Coastal Andhra or Kostandhra (IAST: Kōstāndhra) is a geographic region in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is the largest city in this region. Region share borders with Uttarandhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana. It was part of Madras State before 1953 and Andhra State from 1953 to 1956. According to the 2011 census, it has an area of which is 57.99% of the total state area and a population of 34,193,868 which is 69.20% of Andhra Pradesh state population. This area includes the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh on the Circar Coast between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, from the northern border with Odisha to Rayalaseema in the south.
Coastal Andhra is a fertile region suitable for agriculture, which is facilitated by the rivers Godavari, Krishna and Penna. The prosperity of Coastal Andhra can be attributed to its rich agricultural land and an abundant water supply from these three rivers. Rice grown in paddy fields is the main crop, with pulses and coconuts also being important. The fishing industry is also important to the region.
History
The region of Andhra rose to political power during the reign of the Maurya Dynasty. Megasthenes mentioned that Andhra was a flourishing empire of the Satavahanas' since before the common era. Coastal Andhra was also ruled by the famous Chalukyas in between the period of the 7th Century and the 10th century CE. This period was followed by the reign of many other dynasties such as the Cholas, the Kakatiyas as well as the Vijayanagara Empire.
According to 11th century inscriptions, coastal Andhra is bounded by Mahendragiri mountains (in north-eastern border with Gajapati district of Orissa), Kalahasti temple (in Chittoor district near the border of Nellore district), Srisailam temple (in Kurnool district near the border of Mahbubnagar district and Prakasham district).
The Gajapati and Ganjam districts of Odisha were granted to the French East India Company around 1752. Later they were transferred by the French to the British. Nellore, which extends as far as Ongole Taluk, was later received from the Nawab of Arcot, under an establishment. Some parts of present-day Nellore and Chittoor were in the hands of Venkatagiri Rajas. The British made an arrangement with the Raja of Venkatagiri in 1802 to claim power in those territories also.
The districts of Andhra (Circar) and Rayalaseema were ceded by the Nizam of Hyderabad to the British colonial administration, which became part of Madras Presidency.
Geography
Coastal Andhra is located in the eastern region of the state of Andhra Pradesh on the Circar Coast and comprises twelve districts: East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Palnadu, Krishna, Nellore, Kakinada, Prakasam, NTR, Bapatla, Konaseema and Eluru. It borders Rayalaseema, Uttarandhra regions of the state and the states of Telangana. The presence of the Godavari River, Krishna River and Penna River makes the area fertile for irrigation. The coastal line of this region is the second longest in the country, extending up to 974 km.
Demographics
The area had a total population of 34,195,655 as per 2011 Census of India.
Coastal Andhra is predominantly Hindu (around 93%). Estimates of the Christian population are around 1.51% of the Coastal Andhra population.
The main and most spoken language is Telugu.
Culture
Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of the state, which was originated in the Kuchipudi village of Krishna district.
Cuisine
Rice is the staple food in the coastal cuisine and is usually consumed with a variety of curries and lentil soups or broths. The cuisine of Coastal Andhra is influenced by various seafood varieties.
Politics
The Twelve districts of Coastal Andhra region are: East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, Nellore, Prakasam, Palnadu, Bapatla, Kakinada, Eluru, NTR, and Konaseema.
Chief Ministers from the region are: Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu – 1st Chief Minister of Andhra State (Prakasam). Bezawada Gopala Reddy – 2nd Chief Minister of Andhra State (Nellore). Kasu Brahmananda Reddy – 5rd Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Guntur). Bhavanam Venkatarami Reddy – 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Guntur). N. T. Rama Rao – 12th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Krishna). Nadendla Bhaskara Rao – 13th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Guntur). K. Rosaiah – 17th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (Guntur).