Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Overview

• Name: Anantapur (officially called Anantapuramu)
• State: Andhra Pradesh, India
• District: Anantapur District (officially Sri Sathya Sai District after 2022 bifurcation; part of the original Anantapur region remains.)
• Coordinates: 14.685° N, 77.597° E
• Elevation: ~335 meters (1,099 feet) above sea level

Historical Significance

• Origins:
  • The city traces its history back to ancient times, notably during the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th centuries).
  • The name "Anantapur" is believed to be derived from Anantasagara, a large tank (reservoir) built by a local chieftain named Anantarasa.
• Dynasties that ruled:
  • Satavahanas
  • Pallavas
  • Chalukyas
  • Vijayanagara Empire
  • Post-Vijayanagara, it was ruled by local Nayaks and later became part of the British Indian Madras Presidency.

Geography

• Location:
  • Situated in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Lies between Bangalore and Hyderabad.
• Terrain:
  • Mostly arid and semi-arid land with undulating plains.
  • Rocky hills and dry deciduous forests are common.
• Rivers:
  • Pennar River and its tributaries like Chitravathi flow through parts of Anantapur district.

Demographics

• Population:
  • City proper: About 350,000 (as per 2011 Census; likely more today).
• Languages:
  • Official: Telugu
  • Other languages: Kannada and Urdu (minority groups)
• Literacy Rate: About 82%.
• Religions:
  • Predominantly Hindu, with minorities of Muslims and Christians.

Culture

• Traditional Arts:
  • Rich traditions in folk music, Burrakatha storytelling, and dance forms like Kolatam.
• Religious Harmony:
  • Temples, mosques, and churches coexist peacefully.
• Festivals:
  • Major Hindu festivals (Sankranti, Ugadi, Deepavali) are celebrated with vibrancy.
  • Urs festivals at important Muslim shrines attract thousands.

Economy

• Agriculture:
  • Major crops: Groundnut (peanut), sunflower, millets, paddy, and cotton.
  • Despite arid conditions, Anantapur is one of India's largest groundnut producers.
• Industries:
  • Textile production
  • Cement manufacturing
  • Solar energy projects (due to abundant sunlight)
• Emerging Sectors:
  • IT hubs are being slowly developed.
  • Anantapur is becoming a center for renewable energy (especially wind and solar parks).

Transportation

• Road:
  • Lies on National Highway 44 (NH 44, Srinagar–Kanyakumari highway), the longest highway in India.
• Rail:
  • Anantapur Railway Station connects to major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai.
• Air:
  • Nearest airport: Puttaparthi Airport (~65 km) for charter flights.
  • Bengaluru International Airport (~190 km) is the nearest major airport.

Important Landmarks

• Lepakshi:
  • A historic village famous for Veerabhadra Temple with stunning Vijayanagara architecture, hanging pillars, and giant Nandi statue (largest monolithic Nandi in India).
• Penukonda Fort:
  • Once the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire; known for temples, fortifications, and historical ruins.
• ISKCON Temple:
  • A large Krishna temple built in modern style, attracting pilgrims.
• Anantasagaram Tank:
  • An ancient water reservoir that gives the city its name.
• Puttaparthi:
  • Close to Anantapur, it is famous for Prasanthi Nilayam, the ashram of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba.
• Thimmamma Marrimanu:
  • World's largest banyan tree (Guinness record holder) near Kadiri town in Anantapur district.

Education

• Important institutions include:
  • Sri Krishnadevaraya University (SKU), Anantapur.
  • JNTUA (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur).
  • Various engineering, medical, and management colleges.
• Anantapur is emerging as a higher education center in Rayalaseema.

Climate

• Type: Semi-arid (Köppen classification BSh)
• Summer: Extremely hot (temperatures often rise above 42°C in April–May).
• Monsoon: Sparse rainfall mainly from the southwest monsoon (June–September).
• Winter: Mild and pleasant (December–February, temperatures range from 15–28°C).

Modern Developments

• Solar and Wind Power:
  • One of the major districts for solar energy projects under India's National Solar Mission.
• Industrial Growth:
  • Efforts are underway to develop industrial corridors linked to Bengaluru and Chennai.
• Urban Development:
  • Improvements in urban infrastructure through Smart City-like missions and schemes.
• New Districts:
  • After 2022, parts of old Anantapur district were carved out to form Sri Sathya Sai District (centered around Puttaparthi).

Trivia

• Historical Importance:
  • King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire hailed from the Anantapur region.
• Records:
  • Home to the world’s largest banyan tree at Thimmamma Marrimanu.
• Agricultural Innovation:
  • Despite harsh climatic conditions, Anantapur farmers excel in dryland farming.
• Sports:
  • Cricket is very popular. Rural sporting events are also organized in kabaddi and volleyball.