Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Overview

• Name: Kadapa (also spelled Cuddapah in old English records)
• State: Andhra Pradesh, India
• District: YSR Kadapa District (named after former Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy)
• Coordinates: 14.467° N, 78.816° E
• Elevation: ~138 meters (452 feet) above sea level

Historical Significance

• Ancient History:
  • Kadapa has historical links dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
  • It was part of the ancient Mauryan Empire and later ruled by Satavahanas.
• Medieval Era:
  • Dominated by the Cholas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, and later the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • After the fall of Vijayanagara, Kadapa came under the rule of the Nawabs of Kadapa and later the Mysore kingdom.
• British Rule:
  • Came under the British East India Company after the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799.
  • The name "Cuddapah" was given by the British, derived from the Telugu word Gadapa, meaning "threshold" (as it was the gateway to the sacred Tirumala hills).
• Modern Era:
  • After India’s independence, it became part of the Andhra State, and later Andhra Pradesh.

Geography

• Location:
  • Situated in the Rayalaseema region of southern Andhra Pradesh.
• Terrain:
  • Bounded by the Nallamala and Palakonda hill ranges.
  • Lies close to the Penna River.
• Mineral Wealth:
  • Rich in minerals like limestone, barytes, and asbestos.
  • Kadapa basin is known for its sedimentary rock formations, an important geological region.

Demographics

• Population:
  • City: About 350,000 (2011 Census; estimated higher today).
• Languages:
  • Official: Telugu
  • Minority languages: Urdu (significant Muslim population)
• Literacy Rate: Around 80%.
• Religions:
  • Predominantly Hindu, with a significant Muslim population and small Christian communities.

Culture

• Cultural Blend:
  • Strong blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian traditions.
• Festivals:
  • Sankranti, Ugadi, Deepavali, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Christmas celebrated widely.
• Cuisine:
  • Kadapa is famous for its spicy Rayalaseema food—dishes like Ulava Charu, Ragi Sangati, Natu Kodi Pulusu (country chicken curry), and Pesarattu are popular.
• Arts:
  • Traditional folk arts like Burrakatha, Harikatha, and Kuchipudi dance performances are part of the cultural landscape.

Economy

• Agriculture:
  • Major crops: Groundnuts, cotton, sunflowers, paddy, and mangoes.
  • Fruit production (especially mangoes) is significant.
• Mining:
  • Barytes mining around Mangampet (near Kadapa) is world-renowned; India is a major barytes exporter due to Kadapa mines.
• Industries:
  • Cement industries, textile production, and limestone processing.
• Energy:
  • Thermal and solar power projects are growing due to abundant resources.

Transportation

• Road:
  • Well-connected via National Highway 40 (Kurnool–Chittoor Highway) and NH 716.
• Rail:
  • Kadapa Railway Station is an important junction on the Mumbai–Chennai line.
• Air:
  • Kadapa Airport (domestic flights): Connects to major cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore.
• Upcoming Projects:
  • Proposed Kadapa–Bangalore railway line (under construction, to improve connectivity).

Important Landmarks

• Ameen Peer Dargah (Pedda Dargah):
  • A major Sufi shrine attracting pilgrims from various faiths.
• Gandi Anjaneya Swamy Temple:
  • An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located on the banks of the Papagni River.
• Devuni Kadapa Temple:
  • Believed to be a "threshold" or entrance for those going to Tirumala. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
• Pushpagiri:
  • An ancient religious and archaeological site with temples dating back to the 7th–8th centuries.
• Ontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple:
  • A grand temple known for its Vijayanagara-style architecture, associated with the Ramayana.
• Brahmamgari Matham:
  • Pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Sri Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy.

Education

• Universities and Colleges:
  • Yogi Vemana University (named after the famous Telugu poet Yogi Vemana).
  • Government Medical College, Kadapa.
  • Several engineering, polytechnic, and management colleges.
• Focus on Education:
  • Kadapa is emerging as an educational hub for Rayalaseema region.

Climate

• Type: Semi-arid (hot and dry most of the year)
• Summer:
  • Very hot (April–June), temperatures often exceed 42°C.
• Monsoon:
  • Moderate rainfall mainly from southwest monsoon (June–September).
• Winter:
  • Mild and pleasant (November–February), ideal for tourism.

Modern Developments

• Industrial Corridors:
  • Being included in the Chennai–Bangalore Industrial Corridor plans.
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs):
  • SEZs for textiles and minerals are being developed.
• Infrastructure:
  • Urban development projects improving roads, drainage, housing, and public utilities.
• Healthcare:
  • Medical facilities are expanding, with new hospitals and healthcare centers.

Trivia

• Historical Title:
  • Known as the "Gateway City" to the sacred Tirumala hills.
• Notable People:
  • Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh) hailed from Pulivendula, Kadapa district.
• Geological Fame:
  • Kadapa Basin is a key geological formation studied worldwide for its sedimentary structures and ancient fossils.
• Political Importance:
  • Kadapa often plays a crucial role in Andhra Pradesh’s state politics.