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Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh represents a
synthesis of religious customs and traditions. It has the temple of Lord
Venkateshwara at Tirumala - one of the most venerated Hindu temples in India,
ancient mosques, a towering 61-metre high Cathedral in Medak and the remains of
Buddhist structures at Nagarjunakonda going back to the 2nd century BC. It also
has a rich heritage in arts and crafts including its own classical dance form,
the energetic Kuchipudi, and traditional art form Kalamkari painting that uses a pen and brush technique to paint the narratives of
religious legends.
Telugu, the language of the state is often called the
'Italian of the East' because of its melodious pebbly sound.
Andhra Pradesh women are known for their long, black hair and big, expressive
eyes.
There is a
mixture in Andhra Pradesh - from Hyderabadi food that is a mix of South Indian and
Mughlai foods, to the people who are a mix of Brahmin and Reddys, to many film
stars who mix into politics because of their ready-made mass
appeal!
Hyderabad - One of India's
largest cities, and the Capital of the Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is famous for
its pearls, bidri work, bangles embellished with sparkling, semiprecious stones
set in lacquer and, ofcourse, its symbol, the Charminar. This imposing
monument with its four graceful 54-metre high minarets, was built two years
after the founding of the city in 1591. It presents an enchanting appearance at
night when the minarets are illuminated.
Before donning its present
mantle, Hyderabad has been variously the capital of the Qytab Shahi dynasty, a
centre of the Mughal Empire and the seat of the wealthy Nizams. Separated from
its twin city, Secunderabad, by the Hussain Sagar Lake, the city
presents a unique skyline, with modern buildings standing amidst fascinating
400 year old edifices.
Other Tourists Places of Hyderabad - The
Salar Jung Museum houses over 35000 priceless objets d'art, the private
collection of Nawab Salar Jung III, the Prime Minister of one
of the Nizams. There are carved and inlaid pieces, jewels,
ornaments, ivories, gem studded
boxes, marble statues, rare manuscripts, miniature paintings,
and exquisitely bejewelled swords and daggers of Mughal rulers.
A visit to the museum is a
must.
The largest mosque in South India, Mecca Masjid, was
completed by Aurangzeb in 1694, taking 80 years to build. The bricks for the
central arch are said to have been brought from Mecca, hence its
name.
The legendary Golconda Fort, which was the earlier capital
of the Qutab Shahi rulers, lies on the fringe of Hyderabad. It is a magnificent
structure with many interesting features such as the remarkable accoustic
warning system and the innovative water supply system that used 'Persian
wheels' to raise water into storage reservoirs in the fort. The world famous
"Kohi-Noor" diamond, which now adorns the British crown, was mined in
Golconda.
Some of the other interesting places in and around the city
are the Ramoji Film City, reputed to be one of the best equipped film
studios in the world; 2500 million year old Deccan pre-historic rocks at
Durgam Cheruvu, Jubilee Hills; the crafts village Shilparamam; the white
marble Birla Mandir, dazzling in its ethereal beauty when illuminated at
night; Qutab Shahi Tombs near the Golconda fort where seven of the Kings
lie buried; and the Falaknuma Palace.
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