills, river Godavari racing through a narrow gorge at ''Papi Kondalu'', waterfalls at Ettipotala, Kuntala and rich bio-diversity at Talakona, are some of the natural attractions of the state.

[[Charminar]], [[Golconda Sultanate|Golconda Fort]], [[Chandragiri|Chandragiri Fort]], [[Chowmahalla Palace]] and [[Falaknuma Palace]] are some of the monuments in the state.

''See also: [[Guntur Tourism]].''

==Famous People from Andhra Pradesh==
See [[List of people from Andhra Pradesh]]

== See also ==
*[[History of India]]
*[[Middle kingdoms of India]]
*[[Andhra state]]
*[[Transportation in Guntur]]
*[[Rivalry and Tribute: Society and Ritual in a Telugu village in South India]] by [[Bruce Elliot Tapper]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}
18. http://www.dae.gov.in/ni/nijul03/cudapah.pdf

==External links==
* {{wikitravel}}
* [http://www.aponline.gov.in/apportal/index.asp Andhra Pradesh Government] *
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/India/Andhra_Pradesh/}}
* [http://www.telugupedia.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mandals_in_Andhra_Pradesh Mandals in Andhra Pradesh]

{{Major Cities of Andhra Pradesh}}

{{States and territories of India}}

[[Category:Telugu society]]
[[Category:Andhra Pradesh|*]]
[[Category:States and territories of India]]

[[ar:أندرا براديش]]
[[bn:অন্ধ্র প্রদেশ]]
[[be:Андхра-Прадэш]]
[[bg:Андра Прадеш]]
[[ca:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[cs:Ándhrapradéš]]
[[cy:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[da:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[de:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[dv:އަންދްރަ ޕްރަދޭޝް]]
[[et:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[es:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[eo:Andra-Pradeŝo]]
[[fa:آندرا پرادش]]
[[fr:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[gl:Andra Pradex]]
[[gu:આંધ્ર પ્રદેશ]]
[[hi:आंध्र प्रदेश]]
[[hr:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[bpy:অন্ধ্র প্রদেশ]]
[[id:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[it:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[he:אנדרה פראדש]]
[[kn:ಆಂಧ್ರ ಪ್ರದೇಶ]]
[[ka:ანდჰრა-პრადეში]]
[[lt:Andhra Pradešas]]
[[hu:Ándhra Pradés]]
[[ml:ആന്ധ്രാപ്രദേശ്‌]]
[[mr:आंध्र प्रदेश]]
[[ms:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[nl:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[new:आन्ध्रप्रदेश]]
[[ja:アーンドラ・プラデーシュ州]]
[[no:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[nn:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[pl:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[pt:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[ro:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[qu:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[ru:Андхра-Прадеш]]
[[simple:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[sk:Ándhrapradéš]]
[[sr:Андра Прадеш]]
[[sh:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[fi:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[sv:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[ta:ஆந்திரப் பிரதேசம்]]
[[te:ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్]]
[[th:รัฐอานธรประเทศ]]
[[vi:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[tg:Ондра Прадиш]]
[[tr:Andhra Pradesh]]
[[uk:Андхра-Прадеш]]
[[ur:آندھرا پردیش]]
[[zh:安得拉邦]]