India States - Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, fifth largest state of India, was once a part of the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. As such, it was an important Buddhist centre. One can still see evidences of the early Buddhist influence in Amravati and at Nagarjunakonda. Later it came under the hegemony of the Chalukya dynasty and in the 10th century was engulfed by the Chola kingdom. Subsequently, it passed into the hands of a commander of the Mughal army under Aurangzeb. Finally, it succumbed to the rule of the hereditary monarchs known as the Nizams of Hyderabad, whose wealth was legendary. Andhra Pradesh remained with them till India attained independence.

AP is situated on the Deccan plateau - one of the oldest geological formations in India. The mighty Godavari and Krishna rivers cut their way through the plateau, forming large deltas before entering the Bay of Bengal. The state is aptly termed as the 'Rice Granary of India'. With its recent foray into information technology, through the new hi-tech centre on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh is promoting itself as the 'No 1 State' overall.

Kuchipudi, the classical dance originating from the state has vigorous choreography and is somewhat akin to Bharatanatyam. Cuisine
The Epicurean tastes of the Nizams, the most exalted royal house of princely India, gave rise to a fabled cuisine based on painstaking preparations and slow cooking.

Famous Cities
The capital city, Hyderabad, has the atmosphere of an Arabian Nights fairy tale, due to its Muslim heritage. Palaces, erstwhile stately homes and crowded, colourful bazaars characterise the city. In the distance looms famous Golconda Fort.