Rajamundhry

Rajahmundry or Rajamahendri is the biggest city of the East & West Godavari districts and first municipal corporation in the Godavari district’s of Andhra Pradesh state in India. Poet Nannayya gave Telugu script here which made it a language. It is the birthplace of poet Nannayya, who is also called the first poet of Telugu. The City is known as the Cultural Capital of Andhra Pradesh, Rajahmundry is noted for its versatile Vedic culture and intellect. It is one of the oldest cities of India. It is the seventh most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. City population is around 1 million, but census shows 413,616 (Census 2011).In Madras Presidency,The district of Rajahmundry was created in 1823.The rajahmundry district was reorganized in 1859 into two – the Godavari and Krishna districts.During British rule, Rajahmundry was the headquarters of Godavari district. Godavari district was further bifurcated into East and West Godavari districts in 1925. It is situated 400 kilometres (249 mi) east of the state capital, Hyderabad, on the banks of the River Godavari.It is the birth city of Andhra Pradesh. This is probably due to the fact that the Telugu language originated here.

Throughout history, Rajahmundry has been a well educated city with educational jewels (Institutions) from the rule of Rajaraja Narendra to its glorious present. Recollect the song from the movie, “Andhra Kesari” which says “Vedamla Ghoshinche Godavari, Amara Dhamamla Bhasille Rajahmahendri”. The Government Arts College, now called Government College (Autonomous) in Rajahmundry was founded more than 150 years ago and is a NAAC accredited (A) Institution. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India worked at this college. The Institutes founded by the great reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu have now grown into large colleges and organisations. SKR Women’s college is famous for its campus and teaching facilities. The B.Ed Training Institute is one of the oldest in India. St. Ann’s (EM) School, APPM Model High School, Bala Vigjana Mandir (B.V.M.), Sri Satya Sai Gurukulam,etc. being among the better known schools.

Sir Arthur Cotton Museum was constructed here in 1998. This museum was constructed in memory of Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton, a British irrigation engineer. Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton also known as “Cotton Dora”, who constructed the Dowleswaram Barrage is revered in the Godavari Districts for his efforts in transforming River Godavari from a threatening and deadly natural force into a tame and fertile water resource. Sir Cotton is popularly known as the ‘Delta Architect’ of the Godavari District because of his pioneering works in irrigation engineering through his construction of the anicut system. The Museum narrates the construction of present Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage constructed with the advance engineering skill. It is the only civil engineering museum in the state. It contains many pictures describing the working of the dam and display of the tools used during the construction.

Rajahmundry is also a major Hindu pilgrimage sites, with a number of temples like the Kotilingalu (10 million Sivalingas) temple on the bank of Godavari. It hosts holy congregations called Pushkaram held once every 12 years and considered auspicious to take sin-ridding holy dips—with the last in August 2003, when around 34 million are said to have taken the bath. This festival lasts for 12 days and people offer prayers and make offerings to their departed family members. A huge and beautiful Krishna temple has been constructed by the ISKCON foundation on the banks of Godavari. Popularly called as Gowthami Ghat, it is a major attraction for young people as a recreational center.

The Museum was established on 20-11-2006 in Andhra Pradesh Housing Board Colony, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District in the accommodation of 8 rooms in the 1st and 2nd floors of the building. In 3rd floor there is 36 feet long concrete model of Aeroplane structure. The main items and subjects in the Museum galleries are human anatomy, physical sciences, life sciences, snakes and reptiles kept in formalin liquid, historical monuments, some models of multi purpose projects, models of different dinosaurs, art models, one big dead turtle etc., At present the museum is attracting the visitors of all types, students, general public, educationists and thinkers etc.

A huge library, The Gowtami Grandhalayam is a combination of Vasuraya Grandhalayam (established by Vasudeva Subbarayadu) and Ratnakavi Grandhalayam (established by Kokkonda Venkatratnam). Later many small libraries came into being and were finally merged into this big Library. It was named in 1898 and was registered in 1920. One can find rare books and manuscripts which time and again are being referred by the research scholars. It has an amazing collection of about 60,000 books on various subjects in different languages are here. The Gowthami Library Timings are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. except Thudays and public holidays.

Named after the renowned painter Damerla Rama Rao who was born on March 8, 1897 at Rajahmundry to Physician Dr. Damerla Venkata Rama Rao and Lakshmi Devi and who was intensely inclined towards the art of painting and sketching since childhood. He along with his father went to Sisil N. Burns, who was the Dean of arts in Mumbai School of Arts in 1916 to show his sketches to the Dean who in turn was surprised and impressed resulting in his admission directly into the third year of fine arts course. The Damera Rama Rao Art Gallery Timings are from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays.

Dowleswaram Barrage near Rajahmundry on River Godavari Sir Arthur Cotton, a British irrigation engineer, oversaw the construction of the Dowleswaram Barrage in nearby Dowlaiswaram, a village eight kilometers downstream of Rajahmundry. The dam, which was completed in 1850, is composed of four divisions: Dowlaiswaram Division, Ryali Branch Division, Madduru division and Vijjeswaram division. This was all in all 900 yards (800 m) long and 9 feet (3 m) high, and comprised the rail-cum-road bridge linking Kovvur, Asia’s second longest after the Japan’s Kansai International Airport Sky Gate Bridge.

The city origins can be traced back to the rule of the Chalukya king Raja Raja Narendra who reigned around 1022 AD, after whom it is named Rajamahendri or Rajamahendravaram. Remains of 11th-century palaces and fort walls still exist. However, new archeological evidence suggests that the town may have existed much before the Chalukyas. Rajamhendravaram was renamed Rajahmundry during the rule of the British, for whom the city was the headquarters of the Godavari district. When the district was split into East and West, subsequently, Kakinada – became the headquarters of East Godavari.

Telugu Talkie era started with Bakta Prahalada (1931). Andhra was not yet been identified as a competent area for cinema shooting so. The shooting was being done in the places like Kolhapur, Kolkata Studios. In 1936, a studio, by name Durga CineTone was started in Rajahmundry. It was started by Nidamarti Soorayya whose father Jaladurga Prasad’s name was after it. The first talkie film was shot in Andra Pradesh. Those days, there were only three film studios in south India – two in Chennai and Durga Cinetone in Rajahmundry, He produced films, built three cinema halls in Rajahmundry

The construction of the bridge commenced on November 11, 1897 and opened for traffic on August 30, 1900. The Bridge was named after Sir Arthur Elibank Havelock, the then Governor of Madras. Mr. F.T.G. Walton served as the Engineer-in-chief assisted by executive engineers R.A. Delanougerede, F.D. Couchman, J.E.Eaglesome.. It has 56 spans each of 45.7 metres (150 ft) and is 2,754 metres (9,035 ft) long. Having served its full life span of 100 years, it was decommissioned in 1997, and Godavari Arch Bridge was built as a replacement for the bridge.

The First Godavari Rail Bridge was built in 1897, under the supervision of Er. Walton, a British engineer, across Godavari connecting East and West Godavari districts. Stretching for three kilometers, and constructed with stone masonry and steel girders, this bridge served the trains plying between Madras (Chennai) and Howrah (Kolkata). With increased traffic in freight and passengers, a rail-cum-road bridge was built across the river’s downstream was inaugurated by the then president of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed in 1977.

A third railway bridge, the The Godavari Arch Bridge, was built between 1991 and 1997. It was commissioned for passenger traffic in March 1997 and became fully operational for running trains by the Indian Railways from 2003, as the bridge built in 1897 was found not suitable for railway traffic anymore. The Dhowleswaram bridge across Godavari is seven kilometers south of Rajahmundry. On the banks is the Rallabandi SubbaRao Museum displaying coins, sculpture, pottery, inscriptions and palm-leaf manuscripts.

The rebirth of cultural heritage in Andhra Pradesh started in Rajahmundry. Mr. Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu is known as The father of reformations in Andhra Pradesh. He started a monthly magazine “Vivekavardhini”, a school for girls at Dowlaiswaram in 1874. The first widow marriage took place on Dec 11, 1881. A society with 16 members was started on 22nd Jun,1884, which used to look after the widow marriages in Rajahmundry. The town hall in Rajahmundry was established in 1890 by Veeresalingam.

Rajahmundry was one of the biggest cities in South India in the 19th century. It was the hotbed of several movements during India’s freedom struggle and acted as a base for many key leaders. When the Indian National Congress had its first meeting in Bombay (Mumbai), two leaders from Rajahmundry, Nyapathi Subba Rao and Kandukuri Veeresalingam participated in it. Subba Rao, founder of Hindu Samaj in Rajahmundry, was also one of the six founders of India’s noted English daily The Hindu.

This Rail Cum Road Bridge is longest of its kind in Asia and second longest in the world. Its total length 4.732 km (4732 mts).Finished in 1972 and inaugurated by the then President of India, Fakruddin Ali Ahmed, its total construction cost is 63 crores in those days. Locally it is called Kovvur bridge by people of Rajahmundry, as it connects Rajahmundry city with Kovvur town. Its also the most important connecting point of Agriculturally Rich East and west Godavari Districts.

Today we find Andhra Bank office in the place once the studio existed. Chittajallu Pullaiah, the first-generation director, had a close association with this studio. Sampurna Ramayanam was the first cinema to be shot there. More than 20,000 ft. reel was shot here, as, sources say. Satyanarayana Vratam, Kasula Peru, Bhaktamarkandeya, Chal Mohana Ranga, Mohini Bhasmasura, were but from this very studio. Durga Cine Town was winded up running short of technical advancement.

Established in the year 1967, The Rallabandi Subbarao Government Museum is famous for it’s cultural storage. Unravel the mysteries of the past through the interesting range of artifacts like coins, sculpture, pottery, inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts. This Museum is a tribute in itself strengthening the cultural field of Andhra Pradesh once more. The Museum Timings are from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays. Entree Fize : 3/- 1/-

The climate is mostly hot and humid, with mostly a tropical climate and thereby, with no distinct seasons. The mean maximum temperature is 36 °C. The hottest season is from April to June, with temperature ranging from 34 °C to 48 °C — with maximum of 51 °C recorded in May 2002 and May 2007. The coolest months are December and January, when it is pleasant at 27 °C – 30 °C. There is a lot of rain due to the monsoon and cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal.

During the construction of the Railway bridge (Havelock Bridge – named after the then Madras Governor) in 1900 one of the Fort walls was demolished. The fort was constructed between the 8th and 11th centuries during the reign of Chalukyas. Today also we can find Kandakam Street (Kandakam – A big canal dug around the fort filled with water to stop the enemy forces from coming into the fort – generally 20 feet (6.1 m) deep and 50 feet (15 m) wide).

In 1602, the Dutch constructed a fort in Rajahmundry. The British empire converted it into a jail in 1864, and then elevated it to a central jail in 1870. The jail is spread over 196 acres (79 ha) out of which the buildings occupy 37.24 acres (15.07 ha) Rajahmundry was under the Dutch rule for some time. This fort was constructed nearly two centuries ago. In 1857 the British conquered the Dutch and they converted this big fort into central Jail.

Godavari Institute of Engineering & Technology (GIET) was established in 1998 to offer engineering education of world-class standards. Over the years, the college has come a long way to gain a place of repute and a preferred destination for quality engineering education. Located in the serene and sylvan suburbs of Chaitanya Nagar, Rajahmundry on NH-5, the sprawling 300-acre campus of GIET campus reflects the finest educational facilities around.

On 18-March-2013, G.O. 84/99 have been issued to merge 21 villages (Katheru, Kolamuru, Palacherla, Lalacheruvu, Pidimgoyyi, Chakradwarabhandam, Hukumpeta, Satellite City, Bommuru, Dowleswaram, Rajavolu, Namavaram, Velugubanda, Rajanagaram, Narendrapuram, Venkatanagaram, Nidigatla, Gadala, Madhurapudi, Torredu, Burugupudi) into Rajahmundry Corporation. Population of Rajahmundry after this effect would be 6.34 Lakhs & area would be 450 km2.

Rajahmundry is acclaimed as the birthplace of the Telugu language—its grammar and script evolving from the pen of the city-born poet, Nannayya. Known also called ‘Adi Kavi’ (the first poet) of Telugu, Nannayya along with Tikkana and Yerrana, translated the Sanskrit version of Mahabharata into Telugu. Kandukuri Veeresalingam—a social reformer and the author of Rajashekhara Charithra, the first Telugu novel—was also from Rajahmundry.

Aalaya Nritya Kalavanam is the park which ‘Enlighten the Temple Dance Tradition’. The main object behind the construction of this valuable monument is ‘Repropagation of Alaya Nritya’ to the next generation. It represents 1000 Years history of Temple Dances. The idea behind construction of this park is to develop Rajahmundry as a pilgrim Centre. The area of Temple Dance Park campus is total 2000 Yards.

This is the only choultry in the country where death ceremonies used to take place. It was constructed by Mr. Kambham Narasinga Rao Pantulu, during 1845-1850 with his own resources. It is believed that The Government had thought about converting the Khambala Tank into a stadium but, had to rethink, when the public opposed the idea and had approved of converting it into boating club & amusement park.

Rajahmundry’s Cloth Market is One of the largest markets in India with many Co-operative handloom houses providing fine quality sarees as well as Men’s wear. The Mahatma Gandhi Wholesale Cloth Market in thadithota has around 300 shops, And Mainroad which starts at Fortgate runs till Syamala centre also has lots of wholesale and retail Cloth shops. It also has all branded stores across the city.

Godavari Arch Bridge The bridge, built by the Hindustan Construction Company, for the Indian Railways, was designed by Bureau BBR, Switzerland, and checked by Leonard Andrea and Partners, Germany. Construction on the bridge began in 1991 and lasted till 1997. It was commissioned for passenger traffic in March 1997 and became fully operational for running trains by the Indian Railways from 2003.

Dowlaiswaram, is a suburb situated near Rajahmundry in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It was part of Rajahmundry urban agglomeration. Sir Arthur Cotton built a barrage across river Godavari here. The Sir Arthur Cotton museum is located in Dowlaiswaram. It contains many pictures describing the working of the dam and display of the tools used during the construction.

Anni Besant visited Rajahmundry twice, first time when the foundation of branch of Divya Gjyan Samaj building at Alcot Gardens was being laid. She came again during the opening ceremony of the building.

Ramakrishna Mission” was established in 1950-1951 near Kambaltank (the place in which present Ayakar Bhavan (Income tax office) was once a part of Sri Ramakrishna Mission only).

The City is also well connected by the railway network. Rajahmundry railway station is one of the biggest in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the top revenue generators for South Central Railways. All trains along the Howrah-Chennai main line stop here. It is also connected by a number of trains from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and other major cities in the country.

The area covering the old-Godavari railway station, Statue of Mrityunjaya (Lord Hanuman), Statue of Mr. Potti Sriramulu and Hotel Ajanta is called Fortgate. Today, the Fortgate is not there, but a wall (only a part) covering the main street (through which elephants, horses etc. were taken for a bath) is still found. This wall is slant on both sides.

Adikavi Nannaya University established in March 2006 through the Government of Andhra Pradesh Act No. 28 of 2006 at Rajahmundry, is a unique addition to the existing Universities in India. Named after Adikavi of Telugu literature Nannayabhatta, the 11th century poet laureate. All the Godavari district college’s will be affiliated to this University.

Three multiplex theatres and big shopping malls are planned to construct in Rajahmundry shortly. One is by Reliance near Chitrangi guesthouse, second is by Anand Regency Hotels and third one is by a private firm adjacent to Godavari Railway Station. All multiplexes are going to have theatres, shopping complexes, food courts and lot of fun games.

Tourists can also plan a visit to Pattiseema and Papi Hills that are the popular picnic spots in Rajahmundry. These sites have beautiful waterfalls and thick forests that attract visitors in large number. Besides this, Papi Hills is thronged by tourists as boat rides are offered through the narrowest width of river Godavari.

National waterways NW-4 has been declared as an Indian National Waterway and is currently under development. It connects the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It is being developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and is scheduled for completion in 2013.

Kadiyapulanka is a village situated around 8 km from Rajahmundry. This village is famous for the flower show, which is held in January every year and is a prominent place for trading of floriculture and horticulture. Besides, the beautiful garden of Jasmine, Roses and many other flowers, are frequented by nature lovers.

The house in which Yugapurusha Sri Kandukuri Veersalingam was born on 16-04-1848 has been declared as an Ancient Monument by the State Archaeology Dept. and is being maintained as a Research Library. The house was constructed by his grand-father. Sri Veersalingam, One can find his personal belongings here.

Kathipudi is a very beautiful village which is surrounded by Hills on one side, a National Highway with lush green fields all around. On top the hills you get a very nice view of the entire village. The Village has a very big statue of Swami Vivekananda on a hillock right on the National Highway 5.

The recent tourism developments by the government has made excellent platform for Rajahmundry to boast itself as national water-way transport hub. Though currently the water way transport caters for select few purposes like pilgrimage, tourism etc., the government has huge plans for the future.

Multi-Functional Complex (MFC) and 2 Escalators are planned at Rajahmundry railway station. The MFC is first of its kind on the Indian Railways. The complex, which accommodates a restaurant, shopping mall, budget hotel, food court and other premium services, will be inaugurated shortly.

Rajahmundry Airport, situated near Madhurapudi 18 km away from the heart of the city is accessible by air from Hyderabad, Chennai and Vijayawada. Daily four flights are operated by Jet Airways and Spicejet from Rajahmundry. A new terminal building was inaugurated on 16 May 2012.

MCR will have the new master plan by October 2012, The MCR is still following the OLD 1975 master plan which was not revised. The master plan will also look into the needs of high-rise buildings, shopping malls, multiplex complexes, townships and other facilities.

Vandaemataram movement was started in the year 1905 against the partition of Bengal. Bipin Chandra Paul visited Rajahmundry in April, 1905 for the same. During his visits to Rajahmundry he used to address the public in “PaulChowk”(the present Kotipalli Bustand).

Sri Rajaraja Narendra, (1019–1061) was the Eastern Chalukya king of the Vengi kingdom in South India. Rajaraja was related to the Cholas of Tanjavur by marital and political links. Rajaraja Narendra established the city Rajahmahendravaram (Rajamundry).

With one national highway and two state highways, it has excellent road connectivity to all important places like Annavaram, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Bangalore and Lucknow.

As of 2011 India census, Rajahmundry had a Urban population of 4,13,648 with the male:female ratio almost equal. It had an average literacy rate of 72.50%, lower than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy of 79.44% and female literacy 64.65%.

Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam (1848–1919), a renowned social reformer, is widely considered as the man who first brought about a renaissance in the Telugu people and Telugu literature; he is also known to have helped women come out of their closets.

River Bay Resort is located in Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh, India). Situated near the river Godavari surrounded by the countryside and suited for leisure as well as business travelers. Location:River Bay Resort is located in Rajahmundry

The present municipal water works department (formerly Municipal High School) was famous as Ratnangi and Chitrangi palaces. An undergroundway (Sorangamu – The way to escape when enemy forces attack the palace from all the sides.

Rajahmundry Cityscape with mixture of beautiful snaps (from Left to Right pics): View from Godavari, Roadcumrailway bridge down in city, City View, Arch Bridge, NH5 in City, City Night View, Hotels, Pushkar Ghat, Shiva Temple.

A boat cruise on the river Godavari to Pattiseema, Papikondalu, Bhadrachalam through the waterfalls at Perantala Palli, is a major attraction along with the City view Godavari River trip (You can get information from APTDC).

Rajahmundry is industrially well developed and has many government offices & private industries across and around the city. Also, There are several public and private organisations. Few of the important are listed as below,

There is also a Godavari Chapter of Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India for those aspiring to have cost & works accountancy as their profession, which provides regular coaching for the ICWA courses since 1993.

Few Important and Must Visit Business places are Mahatma Gandhi Wholesale Cloth Market (MGC) complex (Thadithota), Mainroad (Fortgate) Market, Gunduvaari veedhi and Nallamandu sandhu, Danavaipet and Devi Chowk.

Rajamundhry

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