7 Interesting Facts To Know About Andhra Pradesh's New Capital

With CB Naidu declaring Amaravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, all eyes are on it. But did you know that the city actually has a rich history and lots of interesting stories? Here are a few of them for you to get to know the capital better.

By Mrinal Verma 25 Jun 2024

in Travel

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It Is Home To The Iconic Amareswara Temple

The Amareswara Temple (also known as Amararamama, Amareswara Swamy Temple, or Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple), dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be built in the second century BCE. It is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras of Lord Shiva and is located on the bank of the Krishna River. It is said that the Shivalinga in the temple was installed by Lord Indra himself.

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It Was Once The Capital Of The Satavahanas

Amaravati may be the new capital of Andhra Pradesh now, but before this, it was the capital of the Satavahana Dynasty, the very first kings of Andhra who ruled the land more than 2200 years ago. It is said that the city was named Amaravati (translation: the place for immortals) during this period. It was also the capital of the Pallava kings.

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It Boasts Of A Rich Buddhist History

Since the practice of Buddhism was predominant during the Satavahana Dynasty, the city has a rich Buddhist history attached to it. Various historical artefacts, statues, and inscriptions of the religion can be found in the city, as it was once the holy site of Mahayana Buddhism. The most famous ones are the Dhyana Buddha Statue and Amaravati Stupa.

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Soil From Holy Places Of All Faiths Were Sprinkled In Amaravati

When the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony was held for the 'new' Amaravati in 2015, N Chandrababu Naidu, the then CM of Andhra Pradesh and the present one, revealed that water and soil from different holy places of all faiths and from across the state were sprinkled in Amaravati in the hope that it would provide blessings to the new city and make it flourish. The Foundation Stone for the city was actually laid by PM Narendra Modi at Uddandarayunipalem village on October 22, 2015.

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Amaravati Has Had More Than 15 Rulers

Amaravati has a long history of rulers, emperors, and even countries trying to claim it as their own. It has been ruled by the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Vishnukundina, Pallavas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Delhi Sultanate, Musunuri Nayaks, Bahmani Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Sultanate of Golconda, Mughal Empire, and the Nizamate of Hyderabad in 1724. However, in 1750, France gained control over the city before it was captured by the East India Company in 1759. It was also ruled by Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu as part of the Madras Presidency.

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Singapore & Japan Wants To Invest In Amaravati

Not only the rest of India, but various other countries in the world are interested in Amaravati, the top ones being Singapore and Japan. Singapore has already prepared three master plans for Amaravati, officials have stated, and Japan, too, has offered its expertise and technology for the development of the new capital. Why? Well, because of its rich connection with Buddhism, Amaravati remains a loved place in the heart of Asian countries that practice Buddhism as their main religion. In a ceremony, Yosuke Takagi, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives even said, "We, in Japan, from our young days have learnt that this great land of Amaravati was a great seat of learning for Buddhism right from 3rd century BC and here is where the seed of Japanese nation’s culture and values have emerged. In our textbooks we learnt that Nagarjuna (one of the most important Buddhist philosophers after the Buddha) visited the city.”

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Koh-i-Noor Diamond Was Found In Amaravati

The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond is said to have been found in the Kollur mine near the Krishna River, which is much believed to fall in the boundary of present-day Amaravati. The 105.6-carat diamond was mined from the Rayalaseema Diamond Mine during the Kakatiya Dynasty, and today, sits at the top of the British crown.