Kurnool Explained

Kurnool
Settlement Type:City
Other Name:Kandanavōlu (Kandanōlu)
Nickname:The Gateway of Rayalaseema
Pushpin Map:India Andhra Pradesh #India
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Andhra Pradesh and in India
Coordinates:15.83°N 78.05°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Andhra Pradesh
Subdivision Type2:Region
Subdivision Name2:Rayalaseema
Subdivision Type3:District
Subdivision Name3:Kurnool
Government Type:Municipal corporation
Governing Body:Kurnool Municipal Corporation
Leader Party:YSRCP
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:S Satyanarayanamma
Leader Title2:MP
Leader Name2:Bastipati Nagaraju
Leader Title1:Member of the Legislative Assembly
Leader Name1:T G Bharath
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Footnotes:[1]
Area Total Km2:129.2
Area Rank:107
Elevation M:274
Population Total:425,214
Population As Of:2011
Population Footnotes:[2]
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Metro:484,327
Population Demonym:Kurnoolion
Population Metro Footnotes:[3]
Population Rank:109th (India)
5th (Andhra Pradesh)
Demographics Type1:Languages
Demographics1 Title1:Official
Timezone1:IST
Utc Offset1:+5:30
Postal Code Type:PIN
Postal Code:518001, 518002, 518003, 518004, 518005, 518006, 518007
Registration Plate:AP-21[4]
Demographics1 Info1:Telugu
Demographics1 Info2:Urdu

Kurnool is a city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It formerly served as the capital of Andhra State (1953–1956).[5] [6] [7] The city is often referred to as "The Gateway of Rayalaseema". Kurnool is also famous for Diamond hunting as diamonds can be found in the barren land of Kurnool after the top layers of soil are washed away by the monsoon rains.[8] It also serves as the district headquarters of its Kurnool district. census, it is the fifth most populous city in the state with a population of 484,327.[9] It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. Although the area has been inhabited for thousands of years, modern Kurnool was founded in the 16th century CE with the construction of the Konda Reddy Fort.

Etymology

The original name of Kurnool is found in historical records as Kandanavōlu or Kandanōlu. It used to be a crossing on the Tungabhadra River, where the bullock cart caravans are believed to have greased their wheels ("kandana" being a reference to grease).[10] The city is often referred to as "The Gateway of Rayalaseema".[11]

History

Palaeolithic era

The Ketavaram[12] rock paintings from the Palaeolithic era and are 18 kilometres from Kurnool. Also the Jurreru Valley, Katavani Kunta[13] and Yaganti in Kurnool District have some important rock art and paintings in the vicinity that may be dated from 35,000 to 40,000 years ago.

Ashoka's rock edicts were inscribed in the 3rd century BCE. The inscription is in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. Both the major and minor edits are found at Erragudi (also called the Yerragudi or Jonnagiri site). These are among the oldest discovered inscriptions in India. The site is close to the Andhra-Karnataka border, in Kurnool district. It is an ASI protected site under Indian law.

Belum Caves are geologically and historically important caves in the district. There are indications that Jain and Buddhist monks were occupying these caves centuries ago. Many Buddhists relics were found inside the caves. These relics are now housed in the Museum at Ananthapur. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found remnants of vessels and other artifacts of the pre-Buddhist era and has dated the remnants of vessels found in the caves to 4500 BC.[14]

Vijayanagara era

Little was known about Kurnool town before the 11th century. The earliest knowledge of this settlement dates from the 11th century. It has developed as a transit place on the southern banks of the river Tungabhadra.

Ruled by the Cholas in the 12th century and later taken over by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century, Kurnool developed into a transit point on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River. It eventually fell under the rule of a jaghirdar before becoming a part of the Vijayanagar dynasty. King Achyuta Raya, successor of Sri Krishnadeva Raya constructed the Kurnool Fort during the 16th century.

Mughal rule

The Abyssinian, Abdul Wahab Khan, defeated King Gopal Raja of the Vijayanagar Kingdom in the 17th century and went on to rule the land for 16 years until his death.

In 1686, Kurnool fell under the influence of the Mughals who were ruled by Emperor Aurangzeb. Later on in Kurnool's history, it was ruled by the Nawabs until the British Government took over in 1839.[15]

Nawabs

See main article: Kurnool State. Ghulam Rasul Khan Bahadur (died on 12 July 1840) was the last Nawab of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.[16] He ruled from 1823 to 1839 until the kingdom was defeated by the East India Company.[17] On 12 October 1839, a war broke out between the British Indian Army and the kingdom and continued for six days until the king was detained on 18 October. He was subsequently sent to Tiruchirappalli Central Prison where he died on 12 July 1840.[18]

After independence

Kurnool was the capital of erstwhile Andhra State between 1 October 1953 and 31 October 1956.[19] [20] The state was later merged with the Telugu-speaking districts of Hyderabad State to form Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad as the state's capital on 1 November 1956.[21] [22] Currently Kurnool is in the divided Andhra Pradesh state.

Geography

Kurnool is located at .[23] It has an average elevation of 273 metres (898 feet). Kurnool lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The Hundri and Neeva rivers also flow through the city. The K.C.Canal (Kurnool–Cuddapah) was built by the Dutch for transportation, but later used for irrigation.

Cityscape

Landmarks in and around the city include Konda Reddy Fort Formerly called Kondareddy Burj is the historical monument and major tourist attraction of Kurnool located at the northeast part of the city.[24] Orvakal rock Garderns is the sculpture garden with an ancient cave lying on the southeast of the city.[25] Jagannatha Gattu Temple is a popular tourist site of Kurnool. It is famous for its Lord Shiva Temple and is located in B. Thandrapadu, in Kurnool. The history behind the Linga makes it a popular destination.

Climate

Kurnool has a hot semi arid cimate (Köppen BSh) with temperatures ranging from 26C to 46C in the summer and 12C to 31C in the winter. The average annual rainfall is about 720mm.

Demographics

As per final data of the 2011 census, the Kurnool urban agglomeration had a population of 484,327, making it the fifth largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh.[26] The literacy rate of Kurnool was 77.37 per cent at the time of the 2011 census.

Religion

As per final data of 2011 census, Hindus formed the majority in the Kurnool urban agglomeration. Other religious groups found in Kurnool are Muslims, Christians, and Jains.[27]

Language

Telugu (67.91%) is the official and most spoken language. Urdu (28.17%) and Hindi (1.02%) are also spoken.[28]

Government and politics

Kurnool serves as the district headquarters of its Kurnool district.[29] [30] The city is administered by Kurnool Municipal Corporation.

Education

The primary and secondary school education is imparted by Government, aided and private schools of the School Education Department of the state.[31] [32] Notable institutions located in the city include:

Transport

Roadways

National Highway 44 (India) which runs from Srinagar to Kanyakumari and also highway of Bangalore to Hyderabad. passes through Kurnool.

National highway 340C [Kurnool-Dornala ] which connects to Srisailam, Vinukonda, Guntur, Vijayawada.

National Highway 40, [Rayalaseema Expressway ] which runs from Kurnool to Chittoor, are the major highways passing through the city.

Surat–Chennai Expressway which is under construction also passes through the city outskirts.

The city also has a Outer Ring Road which is under construction connecting from Gargeyapuram National Highway 340C (India) and connects National Highway 40 (India), National Highway 44 (India), under construction Surat–Chennai Expressway and Kurnool - Bellari State Highway.

The city has a total road length of 519.22 km[33] State owned bus transport system, APSRTC, operates buses from Kurnool bus station to other parts of the state.[34] [35]

Railways

Kurnool City railway station lies on the Bengaluru – Hyderabad railway line. It is classified as an A–category station in the Hyderabad railway division of South Central Railway zone. Another railway station name Kotla lies in the middle of the city.

Airport

Kurnool Airport, officially known as Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport, is located at Orvakal and is situated on the National Highway 40, about 18km (11miles) from Kurnool and 54km (34miles) from Nandyal. Commercial operations of the greenfield airport were started in March 2021.

Economy

Kurnool is endowed with good mineral resources. The important minerals are iron ore, dolomite, limestone, ochre, quartz and silica.[36]

Notable people

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kurnool Municipal Corporation |. kurnool.cdma.ap.gov.in. 29 October 2017. 3 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191203042250/http://kurnool.cdma.ap.gov.in/. dead.
  2. Web site: Cities having population 1 lakh and above, Census 2011. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India . 29 May 2021.
  3. Web site: Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India . 29 May 2021.
  4. Web site: Registration | District Codes | Transport Department Government of Andhra Pradesh – India. aptransport.org.
  5. Web site: Gopi Dara. Nov 22, 2021 . AP Capital News: Andhra Pradesh govt withdraws three-capitals bills Vijayawada News - Times of India . 2021-11-22 . The Times of India . en.
  6. Web site: Andhra Pradesh high court orders status quo on two new laws for three capitals. 4 Aug 2020. TOI.
  7. Web site: 2020-08-01 . Andhra Governor gives nod to CM Jagan Mohan Reddy's three-capital plan . 2020-08-02 . Livemint . en.
  8. News: Diamond hunters descend on Kurnool as monsoon hits AP . 2024-06-17 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  9. Web site: Andhra Pradesh (India): Districts, Cities and Towns - Population Statistics, Charts and Map. www.citypopulation.de. 2020-04-17.
  10. Web site: Heritage in Kurnool. AP Tourism Department. 10 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140713231824/http://www.aptdc.gov.in/heritage-in-kurnool.html. 13 July 2014. dead.
  11. Book: Sarkar. Siddhartha. International Journal of Economic and Political Integration: Vol.1, No.1. 2011. Universal-Publishers . 978-1-61233-544-5. 15. 18 July 2015.
  12. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-06-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131217085054/http://www.aparchaeologymuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Kurnool.pdf . 17 December 2013.
  13. Petraglia. Michael. New rock art discoveries in the Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Antiquity. 84. 324. 335–350. academia.edu. 28 May 2014.
  14. http://www.showcaves.com/english/in/showcaves/Belum.html
  15. Web site: Indian Princely States K-Z. Ben. Cahoon.
  16. News: Wahab Khan tomb in Kurnool to get a facelift. The Hindu. 2 July 2013. www.thehindu.com.
  17. Web site: Bonhams : A silver seal made for Ghulam Rasul Khan Bahadur, Nawab of Kurnool (reg. 1823-39) South Deccan, dated AH 1239/AD 1823-24. www.bonhams.com.
  18. Web site: Nawab of Kurnool Ghulam Rasool Khan A Great Freedom Fighter of India who fought against the British Empire.. Syed Naseer. Ahamed. 28 November 2017.
  19. Web site: Andhra Pradesh - History. 2020-04-17. Encyclopedia Britannica. en.
  20. Web site: First Capital of AP. 17 April 2020. 15 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200615190824/https://www.ap.gov.in/?page_id=228. dead.
  21. Web site: The Indian Express – Google News Archive Search. google.com.
  22. Web site: Capital loss: Madras, Kurnool, now Hyderabad. Somasekhar. Ch RS Sarma / M. The Hindu Business Line. 11 April 2016.
  23. Web site: Maps, Weather, and Airports for Kurnool, India. fallingrain.com.
  24. News: Gopal Darwaza stands as a witness to history. 28 February 2016. The Hindu. 22 April 2014. Kurnool.
  25. News: Kurmanath. K.V. A rocky, solid gift from nature. 28 February 2016. The Hindu Business Line. 22 June 2006. Orvakal (Kurnool district).
  26. Web site: Kurnool City Population Census 2011-2019 | Andhra Pradesh. www.census2011.co.in.
  27. Web site: Table C-01 Population by Religion: Andhra Pradesh. 2011. . Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  28. Web site: Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Andhra Pradesh (Town level). . Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  29. Web site: District Census Handbook : Kurnool. 21 August 2015. Census of India. 50.
  30. News: Staff Reporter. 2020-01-20. Andhra Pradesh Cabinet clears decentralised capital across Amaravati, Visakhapatnam and Kurnool. en-IN. The Hindu. 2020-04-17. 0971-751X.
  31. Web site: School Education Department . School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh . 7 November 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160319051231/http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf . 19 March 2016 .
  32. Web site: The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal AP State Portal . www.ap.gov.in . 7 November 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155331/http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ . 7 November 2016 .
  33. Web site: Details of Roads in Each ULB of Andhra Pradesh. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160801101300/http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp. 1 August 2016.
  34. Web site: Bus Stations in Districts . Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation . 8 March 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160322233330/http://apsrtc.gov.in/Bus%20Stations.aspx . 22 March 2016 .
  35. News: Krishnamoorthy. Suresh. Several bus stations lack CCTV surveillance. 8 March 2016. The Hindu. 22 April 2015. Hyderabad.
  36. Web site: Archived copy . 30 October 2015 . 19 February 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180219003656/http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/Kurnool%20dip%20%20amended%20march.pdf . dead .