Andhra - History and Geography

History and Geography

The earliest mention of the Andhras is said to be in Aitereya Brahmana (2000 BC). It indicates that the Andhras, originally living in north India migrated to south of the Vindhyas. Regular history of Andhra Desa, according to historians, begins with 236 BC, the year of Ashoka's death. During the following centuries, Satavahanas, Sakas, Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas ruled Andhra country.

Other dynasties that ruled over the area in succession were the kingdoms of Vijayanagara.

According to 11th century inscriptions, Andhra is bounded by Mahendragiri mountains (in north-eastern border with Gajapati district of Orissa), Kalahasti temple (in Chittoor district near the border of Nellore district), Srisailam temple (in Kurnool district near the border of Mahbubnagar district and Prakasham district). This region represent coastal Andhra region of Andhra Pradesh state.

By 13th century, Kakatiyas, a Telugu dynasty, who ruled most of Telugu country, with capital in Warangal in Telangana region.

Coastal Andhra is bound on the north by Orissa and Chhattisgarh, on the west by Telangana and Rayalseema,also on the south by Rayalseema and on the east by the Bay of Bengal with a coastline of 974 km.