Andhra Pradesh has a rich historical legacy that dates back to ancient times. The region has been mentioned in texts as old as the Mahabharata and has seen the rule of several great dynasties.

Ancient Period (Before 3rd Century BCE – 3rd Century CE)

• The earliest known inhabitants of Andhra Pradesh were the Andhras, a Dravidian-speaking group mentioned in ancient texts like the Aitareya Brahmana (8th century BCE).
• The region was part of the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), ruled by Emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism across the state. Several stupas, including the famous Amaravati Stupa, were built during this time.
• The Satavahana Dynasty (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE) emerged as the first major independent Andhra kingdom, ruling a vast area that included present-day Maharashtra, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka. They played a key role in the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Medieval Period (4th Century CE – 16th Century CE)

• The region saw the rise of the Ikshvaku Dynasty, followed by the Pallavas and Eastern Chalukyas. The Vengi Chalukyas ruled parts of Andhra Pradesh from the 7th to the 12th centuries CE.
• The Kakatiya Dynasty (12th-14th centuries CE) was one of the most prominent medieval rulers, known for their strong administration and the construction of the famous Thousand Pillar Temple and Golconda Fort. Rudrama Devi, one of the few female rulers in Indian history, belonged to this dynasty.
• The Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th centuries CE) played a crucial role in shaping Andhra’s history. The rulers, including Krishnadevaraya, promoted Telugu literature and built architectural marvels like the Lepakshi Temple.

Colonial Era and Modern History (17th Century CE – 20th Century CE)

• Andhra Pradesh came under Mughal rule in the 17th century and later became a part of the Hyderabad State under the Nizams.
• The British East India Company took control of coastal Andhra in the late 18th century, incorporating it into the Madras Presidency.
• The freedom movement was strong in Andhra Pradesh, with leaders like Pingali Venkayya (who designed the Indian national flag) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (who led the Rampa Rebellion against the British in the tribal areas).

Post-Independence and Formation of Andhra Pradesh

• After India’s independence in 1947, Telugu-speaking people demanded a separate state. In 1953, the Andhra State was created with Kurnool as its capital.
• In 1956, the States Reorganization Act led to the merger of Andhra State with the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State, forming the state of Andhra Pradesh, with Hyderabad as its capital.
• In 2014, Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated, creating the new state of Telangana, with Hyderabad as Telangana’s capital. Andhra Pradesh then decided to develop Amaravati as its new capital.

Cultural and Geographical Significance

• Andhra Pradesh is famous for its Kuchipudi dance, Carnatic music, and Telugu literature.
• It has prominent pilgrimage sites like Tirupati (Sri Venkateswara Temple), Srisailam (Mallikarjuna Temple), and Amaravati (Buddhist Stupa).
• The state has a varied landscape, including the Eastern Ghats, Krishna and Godavari river deltas, and a long coastline.

Today, Andhra Pradesh continues to grow as a hub for agriculture, education, and technology, maintaining its rich historical and cultural legacy.