Kurnool District - 1 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Kurnool district is named after its main town, Kurnool, which served as the capital of the former Nawabs and later the capital of Andhra Pradesh State.
• Kurnool District is positioned between specific latitudes and longitudes, with varying altitudes above sea level.
• It is bordered by the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, the Mahabubnagar district of Telangana State, Anantapur District, Bellary district of Karnataka State, and Nandyal District.
• The district had a population of 22,71,686 according to the 2011 Census, covering an area of 9681 sq. km.
• Kurnool District is divided into 3 Revenue Divisions, 26 Revenue Mandals, 25 Mandal Parishads, and various other administrative units like Municipal Corporation, Municipalities, and Gram Panchayats.

Physiography

• The western region of the district includes several Mandals with varying terrains and soils, sloping from South to North.
• The area is drained by the river Hundri, known for its black cotton soils in the North Western parts and red soils in the South Eastern regions.

Climate

• The climate in the district is generally pleasant and healthy. January, February, and March typically have moderate winds from the South-East.
• April and May are the hottest months, with winds shifting to the Southwest and bringing showers by the end of May.
• Over the next four months, Western winds dominate, bringing a significant amount of rainfall.
• By the end of September, the wind becomes light, signaling the onset of the Northeast monsoon.
• November and December usually have fine weather with light winds and occasional heavy dew. Rainfall is scarce during this period.
• The district receives an average annual rainfall of 614.7 mm. In 2020-21, the rainfall recorded was 841.8 mm.

River Systems

• Tungabhadra River: Originating in the Western Ghats, the Tungabhadra serves as part of the district's northern boundary. It flows eastward, receiving the Hundri tributary and eventually merging with the Krishna river at Kudali Sangam.
• Hundri River: A tributary of the Tungabhadra, the Hundri rises in Maddikera and passes through various mandals before joining the Tungabhadra at Kurnool. Known for its erratic water levels, the Hundri drains a significant part of the district.
• Kunderu River: Also known as Kumudvathi, the Kunderu originates in the Erramalas region. It meanders through the Kunderu valley, collecting water from both sides before flowing southward through several mandals and entering Kadapa District.

Flora Forest and Fauna Forest

• The composition of the forest in the district is influenced by the climate, soil conditions, and the presence of living organisms in different areas.
• The eastern part of the district generally has richer vegetation compared to the western areas, especially in the northwestern region which includes Adoni, Peddakadubur, Alur, and others. These areas have sparse vegetation, mostly limited to small sections of reserved forests.
• The total forest area in the district covers 32062 hectares, accounting for approximately 4.02% of the total geographical area.

Land and Land Use

• The district's total geographical area is 7.98 lakh hectares. In the year 2020-21, the forest area covered 0.32 lakh hectares, making up 4.02% of the total geographical area.
• The net sown area is 5.02 lakh hectares, which is about 62.97% of the total geographical area. The total cropped area in the district is 5.40 lakh hectares, with 0.38 lakh hectares sown more than once during the year.

Irrigation

• Approximately 0.98 lakh hectares of the district's cropped area were irrigated through canals, tanks, wells, and other sources in the year 2020-21.

Power

• The district's power supply comes from the Tungabhadra and Hampi Hydro Electric Power Stations.
• The Srisailam Hydro-Electric Power Project, built near the Srisailam Temple on the Krishna River, cost Rs. 433 crores. It consists of seven hydro generators, each with a capacity of 110 MW. In 2016-17, it produced 207.7 million KWH of electricity.

Mineral Resources in Kurnool District

• Kurnool District is abundant in limestone reserves suitable for cement production. Additionally, the region is rich in economically valuable minerals like barites, yellow shale, white shale, steatite, etc.
• The district's annual mineral output, excluding limestone, amounted to 5.04 lakh metric tons during the fiscal year 2020-21.

Tourism

• Orvakallu Rock Garden stands out as a unique adventure destination, distinctly recognized by Andhra Pradesh Tourism. Spanning across a sprawling 1000-acre park, it showcases captivating igneous rock formations as its central allure. Situated a mere 20 kilometers away from Kurnool along National Highway 18, this spot offers an unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts. 
• Visitors can traverse the labyrinthine paths, immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of nature. These well-crafted hiking trails, courtesy of Andhra Pradesh Tourism, aim to enrich visitors' exploratory journeys. Notably, the park also serves as a popular filming location.

Sunkesula Dam

• The Sunkesula Dam, nestled in the Kurnool District, belongs to the Hospet region of Karnataka. Positioned on the Tungabhadra River between Sunkesula and Rajoli villages, this dam serves as a demarcation between Rayalaseema and Telangana. Renovated and christened after Kotla Vijayabhaskar Reddy, a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the dam facilitates a road passage connecting Sunkesula to Rajoli. Notably, Sunkesula village was historically governed by the Vijayanagar Rajulu, while Rajoli was under the rule of the Hyderabad Nawabs.
• The river flowing through this area remains active, with the risk of dangerous floods during the rainy seasons. Primarily utilized as a water reservoir, the dam does not generate hydroelectric power. Adjacent to the dam, near Kothakota, stand two temples - the ancient Sri Ranga Swamy Temple and the contemporary Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brundavanam. Sunkesula village predominantly comprises farmers, whereas Rajoli features a mix of farmers and weavers, renowned for their production of silk saris.

Religious Tourism

Mantralayam

• Mantralayam is located on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, around 90 km from Kurnool. It holds significance due to the Jeevasamadhi of Madhva Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy. 
• The Choultries and Sanskrit School are major attractions, drawing numerous devotees, especially Madhvas, from South India. Key places to visit include Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan, where the Swamy is believed to have entered alive, the Panchamuki Anjaneya Swamy Temple, and the Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple

• The renowned Chowdeswari Devi Temple in Nandavaram near Kurnool is a valuable treasure of Andhra Pradesh. Legend has it that the original deity in the temple was so awe-inspiring that it was too intense for human eyes to behold, leading to the permanent closure of the sanctum. Another deity was then created in a similar posture to the original one. 
• The temple features a Srichakra in front of the deity, allowing devotees to worship with vermilion (Kumkum Archana). Every year, the temple hosts the Brahmostav celebrations for 15 days, from Devi Navaratrulu to Pournami, culminating in devotional night celebrations that attract people from both within and outside the village, located 53 km from Orvakal.

Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Kurnool

• Established in 1947 by K.Veera Swamy Naidu on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• Saibaba Vigraham was installed in 1951 during the Dasara Navaratri utsav.
• First temple in the world dedicated to Dakshina Shridi Sai Baba.
• Celebrates festivals like Dattajayanti, Gurupournami, Sri Rama Navami, and more.
• Thousands of devotees gather on Thursdays to seek blessings.

Sri Bugga Ramalingeswaram Swamy Temple, Kalvabugga Village

• An ancient temple located 32 km from Kurnool in Orvakal Mandal.
• Main attractions include natural springs and hill rows.
• The temple complex houses five Lingas.
• In 1983, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi inaugurated the Sri Bramarambha Devi Shrine.
• Devotees celebrate festivals like Sivarathri, Karthikamasam, and Bramhostavalu.

Sri Mahayogi Lakshmamma Avva, Adoni

• Mahayogi Lakshmamma is known for her miraculous abilities.
• Born in a small village called Musapalli in Adoni Taluk.
• Despite a challenging childhood, she exhibited unique behavior and traits.
• Her journey led her to Adoni, where she became revered for her divine presence.

Lakshmamma's Life and Divine Powers

• Lakshmamma resided in Adoni, living on the streets and sleeping under trees, where she eventually gained divine abilities.
• Rayachoti Ramaiah, a local businessman, witnessed her miracles and became her follower.
• Her divine blessings were sought by many, and her influence extended to neighboring areas like Kannata.

Temple Construction and Annual Festival

• Following her passing on May 16, 1933, Lakshmamma's disciples erected a temple and a Kalyana Mandapam at her Samadhi site.
• An annual festival is held in her honor, drawing devotees from regions such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Sri Ramalayam in Peddathumbalam Village

• Originally built by the Western Chalukyas, Sri Ramalayam stands in Peddathumbalam Village.
• Historical evidence suggests the propagation of Jainism in Kurnool District, with notable Jain temples in Chippagiri, Halivi, and Pedda Thumbalam.
• The temple in Peddathumbalam showcases intricate marble stone architecture resembling that of the Nallagonda Kolanupaka Jain temple.
• While the new Jain temple boasts modern construction, the Ramalaya Temple within houses idols of Seetarama and Lakshmana.
• Significant features include a North Indian style gopuram and numerous sculptures, with the site managed by the Archaeology & Museums Department.
• The temple, previously a Jain place of worship, is now dedicated to Lord Rama, with believers attributing blessings of good health and prosperity to him.

Roja Darga, Kurnool

• Roja Dargah is located near Kurnool City, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Roja Village.
• About 562 years ago, Baba Hazarat Syed Shah Ishaq Sanaulla Khadri arrived in Roja from Baghdad after completing 50 years of rigorous Chillas.
• People of Kurnool refer to Roja Dargah as "Roja Baba Dargah."
• Baba Hazarat Syed Shah Ishaq Sanaulla Khadri was revered for his enlightening presence, which helped people overcome their illnesses and find inspiration.
• Devotees flocked to Roja Dargah to pray and receive spiritual guidance from Baba.
• Nawab Sattar Khan attempted to divert people's attention from Baba by building a grand tomb for himself, but it remained largely unattended.
• Even after 500 years of Baba's passing, his descendants continue to hold the Urs ceremony in accordance with Islamic traditions.
• The Urs ceremony attracts a diverse crowd of Hindu, Muslim, and other community members seeking blessings at Baba's Dargah.
• During the 29th of Shaban Hizri Year, Baba's Sandal ceremony is held at a grand level, followed by Urs, Fatheha, and Seeratu Awliya sessions.
• Nathiya Mushayara features poets presenting their works, inspiring the audience, and the event concludes with Fatheha Khani where rewards are presented to devotees by the Sajjada.

Jamiya Masjid, Adoni

• The Jamiya Masjid in Adoni is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in South India. It was built in 1672 by Siddi Masood Khan Khaji with the permission of the Bijapur Sultan, using marvelous granite stone.
• The mosque features an impressive upper gummaj, intricate interior decorations, and paintings adorned with quotes from the Quran, making it a significant heritage site in the district.
• Notably, the mosque's structure is comparable in size to the Hallikaja in Mucca. It is a glorious architectural feat that stands out in the region.
• Unique chains carved from a single stone are a distinctive feature of this mosque, adding to its charm and historical significance. It is also likened to the Macca Masjid of the Quli Qutub Shahi Sultanate in Golconda, located in Hyderabad.

Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church, Kurnool

• The Coles Centennial Baptist Church in Kurnool was established in 1918. It was founded through the efforts of Dr. J. Akkarman Coles, inspired by the suggestions of a British individual named Stanton regarding the religious and educational needs of the Kurnool region.
• In response to Stanton's encouragement, Coles generously contributed to various projects in Kurnool, including the establishment of the Coles Centennial Baptist Church and educational institutions such as the E.C.M school and S.T.B.C College.
• The church's architecture follows a Scottish model and is constructed entirely of rock stone, creating a visually appealing and spiritually significant place of worship.
• Located in the heart of Kurnool city near the historical fort and old bus stand, the church attracts visitors with its spacious prayer halls and serene ambiance. It is a focal point for celebrations such as Christmas, New Year, and Good Friday.

Urkunda Narasimha Swamy (Eranna) Temple, Urkunda Village

• Located in Urukunda Village, Kowthalam Mandalam, Kurnool District.
• The main deity is a holy Peepal tree with idols of Veerabadra Swamy and Lakshmi Narasimha worshipped in the Veera Saiva tradition.
• Legend of Sage Hiranya, known as Eranna or Veeranna, who meditated under a Peepal tree in Urkunda Village.
• Sage Veeranna was believed to have divine healing powers, curing chronic illnesses of villagers.
• After his disappearance, an idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha was found under the tree, which villagers worshipped as Sage Veeranna.

Yellarthi Darga

• Shashavali, Shaikshavali Dargas located in Yellarthi Village, Holagunda Mandal.
• Annual Urs festival celebrated grandly by the Walkboard committee in April.
• This destination holds national significance and attracts pilgrims from various states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.