East Godavari district
East Godavari District (Telugu: తూర్పు గోదావరి జిల్లా) is a district situated on the northeast of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Its district headquarters is Kakinada. It is the second richest district in the whole country. This district was formed in 1925 when old Godavari district was divided into west and east districts.In 1959 Bhadrachalam Revenue Division consisting of Bhadrachalam and Nuguru Venkatapuram Taluks of East Godavari district, which were on the other side of the river Godavari were merged into Khammam district on grounds of geographical contiguity and administrative viability. The district is bounded on the north by Visakhapatnam District and the state of Orissa, on the northwest by Khammam District, on the east and south by the Bay of Bengaland on the west by West Godavari District. The small enclave (12 sq mi (30 km²)) of the Yanam district of Pondicherry state lies within this district. Rajahmundry and Kakinada are the two large cities in the Godavari districts. Rajahmundry is one of the well known business centres in Coastal Andhra and Kakinada a rapid growing city in Coastal Andhra in industrial sector.
The District is known as rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh with lush paddy fields and coconut groves. It is also known as another Kerala. East Godavari is the Rice Granary of Andhra Pradesh, it beckons tourists to have a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage.
The district, like the rest of the Deccan was under the Nandas andMauryas in its early history. After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the district was under the Sathavahanas until the third century under the famous poet king Hala. Coins found during excavations have revealed the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Vasisthi-putra Pulumayi and Yajna Sri Satakarni. Gupta emperor Samudraguptainvaded during the rule of both Pishtapura and Avamukta in the district in 350 A.D. Samudragupta's invasion was followed by the rule of the Mathara Dynasty from 375 to 500. The earliest known ruler of the dynasty was Maharaja Sakthi Varma.
The district passed into the hands of Vishnukundinas during the rule of Vikramendra Varma I during the 5th century. The records indicate that their domain extended over Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur Districts in addition to East Godavari District. Indra Bhattaraka defeated the rulers of Vasistha Kula and re-established Vihsnukundina authority, but was shortly defeated by Kalinga armies. Indra Bhattaraka was followed to the throne by a few others, including Madha Varma III and Manchanna Bhattaraka, who tried to restore their kingdom. Madhava Varma III was the last important ruler of this family.
There are lot of Princely States and Zamindaris in East Godavari, who are successors to the SURYAVANSHI Kings of Rajputana, migrated in early 12th century. Famous Zamindaris are Peddapuram, Tuni, Ramachandrapuram. They are VATSAVAI Kings and are Titled as JAGAPATI'S.
Chalukyas and Cholas
The Pulakesin II of Badami Chalukyas and his brother Kubja Vishnu Vardhana acquired Pistapura in the 7th century. The Eastern Chalukya dynasty, founded by Kubja Vishnu Vardhana, ruled at first form Pistapura, then from Vengi, and later from Rajahmundry. Many rulers held sway over the kingdom and their history is at times largely a record of disputes over succession. Chalukya Bhima I of this dynasty built a Shiva temple at Draksha Ramam. Jata Choda Bhima of Peda Kallu (Kurnool District) killed Danarnava of this dynasty and occupied Vengi in 973 A.D. Danarnava's two sons, Sakti Varma I and Vimala Aditya, fled from the kingdom and took refuge in the court of the Chola kingRajaraja Chola I. Rajaraja invaded Vengi on behalf of the sons of Danarnava and killed Jata Choda Bhima. Satya Raya of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani did not like the Chola influence in Vengi and the area witnessed many wars between the Cholas and Chalukyas. After the death of Vijaya Aditya VII in 0175 A.D., the Eastern Chalukya dynasty came to an end.
Kulothunga Chola I (Rajendra Chalukya), rival of Vijay Aditya VII, fought along the sides of Cholas and established the Chalukya Cholas province. The district along with the rest of the Vengi kingdom became part of their empire. Major portions of the district were under Velanati Chodas, trustworthy chieftains to his. The famous rulers of this dynasty were Gonka I, Rajendra Choda I, Gonka II and Rajendra Choda II. Vikram Aditya vii of Western Chalukyas occupied this region for short period, but it was recovered by Chalukya Cholas and Velanti Chodas. Velanati chiefs also suppressed rebellions from Haihayas of Kona, Gonka II and Rudra of the Kakatiya dynasty.
Kakatiyas and Delhi Sultanate
Inscriptions at this region including the ones at Draksha Ramam in 13th century throw light on their history. Prola II of the Kakatiya dynasty declared independence from the western Chalukyas and became a subject of Chalukya Cholas. His son Rudra obtained the Godavari delta as gift from the Rajaraja II of Chalukya Cholas. Rudra's authority over the Godavari delta was challenged by the Velanadu Chodas. The Velanati king Rajendra Choda II sent an army under his minister Davana Preggada against Rudra. Rudra was succeeded by his younger brother Mahadeva who died in a conflict with the Yadavas of Devagiri. His son Ganapathi succeeded to the Kakatiya throne. Ganapathi defated Kalinga armies on the north, Pandyas of Madurai and Cholas with the help of Nellore Chodas. The Kakatiya power remained undisturbed in the Godavari region throughout the reign of Ganapathi and her daughter Rudrama devi. Pratap Rudra ascended the throne in 1295 and faced many attacks from Sultans of Delhi. After his defeat by Muhammad-bin-Tughluq in 1323, the district came under the rule of the Delhi Sultnate. Muhammad-bin-Tughluq divided South India into five provinces and appointed governors.
Musunuri Nayaks, Reddis and other Hindu Kingdoms
Delhi sultans faced rebellions from the confederacy of local chiefs under the authority of Prolaya of the Musunuri Nayaks clan. The Reddis of Addanki, Koppula Telagas of Pithapuram and the Recherla Velamas of Rachakondaactively helped him. Warangal was liberated and Telugu land enjoyed freedom for fifty years. Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka appointed his relatives Toyyeti Anavota Nayaka and Mummadi Nayaka (Korukonda) as governors in Godavari region. Mummadi Nayaka married the niece of Kapaya Nayaka. Mummadi Nayaka lived till 1388. He had three sons who ruled for a period of 40 years and later they were reduced to submission by the Reddies of Kondaveedu and their principality was merged in the kingdom of Kondaveedu. Subsequently, Narasimha Deva IV ofKalinga succeeded in conquering this region, but was repulsed by Anavota Reddy of Rajahmundry. He was succeeded by Anavema Reddy and Kumaragiri of the same dynasty.
Kumaragiri fought many wars with the Racherlas of Rachakonda and the Kalinga rulers. He sent his general Kataya Vema along with Prince Anavota to conquer the eastern region. This resulted in the annexation of a large tract in the north as far as Simhachalam. The newly acquired territory was annexed to the Reddi Kingdom and constituted into a separate province called the eastern kingdom. Prince Anavota ruled this province with Raja-mahendra-varam as his capital. He died a premature death around 1395 and Kataya Vema, the general and brother-in-law of Kumar Giri, was given Rajamahendra Rajya in appreciation of the services rendered by him to the State. Kataya Vema's departure to Raja-mahendra-varam led to the seizure of the throne of Kondaveedu by force by Peda Komati Vema.
Peda Komati Vema's authority was defined by Kataya Vema. Kataya Vema was also involved in conflict with Eruva chief Annadeva Choda, who managed to occupy a large portion of the Rajamahendra Rajya. He was, however, defeated and driven back by Kataya Vema. Later, Kataya Vema died in a battle with Anna Deva Choda. After his death, Allada Reddi placed Kataya Vemas' son Komaragiri on the throne of Rajamahendravaram and ruled the kingdom as his regent. Komarigiri died a premature death. Allada Reddi ruled this region till his death in 1420. About 1423, the Vijayanagara ruler Deva Raya II defeated Vira Bhadra, who was then ruling this kingdom and reduced it to subjection.
At Kondaveedu, Racha Vema succeeded Peda Komati Vema to the throne. His rule was very oppressive, and he received little support from his subjects when the Gajapatis of Orissa and Rayas of Vijayanagar invaded the kingdom. Kapileswara Gajapati crushed the Reddi power and annexed the Rajamahendra Rajya to his dominion.
After the death of Kapileswara Gajapati in 1470, there was a fight between his sons Hamvira and Purushottama for succession. Hamvira succeeded in occupying the throne with the help of Bahmanis but he could not retain it for long. Purushottama overthrew Hamvira and tried to reconquer Rajahmundry and other places. But Muhammad Shah III led the forces to Rajahmundry. This battle, However, ended with the conclusion of peace treaty. After the death of Muhammad Shah III, Purushottama Gajapathi overran the whole of the Godavari-Krishna doab and drove the Bahmani forces as far south as Kondaveedu. Purushottama was succeeded by his son Prataparudra. The Vijayanagar monarch Krishna Deva Raya invaded his kingdom and brought Rajahmundry under subjugation. However, a treaty was concluded wherein Pratapa Rudra agreed to give his daughter in marriage to Krishna Deva Raya in return of the territory north of the Krishna conquered by Krishna Deva Raya.
Later Muslim Kingdoms
Taking advantage of the disturbed conditions, the Qutb Shahi ruler of Golconda, Sultan Quli Qutb Shah, invaded the coastal region and took possession of Rajahmundry and the neighbouring kingdoms. Sultan Quli was murdered and he was succeeded to the throne by his son Jamshid Qutb Shah and then by his grand son Subhan Qutb Shah. During his reign, Ibrahim Qutb Shah had to ward off challenges from Shitab Khan and Vidyadhar. The last ruler of this dynasty was Abdual Hasan Tana Shas, who ruled from 1672 to 1687.
During this period, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb brought most of southern India under his control. Aurangzeb conquered the sultanate of Golconda in 1687, and Golconda, including East Godavari District, became one of the twenty-two provinces of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb appointed viceroys to carry out the administration of these provinces. The Nizam-ul-Mulk (viceroy) of Golconda looked after the administration through military officers called Fauzdars. The Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar appointed Asaf Jah as the Nizam-ul-Mulk of the Deccan. He was, however, replaced by Husian Ali Khan, and during the time of emperor Muhammad Shah, Asaf Jah invaded the Deccan, defeated and killed Mubariz Khan in the battle of Shakar Khera in 1724 and ruled the Deccan as Nizam ofHyderabad.
The Nizam-ul-Mulk's death in 1748 led to a war of succession between his son Nasir Jung and his grandsonMuzaffar Jung. The French and the British took different sides each. The dispute ended with the accession ofSalabat Jung, with the help of the French General Bussy. General Bussy was, however, summoned to the south byLally, the new Governor-General of the French possessions in India. As soon as he left, Pusapati Ananda Gajapati Raju, the new Raja of Vizianagaram, invited the English to come and occupy the Northern Circars. The tussle that ensued between the French and the English ended with the French losing all possessions in Northern Circars, save for Yanam, which (save for brief periods of British rule) they would hold onto till after Indian independence in 1947.
Salabat Jung was subsequently deposed by his brother Nizam Ali Khan, who leased out Rajahmundry andChicacole to Hasan Ali Khan. Lord Robert Clive, entered into negotiations with the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam, and obtained a firman ceding the Northern Circars to the British East India Company in August 1765, but it was kept a secret until March 1766. The fort of Kondapalli was seized by the British, and General Cillaud was sent to Machilipatnam to undertake military operations, if necessary. The Nizam also made brisk preparations for war. War was prevented by the signing of a treaty on November 12, 1766 by which the Company, in return for occupying the Circars, undertook to maintain troops for the Nizam's assistance.
The Zamindars came into prominence during the period preceding the transfer of the district to the British. The Zamindars of Rampa, Totapalli, Jammichavidi, Jaddangi, Peddapuram, Pithapuram, Kota and Ramchandrapuram were the important zamindars of this region.
British rule, 1768-1947
By a second treaty, signed on March 1, 1768 the Nizam acknowledged the validity of Shah Alam's grant and resigned the Circars to the Company, receiving as a mark of friendship an annuity of 50,000. Finally, in 1823, the claims of the Nizam over the Northern Circars were bought outright by the Company, and they became a British possession. The Circars were incorporated into Madras Presidency, and Godavari District was constituted, which included present-day East Godavari and West Godavari districts.
Since Indian independence, 1947-present
After India's independence in 1947, the former Madras Presidency of British India became India's Madras State. In 1953, the northern districts of Madras state, including Godavari District, became the new state of Andhra Pradesh.Yanam was relinquished by the French in 1954, but one condition of the cession treaty was the retention of the district's separate and distinct identity, which also applied to the other South Indian enclaves constituting today'sPondicherry state.
Geography and climate
The district has hilly terrain to the west and plains to the east. To the east of the district lies the Bay of Bengal. The district Headquarters Kakinada lies on the coast. The district receives rainfall from June to October; both southwest and northeast monsoon contribute to the rainfall. Average rainfall varies widely from 100 centimeters at the northern part of the coast to 140 centimeters at the extreme western parts of the hills.
Being the largest part of the rich godavari delta, agriculture and aquaculture are major economy for this District. With the recent findings of sources for oil and Natural gas, it increased its pace in industrial sector as well. It is home for two major fertilizer factories and few gas based power plants and oil refineries. Now it is the One of the Largest oil & Gas Hub in India.
The major attraction in East Godavari is the River Godavari and the scenic beauty ofKonaseema in East Godavari.
Konaseema is famous for its scenic greenery with lush paddy fields and coconut groves.
Papi kondalu (Papi Hills) are the major attractions for tourists and film makers.
Maredumilli Eco Tourism, the Maredumilli Forests of East Godavari District are having rich biodiversity and the area is having semi evergreen forests with undulating terrain, which forms part of the Eastern Ghats.The area is having many streams flowing over the undulating rocks in the deep woods and any visitor feel thrilling experience in the Nature.
The Godavari Pushkar (occurs every 12 years) at Rajahmundry is the time, where millions of people take bath in holy Godavari.
There are several famous temples like Annavaram, Draksharama(Pancharama Kshetras national heritage site) and other temples at Pithapuram, Kotipalli. Appanapalli is one of the most famous Temple in Andhrapradesh, Lord Balaji (LordVenkateswara) is located at Konaseema.
East Godavari is well connected through Rail, Road, Water and Air. The National Highway 5 connecting Chennaiand Howrah passes through this district. Rajahmundry and Samarlakota are the railway junctions in the district. The Chennai to Howrah rail line also passes through this district. The district has an airport at Madhurapudi (Rajahmundry Rural), which is 10 km from Rajahmundry and 65 km from Kakinada. There are regular flights from Rajahmundry to Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada etc. Kakinada has sea port which is predicted to be a potentially important port after Chennai, Paradip and Visakhapatnam along the east coast of India. East Godavari is One of the Oil & Gas Hub in India.
It is the only district to possess two municipal corporations. They are Kakinada and Rajahmundry
The district is divided into 5 Revenue Divisions and 60 revenue mandals among which 58 are rural and 2 are urban. The district has 57 Mandal Praja Parishads and 1,011 Gram Panchayats and nine Municipalities and Municipal Corporations. Total number of villages in the district is 1,379.
As per G.O.Ms.No.31, Revenue (Registration & Mandals) Department, Dated 05-06-2002 a new Rural Mandal Routhulapudi (44 villages) with head quarters at Routhulapudi was formed by transferring certain villages from Sankhavaram (12 villages), Kotananduru (31 villages) and Tuni (1 village) Mandals, there by making total number of Mandals to be 60.
Subdivisions (Mandals)
The five revenue divisions are Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Peddapuram, Rampachodavaram and Amalapuram and they consist of 60 revenue mandals in total.
Amalapuram
Addateegala
Ainavilli
Alamuru
Allavaram
Ambajipeta
Anaparti
Atreyapuram
Biccavolu
Devipatnam
Gandepalle
Gangavaram
Gokavaram
Gollaprolu
I.Polavaram
Jaggampeta
Kadiam
Kajuluru
Kakinada (Rural)
Kakinada (Urban)
Kapileswarapuram
Karapa
Katrenikona
Kirlampudi
Kotananduru
Kothapalle
Kothapeta
Malikipuram
Mamidikuduru
Mandapeta
Maredumilli
Mummidivaram
Nagaram
P.Gannavaram
Pamarru
Pedapudi
Peddapuram
Pithapuram
Prathipadu
Rajahmundry (Rural)
Rajahmundry (Urban)
Rajanagaram
Rajavommangi
Ramachandrapuram
Rampachodavaram
Rangampeta
Routhulapudi
Ravulapalem
Rayavaram
Razole
Routhulapudi
Sakhinetipalli
Samalkota
Sankhavaram
Seethanagaram
Thallarevu
Thondangi
Tuni
Uppalaguptam
Y.Ramavaram
Yeleswaram
Municipal Corporations
There are 9 municipalities in East Godavari District, out of which Kakinada and Rajahmundry are Municipal corporations.
Amalapuram
Kakinada
Mandapeta
Peddapuram
Pithapuram
Rajahmundry
Ramachandrapuram
Samalkot
Tuni
Assembly Constituencies
There are 19 Assembly constituencies in East Godavari district. Previously distirct had 21 assembly constituencies, but after delimitation in 2007 the number reduced to 19.
Kakinada - Urban
Kakinada - Rural
Pithapuram
Peddapuram
Jaggampeta
Prathipadu
Tuni
Amalapuram
Kothapeta
P.Gannavaram
Razole
Mummidivaram
Ramachandrapuram
Mandapeta
Rajahmundry - Urban
Rajahmundry - Rural
Anaparthy
Rajanagaram
Rampachodavaram.
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