Mahal, India

Mahal
—  town  —
Mahal Location of Mahal in Andhra Pradesh and India
Coordinates	13°47′00″N 78°46′00″E
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District(s)	Chittoor
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 497 metres (1,631 ft)

Mahal is a small town located in Kalikiri mandal of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The place has not seen much development over the years mainly due to lack of economic and educational infrastructure in the town forcing majority of educated to migrate to different areas. Agriculture which is a primary source of income for majority is monsoon dependent, which has made it vulnerable over the past few decades due to continuous failing monsoons.

Geography

13.7833°N 78.7667°E / 13.7833; 78.7667.

History

This place borders Kadapa district which has a vast and diverse history. Kadapa was under the rule of Pallavas, Telugu Cholas, Kakatiyas Vijayanagara kings and Nizam Nawabs. There are lots of small but mostly ruined temples and other structures around the town reflecting its association with history dating back to Pallavas period. A shivalayam on the banks of Bahuda river is also a piece that relates the towns history dating back to the Hindu Kings. The core Mahal town constitutes large Muslim population primarily settled during the Muslim rule. Some of the Muslim population are of Afghan descent. In late 1980s a treasure hunter's expedition has ended up finding a Ranganayaka Swamy's idol. The idol is carved out of a rare quality of stone which is greenish in texture.

References

• Nishan S. Mahal-litchere professor