20.1 The Language Movement and the Demand for Andhra
After Indian independence in 1947, the question of linguistic states became urgent. Telugu-speaking people were spread across the Madras Presidency (coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema) and the Nizam's Hyderabad State (Telangana region). The demand for a separate Andhra state for Telugu speakers grew stronger.
Potti Sriramulu's Sacrifice
Potti Sriramulu (1901-1952) was a dedicated freedom fighter and Gandhian. He undertook a fast unto death in October 1952, demanding the creation of a separate Andhra state.
- He began his fast on October 19, 1952, at Madras (Chennai) .
- Despite appeals from leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, he continued the fast.
- After 58 days of fasting, Potti Sriramulu died on December 15, 1952.
'Potti Sriramulu's death sent shockwaves across the country. His sacrifice proved that linguistic identity was not a trivial matter — it was a matter of life and death for millions.'
Immediate Aftermath
His death triggered massive protests and riots across the Andhra region. On December 19, 1952, Prime Minister Nehru announced the formation of a separate Andhra state.
- October 1, 1953: Andhra State was formed, with Kurnool as the capital.
- Tanguturi Prakasam (Andhra Kesari) became the first Chief Minister.
20.2 The Formation of Andhra Pradesh (1956)
The States Reorganisation Act (1956)
The States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), headed by Justice Fazal Ali, recommended reorganising states on a linguistic basis. The States Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956.
Andhra Pradesh Created
- On November 1, 1956, Andhra State was merged with Telangana (from the former Hyderabad State) to form Andhra Pradesh.
- The new state was the first linguistic state in India.
- Hyderabad became the capital of the new state.
- The merger was based on a 'Gentlemen's Agreement' that promised safeguards for both regions.
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Potti Sriramulu's fast | Oct-Dec 1952 | Catalyst for Andhra state formation |
| Andhra State formed | Oct 1, 1953 | Separate state for coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema; capital Kurnool |
| States Reorganisation Act | 1956 | Reorganised states on linguistic basis |
| Andhra Pradesh formed | Nov 1, 1956 | Merger of Andhra State + Telangana (Hyderabad) |
| Capital shift | 1956 | Hyderabad became capital of united AP |
20.3 The Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh (2014)
The Demand for Telangana
The demand for a separate Telangana state had existed since the 1950s. Telangana leaders argued that the region was economically neglected and culturally distinct from coastal Andhra.
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (2014)
- February 2014: The Indian Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
- June 2, 2014: Telangana was formed as a separate state.
- Hyderabad became the capital of Telangana (shared capital for 10 years).
- Andhra Pradesh lost its capital and had to build a new one.
Challenges After Bifurcation
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss of capital | Hyderabad, with all its infrastructure, went to Telangana |
| Revenue deficit | AP lost a significant portion of its tax revenue |
| Resource sharing | Disputes over water (Krishna, Godavari), power, and institutions |
| Relocation | Employees and institutions had to move from Hyderabad to AP |
| Capital city | Building a new capital from scratch (Amaravati) |
20.4 Amaravati — The New Capital
In 2014, the AP government decided to build the new capital in the Vijayawada-Guntur region along the Krishna River. The capital region was named Amaravati (after the historic Buddhist site).
Features of Amaravati
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Vijayawada and Guntur (Guntur district) |
| Area | 217 sq km planned capital region |
| Design | Designed as a 'greenfield' city with top global architects |
| Key buildings | AP Secretariat (built 2016-2017), High Court, Assembly building |
| Vision | 'People's capital' — world-class infrastructure, green city |
Current Status
Amaravati's development has faced delays due to political changes. In 2019, the new government proposed a three-capital plan (Amaravati — legislative, Visakhapatnam — executive, Kurnool — judicial), which was challenged in court and remained a subject of legal and political controversy.
20.5 Andhra Pradesh Economy
Overview
AP has a diverse economy with strengths in agriculture, industry, and services. The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown steadily despite the challenges of bifurcation.
| Sector | Share in GSDP (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | ~30% |
| Industry | ~25% |
| Services | ~45% |
Agriculture
As studied in Chapter 4, AP is called the 'Rice Bowl of India'. Key facts:
- Rice: The Godavari-Krishna delta is among the most productive rice-growing regions.
- Aquaculture: AP is India's top fish-producing state.
- Horticulture: Mangoes, bananas, chillies (Guntur).
- Cash crops: Cotton (Guntur, Prakasam), sugarcane, groundnut, tobacco.
Industries
As studied in Chapter 5:
- Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL).
- Kakinada SEZ (Special Economic Zone).
- Pharmaceuticals and bio-technology (Visakhapatnam).
- Textiles (Guntur, Srikakulam).
- IT/ITeS (Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati).
Ports and Trade
AP has one of India's longest coastlines (974 km) and several key ports:
| Port | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Visakhapatnam Port | Major port | One of India's busiest; handles iron ore, coal, petroleum |
| Gangavaram Port | Minor but major | Deepest port on east coast |
| Kakinada Anchorage Port | Minor | Handles fertilisers, food grains |
| Krishnapatnam Port (Nellore) | Minor | Rapidly growing |
| Machilipatnam Port | Proposed | Plans for development |
AP's Renewable Energy Push
AP is a national leader in solar energy:
- Anantapur Solar Park: One of India's largest.
- Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park: 1,000 MW capacity.
- Wind energy: Major wind farms in Kurnool, Anantapur, and coastal areas.
- Pattiseema Lift Irrigation: Links Godavari to Krishna for irrigation and power.
20.6 AP Demographics
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~4.9 crore (Census 2011, post-bifurcation estimate) |
| Literacy rate | ~67% |
| Sex ratio | ~997 females per 1,000 males (better than national average) |
| Urban population | ~29% |
| Official language | Telugu |
| State animal | Blackbuck (Krishna Jinka) |
| State bird | Rose-ringed parakeet |
| State tree | Neem |
20.7 Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Confusing Andhra State (1953) and Andhra Pradesh (1956) | Andhra State = only coastal + Rayalaseema; Andhra Pradesh = merged with Telangana |
| Thinking Hyderabad was always part of AP | Hyderabad was added in 1956 when Telangana merged |
| Saying AP was divided only in 2014 | AP was created in 1956 and bifurcated in 2014 |
| Forgetting Potti Sriramulu | He is the most important figure in AP's statehood movement |
20.8 Exam Focus (AP Board)
| Topic | Marks |
|---|---|
| Potti Sriramulu's sacrifice and formation of Andhra State | 5 marks |
| Merger and formation of AP (1956) | 3-4 marks |
| Bifurcation (2014) — causes and consequences | 5 marks |
| Amaravati — new capital | 3 marks |
| AP Economy — agriculture, ports, renewable energy | 4 marks |
20.9 Quick Self-Test
Q1. Who fasted unto death for a separate Andhra state? A1. Potti Sriramulu (1952; fasted 58 days).
Q2. When was Andhra State formed and what was its capital? A2. October 1, 1953; capital was Kurnool.
Q3. When was Andhra Pradesh formed? A3. November 1, 1956 (merger of Andhra State and Telangana).
Q4. What was the capital of united Andhra Pradesh? A4. Hyderabad.
Q5. When was Andhra Pradesh bifurcated? A5. June 2, 2014 (Telangana formed).
Q6. Which city became the capital of AP after bifurcation? A6. Initially Hyderabad was shared capital; AP established a new capital at Amaravati.
Q7. What is AP's economic strength in agriculture? A7. Rice cultivation (Rice Bowl of India) and aquaculture (top fish-producing state).
Q8. Name the major port of AP. A8. Visakhapatnam Port.
Q9. What is the literacy rate of AP? A9. Approximately 67%.
Q10. What is the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' (1956)? A10. The agreement that safeguarded the interests of both Andhra (coastal) and Telangana regions when they were merged.
