Amaravati facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amaravati
|
|
|---|---|
|
Clockwise from top:Buildings under construction in Amaravati Government Complex, High Court of Andhra Pradesh in Nelapadu, SRM University, Seed Capital Access road
|
|
| Nickname(s):
Place for immortals
|
|
 Amaravati
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati
Location in India
Amaravati
Location in Asia
.svg)
Amaravati
Location in Earth
|
|
| Country |  India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Region | Coastal Andhra |
| District | Guntur |
| Established | 2014 |
| Founded by | N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| Named for | Amaravati Stupa, Amararama |
| Government | |
| • Type | Urban Planning Agency |
| • Body | Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority |
| Area | |
| • Capital city | 217.23 km2 (83.87 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 8,352.69 km2 (3,224.99 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
|
|
| • Capital city | 103,000 |
| • Metro | 5,873,588 |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Pincode(s) |
520 XXX, 521 XXX, 522 XXX
|
| Vehicle registration | AP-7, AP-8, AP-39 |
| Official languages | Telugu |
Amaravati (English: /əməˈrɑːvəti/ ah-MUH-rah-VUH-tee) is the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated in Guntur district at the heart of the state, on the right bank of the Krishna River and south west of Vijayawada. It is named after the historic Amaravathi site adjacent to Dharanikota, the ancient city, that served as the capital of the Satavahana dynasty more than 2,200 years ago. The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region encompasses the neighboring cities of Guntur, and Vijayawada.
Amaravati is an urban notified area. Urban development and planning activities are undertaken by the Amaravati Development Corporation Limited and Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA). The APCRDA has jurisdiction over the city and the conurbation covering Andhra Pradesh Capital Region. The capital city is spread over an area of 217.23 km2 (83.87 sq mi), and will comprise villages (including some hamlets) from three mandals viz., Mangalagiri, Thullur and Tadepalle. The seed capital is spread over an area of 16.94 km2 (6.54 sq mi).
The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 resulted in the residual state having no capital city, with Hyderabad serving as the state's temporary capital city despite being located in the new state of Telangana. The government under the leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu founded Amaravati and declared it as Andhra Pradesh state's new capital city. The farmers of Guntur district gave 33,000 acres of land, to the Government of Andhra Pradesh through an innovative land pooling scheme in return for developed plots and lease payments for 10-year period. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone at Uddandarayunipalem village on 22 October 2015. After fast track completion of interim buildings, government legislature and secretariat started operating from the new facilities at Velagapudi from March 2017.
Contents
Etymology
Amaravati literally translates to 'the place for immortals'. The name has significance from historical, spiritual and mythological points of view. This name was also used in 18th century for a village near Dharanikota, the ancient capital of the Satavahana dynasty.
History
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014-06-02 | AP Reorganization Act comes into force |
| 2014-09-01 | Location of new Capital City finalized |
| 2014-12-30 | APCRDA Act comes into effect |
| 2015-01-XX | Voluntary Land Pooling Scheme announced |
| 2015-03-XX | Consent for 33,000 acres obtained from farmers |
| 2015-06-06 | Amaravati City Bhoomi Puja (ground-breaking ceremony) by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| 2015-10-22 | Foundation stone set by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| 2017-03-XX | Government Legislature and secretariat start functioning from the city |
| 2018-12-27 | Naidu lays foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh Permanent secretariat towers |
| 2019-02-03 | CJI lays foundation stone for Andhra High Court in Amaravati. |
| 2020-07-31 | Governor's assent to legislation for three capitals |
| 2021-11-22 | Three capitals legislation withdrawn |
| 2022-03-05 | High court gives verdict in favour of single capital city |
| 2024-06-08 | All Development works has been restarted and work is in progress. |
Early and Medieval History
Dharanikota (Dhānyakatakam) nearby was the capital city of the Satavahana Dynasty of the Andhras. Its history dates back to 2nd Century BCE. The Satavahanas are prominent in the history of Andhra Pradesh. Their main language was Prakrit written using Brahmi Script, which served as the base for the script of Telugu Language. The practice of Buddhism was predominant at that time and the dynasty was partly responsible for the prevalence of Buddhism in the region. The city was also once a holy site of Mahayana Buddhism. The city used to have a large Buddhist Stupa now known as Amaravati Stupa. It was also the centre of Buddhist learning and art with several Buddhist followers from many South East Asian countries visiting.
The Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Vishnukundina, Pallavas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Delhi Sultanate, Musunuri Nayaks, Bahmani Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Sultanate of Golconda and Mughal Empire successively ruled this area before the founding of the Nizamate of Hyderabad in 1724. It was ceded to France in 1750 but was captured by the East India Company in 1759. It was returned to the Nizam in 1768 but was ceded to Britain again in 1788. As part of the Madras Presidency, it was ruled by Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, hereditary zamindar of Chintapalli who founded the modern Amaravati village, near the ruins of the ancient stupa.
Foundation for Amaravati
As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Hyderabad became the capital of the newly formed state of Telangana, post bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The Central Government formed an expert committee to explore alternatives for the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The committee was tasked with evaluating the suitability of various locations based on data analysis, site visits, and stakeholder consultations. Its duties included assessing the availability of land, water, and natural resources while considering environmental sustainability and the potential for urban growth. It evaluated transportation options including rail, road and air connectivity between the new capital and other major cities. The committee consisted of several experts from various national institutes.
The establishment of Amaravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh involved a land pooling initiative crucial for its development. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's administration implemented the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act in 2014, which facilitated the creation of a land bank for the new capital. The Act allowed for voluntary land pooling, enabling landowners to surrender their land in exchange for developed plots and financial compensation. The government aimed to acquire approximately 53,748 acres of land from 27 villages. Around 33,733 acres were successfully pooled through this scheme. While many farmers participated, some, particularly from Penumaka and Undavalli, expressed concerns about compensation rates. The pooling process aggregated small land parcels, which were then improved and partially returned to the original owners. The initiative also included annuity payments for ten years, providing financial support to those who surrendered their land. The Chief Minister announced that the new capital of the state would be located around Vijayawada. This decision followed a consultative process and was approved by the State Cabinet on September 1, 2014. Chief Minister Naidu stated that the state planned a decentralized development approach, with three mega cities and 14 smart cities. The announcement came amid calls from the opposition YSR Congress Party for a debate on the capital's location. Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that the decision reflects public sentiment, with nearly 50% of representations received by the Sivaramakrishnan Committee favoring the Vijayawada-Guntur region. He also highlighted the need for Central Government support for capital development and special status for the state as assured during the passage of the State Reorganisation Bill.
On October 22, 2015, following a cabinet meeting where it was unanimously approved, Chief Minister Naidu announced the selection of Amaravathi, an ancient town located on the banks of the Krishna River, as the site for the new capital city. During the foundation-laying ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naidu discussed plans for the capital's development, which aimed to focus on creating an energy-efficient city with industrial hubs. The completion date for the master plan’s first phase was set for May 15, 2016, and plans were proposed for a 200-km ring road to connect Amaravati with Vijayawada and Guntur.
Establishing Governance: The Andhra Pradesh Secretariat and High Court
The construction of the temporary Andhra Pradesh Secretariat at Velagapudi, 16 km from Vijayawada, was completed on the October 03, 2016 with a budget of ₹230 crores. By October 17, 2016, five of the six planned blocks began operations. The Secretariat, covering 45 acres, is designed in a G-plus-1 style. The first block houses the Chief Minister's Office, while the others accommodate various ministers and the sixth block is intended for the AP Assembly and Legislative Council. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has also moved to a new temporary building in Amaravati, inaugurated by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. This new court complex includes 16 court halls and a 2.70 lakh square feet office space. Advocates have faced challenges due to a lack of necessary facilities in the new building, including poor broadband and library access. Despite initial difficulties, legal professionals remain optimistic about the future of the new high court and capital city.
