Kurnool districtis one of the eight districts in theRayalaseemaregion of theIndian stateofAndhra Pradeshafter the districts are reorganised in April 2022.[1]It is located in the north western part of the state and is bounded byNandyal districtin the east,Anantapur districtin the south,Raichur districtofKarnatakain the northwest,Bellary districtofKarnatakain the west, andJogulamba Gadwal districtof Telangana in the north. It has a population of 2,271,686 based on the 2011 census.[1]The city ofKurnoolis the headquarters of the district.
Kurnool district | |
|---|---|
 Konda Reddy Burju | |
 Location of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh | |
 | |
| Coordinates:15°50′N78°02′E/ 15.83°N 78.04°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Andhra Pradesh |
| Region | Rayalaseema |
| Established | 1808 |
| 1st Reorganized | 1970 |
| 2nd Reorganized | 4th April 2022 |
| Headquarters | Kurnool |
| Administrative divisions | |
| Government | |
| •District collector | Kotteshwara rao, IAS |
| •Lok Sabha | Kurnool |
| •Assembly | Assembly list |
| Area | |
• Total | 7,977 km2(3,080 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Total | 2,271,686 |
| • Density | 280/km2(740/sq mi) |
| • Sex ratio | 988 (females per 1,000 males) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| • Additional Official | Urdu[3] |
| Literacy | |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30(IST) |
| Postal Index Number | 518xxx |
| Area codes | +91–8518 |
| ISO 3166 code | IN-AP |
| Vehicle registration | AP-21 (former)AP–39(from 30 January 2019)[4] |
| Website | kurnool |
Konda Reddy Fort,MantralayamandOrvakal Rock Garden, Kurnoolare tourist places of interest in the district.
Etymology
editThe name Kurnool was originally called "Kandenavolu". In the 11th century A.D. the Oddera community engaged in construction activity used this place as a halting place for greasing their cartwheels with oil, before crossing the Tungabhadra river. The carts carried loads of stones for temple construction at Alampur. The wordoilis known askandenain Telugu and thus the place was called "Kandenavolu".[5]: 3
History
edit
The Ketavaram rock paintings are dated back to thePaleolithic era(located at a distance of 18 km (11 mi) from Kurnool).[6]Jurreru Valley, Katavani Kunta[7]andYagantiin the Nandyal district have some important rock arts and paintings in their vicinity, which are dated back to 35,000 to 40,000 years ago.
The earliest rulers of this region were Nandas, as suggested by place names such as Nandavaram, Nandyal, Mahanandi. They were defeated by Mauryas around 323 A.D. After that the region passed into the hands of Satavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas during the course of time till 973 A.D. It was ruled by Velanadu Cholas andKakatiyastill 1323 A.D. When Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq defeated Kakatiyas, the region became part of the Mughal empire. The Mughal rule became weak, leading to the formation of Reddy,Vijayanagarand Bahamani kingdoms. Reddy and Vijayanagar kingdoms fought several wars for the control of this region, with Vijayanagara kings succeeding finally.
During the reign of Vijayanagar kingAchyuta Deva Rayain 1530 A.D. the fort of Kurnool was built. Parts of this region were ruled by the chiefs of Velugodu, Nandyal, Araveedu and Owk. The Vijayanagar kingdom was defeated in the battle of Tallikota in 1565 A.D. As a result, part of this region was given over toBijapur sultanate.The region witnessed battles byQutub Sahisfor control. Qutub Sahi empire was annexed by Mughals during the last decade of the 17th century. In 1724 A.D.,Nizam-ul-MulkdefeatedMubariz Khan,the governor of Hyderabad and Ibrahim Khan, the Jagirdar of Kurnool and founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty. During the hegemony of the Mughals and the Asaf Jahis, the Nawabs of Kurnool ruled this region as their Jagir. Daud Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Aluf Khan and Himmat Bahadur Khan were the successive rulers. This region came under the sovereignty of Hyder Ali in 1767 following a treaty with Nizam.,[5]: 3–6 but it was transferred back to Nizam by thetreaty of Srirangapatnam.
Modern history
editNizam of Hyderabadcededthis region to the British in 1800.[8]Munrowas appointed as principal collector over the ceded districts. Munro subjugated over 80 Palegars, instituted revenue collection system through which he secured the finances. This district along with the other Telugu speaking districts of Madras province were separated to formAndhra Statein 1953, with Kurnool as its capital.
District boundary changes
editTalukas of Adoni, Alur, Yemmiganur were merged with Kurnool District fromBellary Districtin 1953. In 1970,Prakasam districtwas formed carving out Markapuram, Giddalur, Yerragondapalem talukas from the district. In 2022, the district was split to formNandyal district.
Historical demographics
edit| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 950,655 | — |
| 1911 | 1,035,333 | +0.86% |
| 1921 | 987,117 | −0.48% |
| 1931 | 1,120,650 | +1.28% |
| 1941 | 1,222,993 | +0.88% |
| 1951 | 1,315,499 | +0.73% |
| 1961 | 1,570,955 | +1.79% |
| 1971 | 1,982,090 | +2.35% |
| 1981 | 2,407,299 | +1.96% |
| 1991 | 2,973,024 | +2.13% |
| 2001 | 3,529,494 | +1.73% |
| 2011 | 4,053,463 | +1.39% |
| source:[9] | ||
According to the2011 censusKurnool district has apopulationof 4,053,463,[5]roughly equal to the nation ofLiberia[10]or the US state ofOregon.[11]This gives it a ranking of 54th in India (out of a total of640). The district has a population density of 229 inhabitants per square kilometre (590/sq mi). Itspopulation growth rateover the decade 2001–2011 was 14.65%. The district had asex ratioof 984femalesfor every 1000 males, and aliteracy rateof 59.97%.[5]
Historical economy
editThe gross district domestic product (GDDP) of the district for the FY 2013-14 is₹34,359 crore(US$4.1 billion) and it contributes 6.5% to theGross State Domestic Product (GSDP).For the FY 2013–14, theper capita incomeat current prices was₹68,197(US$820). Theprimary,secondaryandtertiary sectorsof the district contribute₹12,035 crore(US$1.4 billion),₹6,055 crore(US$730 million) and₹16,269 crore(US$1.9 billion) respectively.[12]
Historical education
editThe primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under theSchool Education Departmentof the state.[13][14]As per the school information report for the academic year 2015–16, in the undivided district, there are a total of 4,179 schools. They include, 78 government, 2,398 mandal and zilla parishads, 1 residential, 1,355 private, 33 model, 53 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), 140 municipal and 121 other types of schools.[15]The total number of students enrolled in primary, upper primary and high schools of the district are 631,740.[16]
Geography
editKurnool district occupies an area of approximately 7,977 square kilometres (3,080 sq mi).[1]Kurnool is surrounded by districts ofAnantapur district,to south,Nandyal districtto east andBellaryofKarnatakato the west andJogulamba Gadwal districtto the north. The district includes theSrisailam Damand a part of theNallamala Hills,the rest of it lying inPrakasam district,Nandyal district,Kadapa district,andNellore district.
Soil
editThe black cotton soils are predominant in Pattikonda and Adoni mandals. Regur soil of superior quality is available in Kurnool and Pattikonda mandals. Paddy, bengal gram, korra (Italian millets), jowar and cotton are grown.[5]: 15–30
Flora and fauna
editMost of the district does not have much vegetation, due to lack of adequate rainfall.[5]: 15–30
Rivers
editKrishna,Tungabhadra,Handri,Bhavanasi are the main rivers in the district. These feed into reservoirs like Srisailam, Gajuladinne, Velugodu and canals like K.C. (Kurnool Cuddapah) canal, T.B (Tungabhadra) low level canal, Gajuladinne canal, Telugu Ganga canal and S.R.B.C. canal.[5]: 15–30
Demographics
editAfter bifurcation the district had a population of 22,71,686, of which 764,101 (33.64%) lived in urban areas. Kurnool district has a sex ratio of 990 females per 1000 males. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 4,15,120 (18.27%) and 30,047 (1.32%) of the population respectively.[5]: 77–81 Hinduism is the majority religion with 83.8% of population, followed by Islam with 14.74% of population.
Based on the 2011 census, 79.39% of the population spokeTelugu,13.62%Urduand 4.77%Kannadaas their first language.[18]
Administrative divisions
edit
The district is divided into 3 revenue divisions:Adoni,KurnoolandPattikonda,which are further subdivided into a total of 26mandals,each headed by a sub-collector.[19]
Mandals
editThe list of 26 mandals in Kurnool district, divided into 3 revenue divisions, is given below.[1]
Cities and towns
editThe district has 1 Municipal Corporation 2 Municipalities and 1 Nagar Panchayats as per the district reorganisation in 2022.[20]
| Ciy/Town | Civil status | Revenue Division | Population (2011) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurnool | Municipal Corporation | Kurnool | 484,327 |
| Adoni | Municipality Special grade | Adoni | 184,625 |
| Yemmiganur | Municipality Grade - 1 | Adoni | 95,149 |
| Gudur | Nagar Panchayat | Kurnool | 22,270 |
Villages
editPolitics
editThere are two parliamentary and eight assembly constituencies in the district. The parliamentary constituencies areKurnoolandNandyal(partial).[21]
The assembly constituencies are given below.[22]
| Constituency number | Name | Reserved for (SC/ST/None) |
Parliamentary constituency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 137 | Kurnool | None | Kurnool |
| 143 | Kodumur | SC | |
| 144 | Yemmiganur | None | |
| 145 | Mantralayam | None | |
| 146 | Adoni | None | |
| 147 | Alur | None | |
| 142 | Pattikonda | None |
Economy
editGroundnut oil, granites, and handloom goods are produced in the district.[5]: 147
Transport
editRoads
editNH - 44,NH - 40,NH - 167andNH - 340Cnational highways pass through the district.[23]Dhone to Somayajulapalli highway has been categorized as NH - 340B in 2021.[24]
Railways
editVijayawada–Hubli, Secunderabad–Bengaluru, and Chennai–Mumbai railway lines pass through the district.KurnoolandAdoniare major railway stations. These are part of Hyderabad, Guntakal divisions respectively ofSouth Central Railway[25]
Airways
editUyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airportis the domestic airport near Kurnool serving the district, which started operations in 2021.[26]Nearest International Airports from Kurnool isRajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabadat a distance of 195 km.
Education
editRayalaseema Universitywith Kurnool as its headquarters was established in 2008. An engineering college as part of the university was started in 2019.[27]Kurnool medical collegewas started in 1956.[28]Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design & Manufacturing, Kurnool (IIITDMK) fully funded by Ministry of Education commenced academic activities from 2015, as per the provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation act of 2014. This was accorded the status of Institute of National Importance in 2017.[29]
Tourism
edit-
-
Raghavendra Math Brundavanam atMantralayam -
Achyutaraya who succeeded Krishnadevaraya built the initialKonda Reddy Fortbetween 1530 and 1542. The fort has different gateways and bastions. The fort is named after Konda Reddy, the last ruler of Alampur who was imprisoned in the fort by the Kurnool Nawab in the 17th century.[30]Mantralayamon the banks of theTungabhadra Riveris famous for the devotees ofRaghavendra Swamy,a saint who lived in the 17th century.[31]
Orvakal rock garden,at about 25 km from Kurnool is a natural landscape of regal rock formations.[32]Sanjeevaiah Sagaralso known as The Gajuladinne Project is a dam on the Handri river situated about 20 km from Yemmiganur.[33]
Many attractions in adjacentNandyal districtsuch asBelum caves,Srisailam,Yagantican be explored with Kurnool as base.
Notable people
editUyyalawada Narasimha Reddyfought against British East India company rule in India in 1847.[34]Damodaram Sanjivayyaserved as the first Dalit Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh. He also served as central minister later.[35] Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddyrepresented several assembly constituencies of the undivided district during his political career. He rose to the position of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and also became central minister.[36]P. S. Ramakrishna Raodirected and produced several Telugu films.[37]
References
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- ^"Population".Census of India.Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.Retrieved12 June2019.
- ^Pavan (17 June 2022)."AP govt. issues orders recognising Urdu as the official language".The Hans India.
- ^"New 'AP 39' code to register vehicles in Andhra Pradesh launched".The New Indian Express.Vijayawada. 31 January 2019. Archived fromthe originalon 28 July 2019.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^abcdefghi"District Census Hand Book – Kurnool"(PDF).Census of India.Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ^"archelogical excavations"(PDF).aparchaeologymuseum. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 17 December 2013.Retrieved15 June2014.
- ^Michael Petraglia."New rock art discoveries in the Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India".academia.edu.
- ^The Imperial Gazetteer of India, Volume 7.Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1908. pp. 158–76.
- ^"Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India"(PDF).www.censusindia.gov.in.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 30 June 2014.
- ^US Directorate of Intelligence."Country Comparison:Population".Archived fromthe originalon 13 June 2007.Retrieved1 October2011.
Liberia 3,786,764 July 2011 est.
- ^"2010 Resident Population Data".U. S. Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon 19 October 2013.Retrieved30 September2011.
Oregon 3,831,074
- ^"Economy of Kurnool District".Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board.Retrieved25 April2017.
- ^"School Education Department"(PDF).School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 27 December 2015.Retrieved7 November2016.
- ^"The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal".www.ap.gov.in.Archived fromthe originalon 7 November 2016.Retrieved7 November2016.
- ^"School Information Report".Commissionerate of School Education.Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived fromthe originalon 8 November 2016.Retrieved8 November2016.
- ^"Student Information Report".Commissionerate of School Education.Child info 2015–16, District School Education – Andhra Pradesh. Archived fromthe originalon 22 May 2015.Retrieved8 November2016.
- ^"Population by Religion - Andhra Pradesh".censusindia.gov.in.Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.2011.
- ^ab"Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Andhra Pradesh".Census of India.Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ^"New AP Map: Check Out Biggest and Smallest Districts in Andhra Pradesh".Sakshi Post.3 April 2022.Retrieved3 May2022.
- ^"Part-I State Administrative Divisions 2001–2011"(PDF).Census of India. pp. 359–366.Retrieved18 January2015.
- ^DOP (2023).Socio Economic Survey 2022-23(PDF).Government of AP. p. 350.
- ^"District-wise Assembly-Constituencies".ceoandhra.nic.in.
- ^"Map of district".Kurnool district.Retrieved17 April2023.
- ^"Approval and Expenditure on Projects"(PDF).11 August 2021.Retrieved17 April2023.
- ^New Railways – New Andhra Pradesh (2014-21)(PDF).2022.
- ^"Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurates Kurnool airport, the sixth civilian airport in Andhra Pradesh".Frontline.29 March 2021.Retrieved15 May2023.
- ^"About RUK".Rayalaseemauniversity.ac.in.Retrieved15 May2023.
- ^"Home page".kurnoolmedicalcollege.ac.in.Retrieved15 May2023.
- ^"About IIITDM Kurnool".IIIT Kanchipuram.Retrieved15 May2023.
- ^"KONDA REDDY BURUJU / KONDA REDDY FORT - TRAVEL INFO".Trawell.in.Retrieved17 October2018.
- ^Eswaran, Arcot."Mantralayam for that healing touch".The Hindu.No. 18 October 2002. The Hindu Newspaper. Archived fromthe originalon 25 February 2003.Retrieved11 March2017.
- ^"Orvakallu Haritha Hotel".aptourismhotels.in.Retrieved15 May2023.
- ^"SANJEEVIAH SAGAR Gajuladinne Project".krmb.gov.in.Retrieved15 May2023.
- ^Reddy, K. Venugopal (2010). "Dominance and Resistance: A Study of Narasimha Reddy's Revolt in Andhra against the injustice and towards India's freedom movement (1846–47)".Social Scientist.38:23–36.JSTOR25621954.
- ^"What's Under A Surname? Well, A Whole State".Outlook.16 December 2013.Retrieved25 October2019.
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{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^"PS Ramakrishna Rao".nettv4u.com.Retrieved15 May2023.
