Amaravati History, Culture, and Tourism Information.
Amaravati is a planned city located on the southern banks of the Krishna River in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is being developed as the new capital of the state after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The city's name comes from Amaravathi, which means "abode of immortals" in Sanskrit. The city is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. In this article, we will delve deep into the fascinating history of Amaravati, its culture, and its future prospects.
History of Amaravati
Amaravati has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The city is known for its ancient Buddhist stupa, which was built during the reign of the Mauryan Empire. The stupa was enlarged and embellished over time by various dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. The stupa was discovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists, and it is now one of the major tourist attractions in Amaravati.
During the medieval period, Amaravati was ruled by the Kakatiya Dynasty and the Reddy Dynasty. The city was also a center of cultural and intellectual activities during the Vijayanagara Empire.
After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Amaravati became part of the Madras Presidency. Later, when Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956, Amaravati became part of the state. In 2014, after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the state government decided to build a new capital city, and Amaravati was chosen as the site.
Culture of Amaravati
Amaravati has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its diverse history and influences from various dynasties. The city is known for its ancient Buddhist stupa, which is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist art and architecture in India. The stupa is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting the lives of Buddha and various Buddhist deities.
Apart from the stupa, Amaravati is also known for its cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Andhra cuisine and Telugu cuisine. The city is famous for its spicy and flavorful dishes, like biryani, pulihora, and gongura pachadi.
The city is also known for its festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The most popular festivals in Amaravati include Ugadi, Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas.