Visakhapatnam which is situated in the Eastern Ghats is one of the beautiful cities and the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh. The natural harbor in the city has attracted various trade operations here. The beaches, the small hillocks, the harbor and the shipyard make it a tourist destination. All these wonderful things could be seen in Visakhapatnam photos and Visakhapatnam videos.

Visakha is the god of Hindu mythology. It is also considered as the god of valor. It is believed that the temple of Visakha was built during the times of the Andhra Kings of Vengi and later by the Pallava rulers. The city got its name from the god Visakha. It is also said that it was named after Subramanyeswara one of the sons of Lord Shiva. This ancient city has connections with the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is mentioned that the monkey army of Rama was formed in this region. And in Mahabharata it is denoted that the demon Bakasura was killed by Bheema near this place.

According to the excavations that are done from 1982 to 1987 in and around this region, the history of Visakhapatnam dates back to the 5^th century B.C. At that time, it was a part of the Kalinga kingdom. In 260 B.C., the Mauryan king Ashoka fought the bloody battle of Kalinga. This brought Visakhapatnam under the control of Ashoka. It was after that war that Ashoka changed his mind and started to follow Buddhism.

In the excavations done at Sankaram, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Bojjannakonda, Ligalametta and Theravada all lying in close proximity to Visakhapatnam, various ancient temples and stupas were found out. Along with this the coins of Satavahana dynasty, roman silver coins, an urn with mortal relics, rock cut caves, monolithic stupas, Vajrayana sculptures, Viharas and refectory were found out. All these excavations belong to the time of 300 B.C. to 200 A.D.

The excavations reveal that Buddhism flourished in this region. The bone in the urn found out is supposed to be the bone of Buddha. This is one of the important sacred places of Buddhism in Asia. The Andhra Kings of Vengi ruled this place from 9^th century to 11^th century A.D. During 11^th and 12^th century, Kulottunga Chola ruled this place. In 16^th century, the place was ruled by Utkala Kingdom. It was also under the control of the Chankyas, Rajahmundry Reddy Kings, eastern Ganga Kings, Gajapati Kings of Orissa and Gokonda Nawabs.

After 15^th century, it was included in the Mughal territory and the administration of the place was done by Hyderabad Nizam. At that time, the trade relationship with many European countries including France, Holland and England flourished through the natural harbor situated in this city. Many products like muslin, coal, iron ore, ivory and tobacco were exported.

During the colonial period, in 18^th century, the place was brought under the control of the French and was a part of the Northern Circars of Andhra and Orissa. After the Battle of Vizagpatnam that was fought in September 1804 between England and France, the city came under British East India Company. It was then made as a part of the Madras Presidency.

After Indian independence, it became a part of Andhra Pradesh. Many heavy and large scale industries were started here. These industries coupled with the Indian naval base situated here had made this place one of the prominent one in the Eastern coastal line.

Time Line of Events Related to Visakhapatnam

260 B.C. – The city conquered by King Ashoka.

208 A.D. – It was ruled by Chandra Sri Satakarna.

1515 – It came under the Vijayanagar empire of Krishna Deva Raya.

1735 – The Dutch colony was established.

1866 – Visakhapatnam Municipality was started.

1904 – The railway line from Madras to Calcutta passed through this city.

1926 – Establishment of Andhra University here.

1933 – Establishment of Visakhapatname Port.

1940 – Scindia Shipyard was launched here.

1976 – Inauguration of the outer harbor.

1979 – It became a Municipal Corporation.

1981 – Visakhapatnam Steel Plant started to function.

2006 – It was made into Greater Visakhapatnam.

Article Posted By : Sumazla  On February 21, 2012lView All Articles

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