Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, also known as the Rice Bowl of India, is like a melting pot of varied cultures. It is a region that has been governed by different dynasties and empires. This diverse exposure to the cultures and traditions of the empires had an indelible influence on forming the Culture of Andhra Pradesh. Besides, Rajahmundry is the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, named after the ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of the 11th century, Raja Raja Narendra.
The cumulation of many cultures has formed the present-day culture of the region. Some of the primary rulers of the region were the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara, and Mughals.
Andhra Pradesh is a rich state of various religions, ethnicity, traditions, cultures, beliefs, and practices. The rural traditions and modern lifestyle come together in splendid harmony that thrives in the state.
People regardless of religious beliefs, come together to celebrate festivals and ceremonious occasions. Many citizens still believe in age-old traditions, like Muggulu, and pursue them with sincerity. These practices are prevalent in many households and often vary according to ethnicity. It is a specialty of Andhra Pradesh where every district or every house follows a particular lifestyle that distinctly identifies it from the rest.
Andhra Pradesh is a land of colors and enriching history that takes pride in its deep attachment to its roots. The state offers a diverse tapestry of brilliant culture to those who visit the land.
The influence of external powers has influenced every aspect of Andhra society. From music, dance, cuisine, and literature, the foreign powers have left their mark. This variety and diversity have helped the culture to become richer and more successful.
Different fields of art comprise the Culture of Andhra Pradesh. The rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh is evident in the internationally renowned Carnatic music.
History Of Andhra Pradesh
The history of Andhra Pradesh is traced back to the pre-historic period with the development of civilization in its ancient history. The Pallavas, Vishnukundinas, and Chalukyas were ancient tribes in the South Indian kingdom. The Madras Presidency formed in 1953 comprised Andhra Pradesh, the first state to be formed on the basis of language. On the 1st of November 1956, Andhra State got merged with the Telugu-speaking area of Hyderabad to form Andhra Pradesh. The cultural and political accounts of Andhra Pradesh emerged with the rise of the Satavahanas as a supreme political power.
Tribes in this state were also originally called 'Andhras', which means the South. Maurya officials, Satavahanas called the Andhra-Bhritya, means 'Officers of the South'. Original inhabitants were referred to as the Andhras, who trace back their history to the Vedic ages. The locals of the region always supported art and culture by building temples and sculptures of Buddhist monuments in the state. The history of Andhra Pradesh states that it was majorly ruled by the Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Cholas, Mauryan Empire, Pallavas, Vishnukundinas, Salankayanas, Kakatiyas, and the Rashtrakutas, before being declared as an independent state.
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is a state that prides the history of mighty kingdoms. Various empires influenced each other. The heritage architecture of the state depicts the consequence of this. The primary style is Dravidian. It is blended with practices from the dynasties of the Cholas, the Chalukyas, the Satavahanas, and the Gajapatis. The stone structures with intricate engravings of deities and spiritual symbols adorn most of the Buddhist and Hindu temples across the state. The architecture is diverse, which reflects the harmony of the history of the state.
Culture and Tradition of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, like many Indian states, is a rich concoction of cultures, religious practices, traditions, beliefs, and ethnicity. Ethnic tribesmen and urban citizens live in perfect harmony and you will see natives coming together, celebrating festivals like Ugadi (Telugu New Year), Makar Sankranti, Ram Navami, Maha Shivratri, Dasara, and Diwali. Many citizens still believe in ancient traditions and pursue them sincerely. Muggulu is one such tradition where people decorate entrances with white rice powder. These age-old traditions are prevalent in many households and may vary depending on ethnicity. This is a specialty of Andhra Pradesh.
There lies a huge difference between reading about the culture and traditions of a place and actually witnessing it and experiencing it all together. Every state, district, country, and even every house follows a different lifestyle that distinctly identifies it from the rest. So, do the practices carried out by the people of Andhra Pradesh? This state is a land full of fun, frolic, laughter, and life that has not yet been discovered by more than half of the population. As can be made out from the article, the culture of Andhra Pradesh is rich in terms of its food, clothing, festivals, dance, music, paintings, and other forte.
The state has a lot to offer for those who want to be a part of it and appreciate its beauty. Plan a trip and see for yourself what a beautiful life lies at the place with the exact kind of peace and harmony that is required in the world today but goes missing.
Tourism of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is known as Koh-Noor of India and there are many places to visit in this beautiful state. It is famous for its rich natural resources, rivers, historical monuments, etc.
The main designation for tourism is Tirupati, Horseley Hills, Araku Valley, Vizag, Srisailam, RK Beach, Vizag, Borra Caves, Thotlakonda, Horsley Hills, Kolleru, Kanakadurga Temple and Dolphin House, Visakhapatnam.
Visakhapatnam has a lot in the city, and it is not just a beach location, but it also has beautiful lakes, caves, valleys, and mountain ranges. It has many beaches like R.K. Beach, Lawson Bay Beach, etc.
Bora caves are also located near this city and are one of the largest in the country, it is famous for its irregularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Araku Valley is a famous hill station that is rich in biodiversity and has coffee plantations and waterfalls. It is a beautiful tourist destination that attracts a large number of tourists every year.
Horsley Hills is also a famous hill station. Places to visit include Lake Gangotri, Environment Park, Horsley Museum, and Gully Banda. Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest sweet water lakes in India, which is Koleru Lake and it is situated between Krishna and Godavari delta. It is a wildlife sanctuary and is of international importance.
There are many religious and pilgrimage sites, such as the Tirupati every year, this temple is visited by millions of pilgrims. Tirumala (called as Tirumala Tirupati), is a sacred temple town famous for Sri Venkateswara Temple also known as Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. Our country is full of many treasures, one of which is the natural and natural treasury. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh is full of the same treasure. Andhra Pradesh has got the accolade of Kohinoor which proves to be very special for nature lovers.
Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a major Buddhist center and part of the vast kingdom of Emperor Ashoka. It is, therefore, no wonder that even today the remains of early Buddhist influence appear in places in and around the state. Anantapur, Amaravati is a popular historical town situated on the southern bank of Krishna River in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and is a popular pilgrimage for Buddhists.
Language of Andhra Pradesh
The official language of Andhra Pradesh is Telugu, a rich language that is influenced by Sanskrit. It is the most prominent regional language of the state in which innumerable works of cultural significance and critical acclaim have been written. Other important and prevalent languages include Hindi, English, Urdu, and Banjara. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of other languages like Tamil, Marathi, and Oriya.
Many scholars have found inscriptions in Telugu from 500 BC to 100 BC, proving its existence goes way back. Even though it originates from the Proto-Dravidian sub-language, literary experts have confirmed its connection to Sanskrit as well as Hindi. Ancient poets Nannaya, Tikkana, and Yerrapragada constitute the holy ‘Trinity of Poets’ that is credited for reviving the language and promoting its vocabulary through popular translational works like Mahabharata.
The literature of Andhra Pradesh takes pride in its mother tongue. They also promote their vocabulary to the common people. The history of the Telugu language traces back to the first millennium AD, according to the findings of scholars. Although it originates from the Proto-Dravidian sub-language, literary experts have confirmed its connection to Sanskrit and Hindi.
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
Festivals are celebrated so as to bring people even closer to each other and to enjoy the spirit of every event. Festivals belonging to every religion are celebrated here by everybody with the exact same enthusiasm and love. Like the rest of India, Andhra Pradesh is a diverse home to people from different religions. Some of the most popular festivals celebrated by Hindus are Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Maha Shivaratri.
Sri Ram Navami, Ugadi (the Telugu New Year), Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam, Varalakshmi Vratam, Atla Tadde, and Deepavali are some other prominent festivals.
Islamic and Christian festivals are also celebrated with joy among the people. Other significant fairs and events include Dance Festival, Vishakha Utsav, and Deccan Festival. They are all organized in the state to enjoy and appreciate cultural values.
Cuisine Of Andhra Pradesh
Influenced by the Mughal cuisine, a lot of the food of Andhra Pradesh is prepped with spices. Rice is the staple diet of the state and is generally accompanied by sambar or other types of lentils and vegetables.
Chutneys, pickles, papadams, and powders are important accompaniments for every meal in Andhra Pradesh. Some of the popular Andhra dishes include gongura chutney, pulusu, avakaya, and Jonna kudu. The traditional food of Andhra Pradesh usually includes Pulihora which is tamarind rice. Poppadoms, Sambar, Rasam, and Payasam are also some of them.
Although most of the Andhra cuisine is vegetarian, the coastal regions of the state serve very delicious seafood comprising prawns and fish. The cuisine of Hyderabad has been influenced a lot by the Nizams as well as marked by its rich flavors and textures. The Biryani of Hyderabad known as Mirchkasalan is famous all across the world. Nothing can be compared to the exotic taste of this aromatic dish. The Hyderabadi food has a lot of variety ranging from sour to sweet, hot to spicy. The food here is incomparable and is embellished with lots of dry fruits. Some other authentic dishes apart from Biryani include Chakna, Dalcha, Murghka Korma, Katti Dal, and much more.
Some other authentic dishes apart from Biryani include Chakna, Dalcha, and Murgh ka Korma. Sheer Korma, Bandhar Ladoo, Putharekulu, and Gajar ka halwa are impeccable desserts of the Andhra people. Most of them are prepared in pure ghee.
Traditional Costumes of Andhra Pradesh
Costumes of the state help in defining the social and cultural identity of the people of a region. The traditional clothes that are worn by the men include the long ‘dhoti’.
It is wrapped around the waist and extends up to the ankles. They also wear shirts and ‘kurtas’ to cover their torso. Dhotis were also worn by women in the years preceding the 14th century. Sarees and Langa Vonis became prevalent later on.
The tribe of Lambadi who reside in the state wears a long skirt paired with a blouse. A dupatta covers their head. Salwar kameez and Western clothing have become popular in modern times. Some of the designs that are embellished on the garments have begun to fade away from prevalence. A surplus amount of cotton is produced in the state along with natural dye extracted from the plants.
The Golconda mine is a significant site in the state which is home to precious gems including the Kohinoor diamond. Andhra Pradesh has always been on the top for its jewelry and has dominated the jewelry market for many years. The Andhra Pradesh fashion also comprises half saris called voni.
Full saris are designed through Bidri, Nirmal paintings, and Kalamkari together having weaves of Pochampalli. Gadwal and Venkatagiri portray ancient traditions centuries old. Some of the best gold jewelry and ornaments comprise Vaddana, Buttlau, Aravanke, and Kasula Haram. These also portray the styles of the upcoming generation.
Traditional Dances of Andhra Pradesh
A state which does not have dance as part of its culture can never be regarded as a culturally rich state. Andhra Pradesh is one such place that has always had a very rich culture. A collection of performing arts has originated here including dance, music, and drama. Dance is the most important kind of performing art which is why it has always been encouraged by people to be followed ever since the age of dawn.
Kuchipudi is one of the most famous dance forms which is also recognized as one of the best kinds of dance forms in the world. Kuchipudi undoubtedly has some similarities with another dance form that is, Bharat Natyam. Along with Kuchipudi, many other dance forms including Perini which is an amazing dance form have emerged from the state of Andhra Pradesh. Perini is like a warrior dance which is also known as the 'dance of Lord Shiva'.
Traditional Music of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has always been known for its rich musical heritage. This land has given birth to three legends in the world of Carnatic music namely Shyama Sastri, Thyagaraja, and Muthuswami Dixtar. Since the Telugu language is spoken by most people in the state, it is, therefore, able to bring out the originality and the true spirit of Carnatic music. Some famous Carnatic music composers include Kshetrayya, Annamacharya, and Bhadrachala Ramadasa. This type of music is also said to be begun by the Holy Gods.
Another very famous kind of music which has been said to be originated from Carnatic music is folk music. This art has been passed on to the descendants over the years. Every piece of music has a distinctive feature meaning that every composition of music has a different version altogether. The musical element and the hidden meaning behind the song are what make it more meaningful and attractive. Another feature that separates the Carnatic music from the rest of the music is the fact that the song is always able to bring out the personality of the song composer completely thereby increasing the level of the language in the music.
Art and Crafts of Andhra Pradesh
The art of Andhra Pradesh is not limited to being traditional or modern - you can find a variety of designs blended in different kinds of colours. There is something fresh about the paintings, handicrafts, and handlooms which are merely sub-categories of the art and craft found here. No other state can compete with Andhra in terms of its crafts and let's be honest, the state is bound to be incomplete without its existence. Right from when they are born, the Telugu people are trained to be experts in creating metal crafts, toys, saris, stone crafts, brassware, and the like by following the traditional methods even today.
Apart from Indians, people from all over the world flock to Andhra Pradesh so as to experience this truly amazing form of art. The luxurious nature of the crafts of the state is a hit in India, as well as abroad, and is a huge income-generating source for the people of the state. The state’s art and craft are a unique presentation of the skills and talent that the people of the region have nurtured and passed on over the years. This is evident in sculptures, paintings as well as architecture.
They specialize in fields of wood and stone carving, silverware figurines, brass work, metal wares, and intricate carpet work. The fact that the people are deeply attached to their traditions is portrayed evidently in the way they make their handicrafts. Alluring designs and detailed coloring enhance the beauty of the works. Andhra Pradesh is also home to one of the famous traditional toys of India “Kondapalli Toys”.
The handloom industry at Ikat has a tradition of producing hand-woven clothes. This includes golden ‘zari’ embroidered sarees and other noble materials. The Batik style of fabric printing uses wax to create enriching designs. The renowned Kalamkari art form makes use of the quill to paint the fabric with vegetable dyes. Nirmal paintings, Bidri work, and Cherial Scroll paintings are a few of the other exquisite practices of art.
Ikat - Handlooms in Andhra Pradesh
The state of Andhra Pradesh is also very famous due to the skillful hand-weaving quality displayed by the local residents, especially Ikat. This practice of using and selling hand-stitched clothes is a traditional practice being followed to date. The state has some royal dress material and saris with intricate designs to offer. All the handmade designs are very delicate and carefully woven. Every sari is adorned with a 'pallu' and a thin border that is embroidered with some kind of golden threadwork.Exclusive to Andhra Pradesh, Ikat is renowned the world over for its intricate designs and patterns which are also closely followed in Orissa and Gujarat. It originates in the villages of the Nalgonda district and involves weaving randomly dyed yarns in a geometric or zigzag pattern giving the finished cloth an unparalleled beautiful design. Ikat handlooms can be described as the jewel in the crown of Andhra Pradesh culture.
Handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh
For a long time, India has been identified by its traditional handicraft items occupying a special place in the heart. Andhra Pradesh has been able to keep that spirit alive and is yet another place to offer some exotic and alluring handicraft designs to its visitors. This has been possible with the training that has been given to the involved professionals with care and dedication. The people of the state are in love with their culture and their work itself showcases it. The handicraft culture of Andhra Pradesh is known for impeccable Banjara embroidery, wood carving, and metalwork.
Paintings
A painting is like portraying one's life on a two-dimensional whiteboard. The paintings found in the state represent the rich culture of Andhra Pradesh. To paint is a traditional practice that is followed by the people residing in the state. These paintings are not amateur but have a lot of skill and professional training imbibed within them which can be seen in their work itself. Earlier, the painting was done in a manner wherein natural colours were used on canvas to beautify it and make it look better.
Occupations of Andhra Pradesh
About 70 percent of the population is dependent on the occupation of agriculture. The production of rice is abundant in the state, making it among the largest producers in India. With the increasing influence of technology, the Information Technology sector has been on its way to flourishment in recent years. Engineering, consultancy, telecom, and other related sectors. They also provide considerable employment to the youth of the state.
