Vizianagaram
| Vizianagaram | |||
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| Coordinates | 18°07′N 83°25′E / 18.12°N 83.42°ECoordinates: 18°07′N 83°25′E / 18.12°N 83.42°E | ||
| Country | India | ||
| State | Andhra Pradesh | ||
| District(s) | Vizianagaram | ||
| Population | 174,324 (2001[update]) | ||
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) | ||
| Area |
• 58.22 metres (191.0 ft) |
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Vizianagaram (Telugu: విజయనగరo; sometimes spelt as Vijayanagaram or Vizianagram) is the main city of the Vizianagaram District of north-eastern Andhra Pradesh in southern India. Vizianagaram district was formed on 1 June 1979, with some parts carved from the neighbouring districts of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam. It is, at present, the largest municipality of Andhra Pradesh, in terms of population. It is located about 18 km inland from the Bay of Bengal, and 52 km northeast of Visakhapatnam. While the literal meaning of Vizianagaram is the city of victory, it is also sometimes referred to as the city of education. It is an important business and educational center for north coastal Andhra and the adjoining state of Orissa.
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[edit] History
This area was ruled by different Hindu emperors of Kalinga (ancient Orissa) up to the mediaeval period. After the fall of the centralized Gajapati empire of Orissa, the region was governed by the Golkonda rulers. The ancestors of the Maharajas of Vizianagaram is stated to be descended from the Ranas of Udaipur, the Sisodia branch of the Guhilot tribe and Vasishta gotra. .
Rulers of this princely state belong to the Pusapati family. The village Pooshpadu in Nandigama Taluq was built by Amala Raju. The village later came to be known as Pusapadu. Therefore, the Kshatriyas living there came to be known as Pusapatis.
[edit] Geography
Vizianagaram is located at 18°07′N 83°25′E / 18.12°N 83.42°E. It has an average elevation of 74 metres (242 feet).
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001[update] India census,[1]
- Vizianagaram had a population of 195,801
- Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%
- Vizianagaram has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%:
- male literacy is 75%
- female literacy is 62%
- In Vizianagaram, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age
Vizianagaram mandal had a population of 242,348 in 2001
- Males constitute 1,20,560
- Females constitute 1,21,788 of the population
- The average literacy rate of Vizianagaram mandal is 71% above the national average of 59.5%
- The male literacy rate is 80%
- The female literacy rate is 63%
- There are 23 revenue villages and 21 panchayats in Vizianagaram mandal
It is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Andhra Pradesh. Its proximity to Vizag city (about 40 km) has caused a large influx of the working class in recent years.
[edit] Economy
Vizianagaram is one of the principal towns in north coastal Andhra, otherwise known as Uttarandhra. There are a number of industries around the city. The country's largest ferro-manganese plant is situated in Garividi in the outskirts of the city. There are various jute mills here; for example, the Hooghly Jute Mills.
Vizianagaram is a favorite destination for the textile wholesale market.[citation needed] It is the preferred destination for marriage-related shopping for most people living not only in the district, but also from the neighbouring districts, and for Telugus living in Orissa and West Bengal.
[edit] Retail
Vizianagaram is in growing phase in retail sector. It is having its presence of Branded readymade stores viz. H&A, Arvind, Pepe Jeans.
It also has Textile traders wholesale merchants, around 250 shops in Sbt market, Cantonment where you can varied shops dealing in Suitings and Shirtings, Sarees, Dress materials selling at wholesale rates. A shopping mall and multiplex is under construction at the Balaji complex site opposite the RTC complex, and also beside the railway station. The development in the city has speeded up in recent years thanks to the astronomic growth of Vizag city, which is about 52 km away. There have been a number of layouts planned by VUDA (Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority) on the way to Vizag. The growth of Vizag indeed has a direct impact on the growth of Vizianagaram. Vizianagaram is also expected to merge into the Vizag metropolitan area soon. According to the VUDA master plan, a metropolitan area called Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region (VMR) of over 1700 km2, consisting of Vizag, Gajuwaka, Bheemunipatnam, Anakapalle and Vizianagaram, will be formed by 2021. A lot of zonal development schemes have been sanctioned, which include several plans in Vizianagaram.[2]
[edit] Assembly constituency
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List of Members of Legislative Assembly:[3]
[edit] Members of Parliament
[edit] Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru Temple
The origin of the Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru temple is associated with the royal family of Vizianagaram. According to local folklore, the goddess (Grama Devata) of the temple is a sister of the Maharaja of Vizianagaram. Sirimanu Panduga Sirimanuis is an important event that is celebrated here in the month of October. The story starts in 1750, when French leader Bussy was staying with his battalion near Hyderabad. In addition to financial problems, many of his soldiers were dying due to a disease (Masuchi). Vijya Rama Raju of Vizianagaram helped him overcome the financial crisis and rebuild his battalion. In 1756, Bussy visited Rajamundry, where Vijaya Rama Raju gave him a warm welcome. The Bobbili Rajas and the Vizianagaram Maharajas were in constant conflict regarding control over the region. Using his good relations with the French, Vijaya Rama Raju set out to gain supremacy over the Northern Circars, leading to the Bobbili battle on January 23, 1757. During the battle, the entire Bobbili fort was destroyed, and many Bobbili soldiers died in the battle. The wife of Vijaya Rama Raju, as well as his sister Sri Pydimamba, unsuccessfully tried to stop the battle. Sri Pydimamba was suffering from Masuchi as well. While she was performing a puja, she came to know that Vijaya Rama Raju was in trouble, and wanted to convey a message to him through their soldiers, but everyone was in battle. She was able to find one soldier named Patiwada Appala Naidu, but by then, she received news that Vijaya Rama Raju had died in the hands of Tandra Papa Rayudu. She then fell unconscious with grief. Patiwada Appla Naidu sprinkled water over her face, and when she regained consciousness, she told Appala Naidu that she could not live anymore. She is thought to have become one with the Goddess after she died, as after completion of the Bobbili battle and after the Vijayadasimi, on the next Tuesday, an idol was found in the west side of Pedda Charuvu of Vizianagaram. It is known as "Pyidimamaba", the village goddess of Vizianagaram. It is thought that the incident took place in the place in the present-day Railway station, opposite where the temple is constructed. Her statue can be found on the west side of Pedda Cheruvu. 
[edit] Revenue villages and village panchayatsThere are 23 revenue villages and 22 village panchayats in Vizianagaram Mandal.[4]
[edit] Educational institutionsThis is list of prominent educational institutions in Vizianagaram city arranged in the order of their establishment year.
[edit] Notable people
[edit] External links
[edit] References
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