Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh    

Capital: Itanagar

Arunachal Pradesh attained its statehood on 20th February 1987. It is situated in the North-Eastern part of India with 83743 sq. kms area  and has a long international border with Bhutan to the west (160 km), China to the north and north-east (1,080 km) and Myanmar to the east (440 km). It stretches from snow-capped mountains in the north to the plains of Brahmaputra valley in the south. Arunachal is the largest state area-wise in the north-east region, even larger than Assam which is the most populous.

Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and located at an altitude of 530 meters above MSL. It is named after Itafort meaning fort of bricks built in 14th century A.D. Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state among the North Eastern States, having an area of 83743 Sq Km, with a population of just above 1 million.

Important facts about Arunachal Pradesh
Total Geographical Area :    83,743 sq. km
Latitude  :    26028' and 29030' North
Longitude :    97030' and 97030' East
Date of Formation :    20 Feb, 1987
Capital :    Itanagar
No. of Districts :    16
No. of Sub-divisions :    36
No. of blocks       :     57
No. of villages   :    4065
No. of towns       :     17
Largest City       :     Itanagar
Population (2001) :    1, 091, 117
Population Density :     13 per sq. km
Male population   :    573, 951
Female population :    517, 166
Literacy rate     :    54.74%
Religions :    Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity
Principal language (s) :  Monpa, Mizi, Aka, Hindi, English etc
Average Rainfall       :  2,782 mm
Wildlife Sanctuaries :  Itanagar, Pakhui, Laki Mehao
National Parks :     Namdapha, Mouling   
Summers (March to May): Warm
Monsoons (June to September): Humid
Winters (October to February): Chilly
Clothing Required  :    Heavy Woolens in Winters, Light Woolens or Cottons in Summers
Best Time to Visit :    October to March
Major Towns: Itanagar, Naharlagun, Tawang, Bomdila, Rupa, Bhalukpong, Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo, Along, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Roing, Tezu, Namsai, Khonsa.
Major Festivals: Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori-Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai.
Tourist Attractions :  Ita fort, Mallini Than, Parasuram Kund, Brahma Kund, Tawang Monastery, etc
Places of tourist interest are:  Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila, Tipi, Itanagar, Malinithan, Likabali, Pasighat, Along, Tezu, Miao, Roing, Daporijo Namdapha, Bhismaknagar, Parashurarn Kund and Khonsa.

The Land of Rising Sun - Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This place is supposed to be the Prabhu Mountains of the Puranas. It was here that sage Parashuram washed away his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhishmaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini.

The widely scattered archeological remains at different places in Arunachal bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Arunachal Pradesh, a serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people, with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the inexorable power of nature.

The visitor has a wide variety of options to pick from. There are places of worship and piligrimage such as Parasuramkund and 400 years old Tawang Monastery, or the sites of archeological excavations like Malinithan and Itanagar, the serene beauty of lakes such as Ganga lake or Sela lake or the numerous variations of scenic beauty of the snowclad silver mountain peaks and lush green meadows where thousands of species of flora and fauna prosper.  In addition, the state provides abundant scope for angling, boating, rafting, trekking and hiking. Besides, there are a number of wild life sanctuaries and national parks where rare animals, birds and plants will fascinate the visitor.

Nature has provided the people with a deep sense of beauty which finds delightful expression in their songs, dances and crafts. The climate varies from hot and humid to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik range. It becomes progressively cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes.  Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen.

Arunachal Pradesh is considered to be the "nature's treasure trove"and home to orchids, known for their exquisitely beautiful blooms, from one of the dominant taxa with more than six hundred species, occurring in varying elevations and climatic conditions throughout the state.

It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss-crossed with ranges running north-south. These divide the state into five river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets.

The weather and the climate of Arunachal Pradesh are quite distinct from the rest of the country. The climate of the State is dominated by the Himalayan system and the altitudanal variations. The climate is highly hot and humid at the lower altitudes and in the valleys covered by swampy dense forest particularly in the eastern section, while it becomes exceedingly cold in the higher altitudes. Average temperature during the winter months range from 15 to 21 degree celsius and 22 to 30 degree celsius during monsoon.
   
Between June and August the temperature may go up to 40-42 degree celsius.The rainfall of Arunachal Pradesh in amongst the heaviest in the country. The annual average rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh is more than 350cm.

There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes  inhabiting   the  area.  Most  of   these  communities  are  ethnically similar, having derived from original Mongoloid stock but  their  geographical isolation from each other  has   brought  amongst  them  certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs.

Broadly, the entire population may be divided into three cultural groups based on their socio-politico-religious affinities.

The Monpas and Sherdak Pens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Culturally similar to them are Membas and Khembas who live in the high mountains along the northern borders, Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the State are Buddhists of Hinayana sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand and Burma long ago and still using ancient scripts derived from their original homeland.
   
The second group of people of Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thangsos etc. who worship the Sun and the Moon God, namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestor for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles. They traditionally practise Jhuming or shifting cultivation.

The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos in the Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village society in which the hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.

Websites:
http://www.arunachaltourism.com/
http://arunachalpradesh.nic.in/

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh    

Capital: Hyderabad

General Information

Name:        Andhra Pradesh

Capital:     Hyderabad

Area:             275,068 sq km (approx.)

Coastline:     1000 km (approx.)

Number of Districts:     23

Population:     76 million (approx.)

Major Religions: Hinduism, Islam and Christianity

Climate:     Summer (March to June) - Warm

Monsoon (July to August) - Warm

Winter (November to February) - Cool and Pleasant

Clothing:     Summer - Cottons

Winter -       Cottons or light woolens

Languages Spoken:     Telugu, Urdu and English

Best Time to Visit:     October to February

State Language:     Telugu

State Symbol:     Poorna Kumbham

State Song:     Maa Telugu Thalliki by Sankarambadi Sundarachari

State Animal:     Blackbuck (Krishna Jinka)

State Bird:     Indian Roller (Paala Pitta)

State Tree:     Vepa (Neem)

State Sport:     Kabaddi

State Dance:     Kuchipudi

State Flower:     Water lily

Major Festivals: Deepavali, Dussehra, Moharram, Shivratri, Sankranti, etc

Tourist Attractions: Tirupati Temple, Charminar, Golconda Fort, etc

History

The history of Andhra Pradesh dates back to the epic era of the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. But the documented history points to 236 BC, when Satavahana established a kingdom and a dynasty around the modern Hyderabad. During the reign of 450 years, Buddhism flourished in the kingdom. The rulers were followers of Brahmanism, but the women folk practiced Buddism. It was during this period that Buddhism spread from these shores to China, The far East and to Sri Lanka. The Ikshvakus succeeded the Satavahanas and ruled the kingdom for 57 years. The Pallavas annexed the area South of River Krishna and ruled till the end of 6th century.

Then came the dynasties of Chalukyas and the Kakatiyas. The Kakatiyas established themselves as rulers of a Telugu speaking people.  The glorious reign of the Kakatiyas came to end in the 14th century and for the first time Telugus came under a Muslim regime that brought with it a totally different set of customs, language and religion.

Aurangazeb last Mogul king to rule India, conquered the Deccan in 1687 and left his governors, the Nizams, to rule Andhra. The British and French took over from the Nizams. Andhra became a part of Indian Union in 1947. The present state was formed in 1953, merging a part of the then Madras State (present Tamil Naidu) and the princely state of Hyderabad.

Heritage & Culture

The various dynasties that ruled the State of Andhra Pradesh, from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, to the Asaf Jahis, all have contributed significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and literature.

The state has a rich cultural heritage. The great composers of carnatic music Annamacharya, Tyagaraja and many others chose Telugu as their language of composition, thus enriching the language. Kuchipudi is the state's classical dance form.Andhrites have been movie buffs decades. The state produces about 200 top notch movies per year.

Andhra Pradesh has several museums, including the Salar Jung Museum, which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, and the Archaeological Museum, which features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and other antiques; both museums are located in Hyderabad.

The State is rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, history and most of all, an opportunity to explore them, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu speaking portions of the former state of Chennai, Andhra Pradesh to this day retains much of its regal glory and mystic charm.

Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, is described by C.P. Brown as the " Italian of the East ". It has been influenced by Sanskrit. The prominent poets of Telugu include Nannaya, Tikkana, Sri Krishna Devarayulu and a host of others.

The dance styles in the State are based on the standard treatises, viz. Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava of Nandikeshwara, which is sub-divided into Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala.

Kuchipudi, a blend of music and abhinaya, is Andhra Pradesh‘s unique contribution to dance it have flowered from a village called Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram in Krishna district. From its birth around 300 B. C., it has remained a continuous and living tradition of this region, performed by men of the Brahmin community.

Arts & Crafts

In keeping with the rich traditions of the State, the people of Andhra Pradesh have patronised a host of arts and crafts that not only enrich the milieu but earn the artisans a decent livelihood. Kalamkari, Bidri, Nirmal paintings, fascinating weaves from Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri and a number of other centres have earned a name all over the world.

The State is well known for its handlooms and textiles and its silk sarees are among the best produced in the country.

It is not only such exclusive and delicate material as silk that the artisans of Andhra Pradesh deal in, but metalware, carpets, wood and stone carving too. From the exquisite silver filigree and brass and sheet metalware, artisans of Andhra Pradesh strive to bring out the best and it is sheer magic when they get down to producing their ware.

Kalamkari, using a quill (kalam) and vegetable dyes, is an art found nowhere else but in and around Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti of the State.

Wall hangings come in another style from Siddipet in Medak district. This method, known as Batik, utilises the ‘cold’ process involving wax to create graphic designs and figures. Batik cloth also comes in the form of dress material, scarves and even sarees.

Cherial Scroll paintings done on cloth in earth colours is one of the traditional crafts practised mainly at Cherial in Warangal district.

Decorative hand-crocheted lace from Narsapur and Palakollu of West Godavari district adorns many a dining table in the form of mats. Curtains and bedspreads are some of the lacework produced here.

Sheets of Artistry

Metalware is another area in which the artisan of Andhra Pradesh excels. Be it the brass sheet metal of Pembarti in Warangal district, the silver filigree of Karimnagar, the Bidriware of Hyderabad or the bronze castings in Chittoor and East Godavari district, the artistry stands out to international acclaim and acceptance.

Bidriwork originated some three centuries ago at Bidar, which was part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Decorative pieces, bangles, ashtrays, pen-stands, caskets, cufflinks and paper-cutters are some of the Bidriware manufactured in and around Hyderabad.

Wood Work

Wood carving in Chittoor district is one of the oldest traditional crafts.

In other parts of the State, wood carving is done to make musical instruments and in places like in Vizianagaram town and in Nuzvid of Krishna district, such instruments as Veena and Tambura are carved out of a single block of wood.

Kondapalli is a small village in Krishna district and it is here that toys and dolls that have won international acclaim are made.

The craftsmen of Nirmal too take advantage of the locally-available soft wood to carve brightly coloured vegetables, fruits and animals.

Weaving Magic

Silk and cotton and a mixture of both are used to create alluring weaves and designs. Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri, Narayanpet and Chirala are some of the places where some of the world’s best sarees are woven.

Venkatagiri in Nellore district is known for its excellent cotton sarees with gold borders and large golden ‘pallav’. Narayanpet cotton sarees are less expensive and long-lasting. Silk sarees from Dhamavaram compare with the rich silks of Kancheepuram in broad borders with extensive gold ‘zari’ work.

In Pochampalli sarees of Nalgonda district adjoining Hyderabad, a unique method of tie-and-dye is used and this is known as ‘ikat’. Weavers in Andhra Pradesh have mastered the art of using cotton and silk alternately for warp (length) and weft (across). Known as ‘Himroo’, the art originated in Kashmir and was brought down south by Moghal rulers.

Pearls

Hyderabad is also known as the ‘city of pearls’. Though not close to the sea, Hyderabad has had a flourishing trade in pearls, as the Golconda kingdom was famous for its diamonds. The processing of pearls has been skillfully mastered in Hyderabad in that craftsmen can sort, refine and polish pearls with ease.

website: http://www.aptourism.in