What Is The Capital City Of Andhra Pradesh?

Andhra Pradesh is located on India’s southeastern coast on the Bay of Bengal. It is India’s eighth largest state with an area of 162,970 square km. The 2011 census recorded a population of 49,386,799 inhabitants in the state, making it the tenth most populated state in the country. Visakhapatnam is the largest city of Andhra Pradesh but not its capital city. Andhra Pradesh has two capital cities, Hyderabad, the de jure capita, and Amaravati, the de facto capital that would soon replace Hyderbad as the only capital of the state.

What Is The Capital Of Andhra Pradesh?

Andhra Pradesh has two capital cities, Hyderabad which is the de jure capital, and Amaravati which is the de facto capital of Andhra Pradesh. 

Hyderabad as the de jure capital of Andhra Pradesh

The city of Hyderabad serves as the capital of both the states of Andhra Pradesh as well as Telangana. The city is based on the banks of the Musi River and houses a population of about 6.7 million people. Hyderabad is located at an average elevation of 1,778 ft and is surrounded by numerous artificial lakes.

Hyderabad has a rich history and culture. It was ruled by several Muslim dynasties like the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Mughal dynasty, and finally the Nizams of Hyderabad. The Nizams left behind a rich legacy of architecture, cuisine, and culture that attracts numerous tourists to the city each year. Hyderabad served as the capital of the Hyderabad State of India, a princely state during the British Raj, and ruled by the Nizams. After Hyderabad State was included as part of the Indian Union in 1948, the city was included as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The city also houses the Rashtrapati Nilayam, that serves as the President of India’s winter office. When, in 2014, the state of Telangana, a newly formed state, split from Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad was also declared as the capital of Telangana. Under a transitional agreement that is scheduled to end by 2025, Hyderabad will serve as the capital of two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Amaravati as the de facto capital of Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati is soon to be the only capital city of Andhra Pradesh. The city is currently the de facto capital of the state. It derives its name from the historic Amaravathi town in the Guntur district. Amaravati is a newly planned city that along with the neighboring Tenali, Guntur, and Vijayawada forms the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region. The population of this region was found to be 5.8 million in 2011, making it the state’s most populated region.

The Capital Region is associated with a lot of history and was ruled for centuries by various Indian dynasties that ended with the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Amaravati is currently being developed at a rapid pace. 

The Most Populated Cities In Andhra Pradesh

The Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is located in the country’s southeastern coast. It covers an area of 162,970 square km and had a population of 9,386,799 inhabitants in 2011. It is the country’s 8th largest state by area and the 10th largest by population. The most populated cities of Andhra Pradesh are listed below:

1. Visakhapatnam

With a population of 2,035,922 as of 2011, Visakhapatnam or Vizag is the most populated city in Andhra Pradesh. The city is the financial capital of the state and the administrative headquarters of the district of the same name. Vizag is located in the Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh and has a coastline on the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the world’s 100 fastest growing cities and also a major tourist destination.

2. Vijayawada

It is the state’s second most populous city and recorded a population of 1,534,358 in 2011. The city is based on the Krishna River’s banks and serves as the commercial hub of the state. Vijayawada is one of India’s fastest growing cities. Education, entertainment, transport, food processing, etc., contribute heavily to the economy of the city. The growing population here has boosted a real estate market.

3. Guntur

Located about 64 km to the west of the Bay of Bengal, Guntur is the third most populated city in Andhra Pradesh. The city had a population of 743,654 in 2011. It serves as the Guntur District’s administrative headquarters. Guntur is also famous as the largest chili market yard in entire Asia. The Krishna River’s delta is partly located in this city. 

4. Nellore 

The city of Nellore recorded a population of 600,869 in 2011, making it the fourth largest city in the state by population. The city serves as the Nellore district’s administrative headquarters. Nellore is located on the banks of the Penna River and its proximity to the sea supports a strong economy. The city is also surrounded by fertile lands making agriculture an important source of economy in the region.

5. Kurnool

Kurnool, the fifth most populated city in Andhra Pradesh had a population of 484,327 in 2011. The city serves as the Kurnool district’s administrative headquarters. For a brief period of time between October 1, 1953, and October 31, 1956, Kurnool was the capital of the state. 

The 20 Most Populated Cities In Andhra Pradesh

Source Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Andhra_Pradesh

The Indian States Where Hinduism Is Not The Religion Of The Majority

Indian States/UT’s With Islam As The Religion Of The Majority

Jammu and Kashmir

The north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has a largely mountainous terrain featuring the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. The state also has an extensive border with Pakistan which is known as the Line of Control. The state also shares a border with China to the east. Jammu and Kashmir is heavily subjected to territorial conflicts between India, Pakistan, and China. However, the state is endowed with great natural beauty and cultural splendor that attracts tourists to the state. Kashmiris, Gujjars, Ladakhis, Paharis, and Dogras are the major ethnic groups residing in this state. Jammu and Kashmir recorded a population of 12,541,302 in 2011. It is the only Indian state to have a Muslim-majority population. 68.3% of the population of the state practice Islam. Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians constitute 28.4%, 1.9%, 0.9%, and 0.3% of the state’s population. Both Shia and Sunni Muslims reside in Jammu and Kashmir with the former accounting for 14% of the state population and mostly residing in the Badgam district. 

Lakshadweep 

Although most are aware of the fact that Jammu and Kashmir has a large population of Muslims, the fact that Lakshadweep, an Indian Union Territory, also has a majority Muslim population, is not well-known. Lakshadweep is an archipelago in the Laccadive Sea off the southwestern coast of mainland India. Lakshadweep recorded a population of 64,429 in 2011. The ethnicity of this people is similar to the Malayali people of Kerala in mainland India. Over 93% of the indigenous population of Lakshadweep practice Islam. More specifically, the majority of the archipelago’s Muslims adhere to the Shafi School of the Sunni Sect. According to historical accounts, Muslim missionaries who arrived here around the 7th century popularised Islam among the residents of Lakshadweep. Today, Muslim festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the inhabitants of the islands.

Indian States/UT’s With Sikhism As The Religion Of The Majority

Punjab

Punjab is a northern Indian state and the only state in the country to have a Sikh majority population. The population of the state was 27,704,236 in 2011. Punjabis are the dominant ethnic group living in the state and Punjabi Sikhs account for 57.7% of the state population. The state’s Sikh population makes up over 75% of the national Sikh population. Hinduism is the next most popular religion with 38.5% of the population adhering to it. Out of the 22 districts in Punjab, Sikhs form a majority in 18 of these districts while Hindus are a majority in the remaining four districts. Although Muslims account for only 1.93% of Punjab’s population, one city, Malerkotla has a Muslim majority population. Due to the popularity of Sikhism in Punjab, Sikh festivals, traditions, and rituals are observed here. Important Sikh pilgrimage sites like the Golden Temple which houses the highest religious body of the Sikhs is present here. Sikhism originated in the greater Punjab region (of which Punjab is a part) in the 15th century.

Indian States/UT’s With Christianity As The Religion Of The Majority

Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya

These three states in northeastern India have Christianity as the religion of the majority. Nagaland has a population of 1.978 million and 88% of the population practice Christianity. In Mizoram, with a population of 1,091,014 individuals, 87.16% of the population profess Christianity. 74.59% of the population of Meghalaya are Christians. The state has a population of 3,212,000 people. 

The other States Where Hinduism Is Not The Religion Of The Majority

Arunachal Pradesh

In Arunachal Pradesh that recorded a population of about 1.4 million in 2011, the Hindus comprise only 29.04% of the population while Christians account for 30.26% of the population. Traditional religions, mainly Donyi-Polo, are followed by 26.2% of the population. Buddhists account for 11.76%, Muslims for 1.9%, and Sikhs and Jains account for an even smaller percentage of the state population.

Manipur

This Northeast Indian state hosts a population of 2,855,794 individuals. Here, Hinduism and Christianity have nearly an equal number of followers. While the Hindus account for 41.39% of the population, Christians make up 41.29% of the population. The religions practiced here include Islam, Sanamahism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.

The Most Populated Cities In Rajasthan

Rajasthan, literally interpreting to the "Land of Kings,” is located in northwestern India. Most of the Thar Desert of India is part of this state. The state had a population of 68,548,437 in 2011. The most populated cities in Rajasthan are as follows:

1. Jaipur

The most populated city in Rajasthan is Jaipur. It is also the capital of the state. Jaipur recorded a population of 3,046,163 in the 2011 census. The ancient city was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer. The city has been named after him. Jaipur is one of the most visited cities in India. It is part of the Golden Triangle route that also includes Delhi and Agra. Jaipur hosts several historical and cultural sites as well as serves as a gateway to the other major tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Amer Fort, and the Jantar Mantar are located in this city.

2. Jodhpur

Rajasthan’s second most populated city is Jodhpur. The city hosted a population of 1,137,815 in 2011. Jodhpur hosts many historic forts, temples, and palaces. Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur has a bright and sunny weather throughout the year. The city is nicknamed as the "Blue City” as it hosts many houses that are colored blue on their exteriors.

3. Kota 

The city of Kota is located in the southeast of Rajasthan. The city had a population of 1,137,815 in 2011. Kota is located on the Chambal River’s banks about 250 km away from Jaipur. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the district and division of the same name. The city is also well-known as the hub of coaching for various national level competitive examinations for entrance in India’s medical and engineering courses at the top institutions. Kota like most other cities of Rajasthan also hosts gardens and palaces. 

4. Bikaner

Bikaner is the fourth most populated city in Rajasthan and had a population of 644,406 in 2011. It is located about 330 km from Jaipur in northwest Rajasthan. It also acts as the administrative headquarters of its district and division. Bikaner was founded by the scion of a notable Rajput family, Rao Bika in 1486. The future development of the city was fostered by the construction of the Ganges Canal and the Indira Gandhi Canal. Bikaner is also visited by tourists and hosts several historical, cultural, and religious attractions.

5. Ajmer

Ajmer is the fifth most populated city in Rajasthan. The population of the city was 551,101 in 2011. An Indian ruler of the Shakambhari Chahamana dynasty established the city. The Aravalli Mountains surround the city. Ajmer is noted for the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint and is thus a major pilgrimage center for people of all religions.

The 10 Most Populated Cities In Rajasthan are:

The Most Populated Cities In Bihar

Bihar is an Indian state located in the northern part of the country. It is India's 13th biggest state by area and the 3rd largest by population. Bihar has a population of 103,804,637 people. The most populated cities in Bihar are:

1. Patna

The capital city of the state is also its most populous city. Patna hosted a population of 2,046,652 in 2011. Patna is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. A King of the Magadha Empire founded the city in 490 BCE. The city was formerly known as Pataliputra and served as the capital city of major Indian empires. It was a seat of learning, arts, astrology, and other ancient knowledge forms. India’s renowned scholars inhabited this city. The modern city today is named Patna and is located on the banks of the Ganges river. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Several religious centres, historical monuments, and ancient educational institutions are located in this city.

2. Gaya 

Bihar’s second most populated city is a centre of religious, historical, and mythological importance. The city attracts thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims each year. It serves as the headquarters of the Bihar district of the same name. The population of Gaya in 2011 was 470,839. The city is located on the Phalgu River’s banks about 100 km to the south of Patna. The great Indian epics of Ramayan and Mahabharata mention this city. 

3. Bhagalpur 

The third most populated city of Bihar, Bhagalpur is located on the banks of the Ganges river. It had a population of 410,210 in 2011. The city is also associated with age-old Indian history. It is currently the headquarters of the Bhagalpur district and division. The city is surrounded by vast tracts of highly fertile agricultural land where rice, barley, maize, wheat, etc., are grown. Bhagalpur is the Bhagalpur Division’s hub of education, politics, and commerce.

4. Muzaffarpur

The city of Muzaffarpur is located in the Bihar district of Muzaffarpur. The fourth most populated city of Bihar, Muzaffarpur recorded a population of 393,724 in 2011. The city is often nicknamed the Lychee Kingdom for its Shahi lychees. The Burhi Gandak River flows by the city.

5. Purnia

With a population of 310,817 in 2011, Purnia ranks as Bihar’s fifth most populous city. The city serves as the headquarters of both the district and division of Purnia. It is located about 300 km from Patna. 

The complete list of cities of Bihar ranked according to population is provided below:

The Most Populated Cities In West Bengal

West Bengal is an eastern Indian state with a coastline on the Bay of Bengal. It is India’s fourth most populated state and had a population of 91,347,736 in 2011. In terms of area, West Bengal is the country’s 14h largest and has an area of 88,752 square km.

The 5 Most Populated States In West Bengal

1.Kolkata 

The capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata, is also the most populated city in this eastern Indian state. The city is located on the river Hooghly's eastern banks and is the region’s cultural, commercial, and educational hub. In 2011, Kolkata recorded a population of 14,112,536. The population density here is extremely high at 24,252 square km. The city has a literacy rate of 87.14% that exceeds the national average of 74%. Kolkata has a well-developed infrastructure including a seaport, an international airport, several highways connecting it to major Indian cities, etc. Kolkata has the third highest GDP (PPP) among the South Asian cities. 

2. Asansol

With a population of 1,243,008, Asansol is West Bengal’s second most populous city. It is one of the world’s 100 fastest growing cities. The city is located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau between the Ajay and Damodar rivers. The economy of the city mainly relies on steel, railways, and coal. Trade and commerce are also important economic activities in the city.

3. Siliguri

The city of Siliguri is located in northern West Bengal on the banks of the Mahananda River at the foothills of the Himalayas. The city hosted a population of 701,489 in 2011. Siliguri has a booming economy that attracts migrants from other parts of northern India to this city. A significant population of Bhutanese and Tibetan people also live in this city.

4. Durgapur

West Bengal’s fourth biggest city is Durgapur. The population of the city was recorded to be 581,409 in 2011. Durgapur is a planned city that is often referred to as the steel city of eastern India due to the two large steel plants located in the city. These are the Durgapur Steel Plant and the Alloy Steel Plant. One of the fastest growing cities in the region, Durgapur also has several other industries like Durgapur Chemicals, Durgapur Cements, DVC, CMERI, etc.

5. Bardhaman 

The fifth most populated city in West Bengal is Bardhaman. This city had a population of 347,016 in 2011. The city is located in the Purba Bardhaman district where it is the district capital. The city is an ancient one and is named after a Jain Tirthankara of the 6th century. 

The 5 Most Populated Cities Of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a north Indian state with a population of 199,812,341. It is the most populated state in the country. The capital city of UP is Lucknow. Here is a list of the 5 most populous cities of Uttar Pradesh. Also, find below the table of the cities of this state ordered by decreasing population size.

Population density in UP

The 5 Most Populated Cities Of Uttar Pradesh

1. Kanpur

Kanpur is the most populated city in Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur recorded a population of 4,542,184 in 2011. It is the state’s second-largest city by size. The area of the metropolis is 403.70 square km. The city serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kanpur Nagar district. The literacy rate of the population here is 70.76%. Hinduism is the religion of the majority with 78.03% followers.

2. Lucknow

The capital city of Uttar Pradesh is the second most populous city in the state and the largest by area. Lucknow had a population of 3,201,474 in 2011. The city is also the administrative center of the District and Division of the same name. The city is has a rich history and distinct culture. It is noted as the city of the Nawabs, the Muslim rulers who ruled the region in the 18th and the 19th centuries. Lucknow is a multicultural city. The literacy level here is 84.72% of the population. Lucknow’s economy was formerly mainly dependent on the tertiary sector with government jobs playing an important role in employment generation. Currently, the economy of the city is diversifying with IT, biotechnology, manufacturing, and other industries growing in the city.

3. Ghaziabad

With a population of 2,458,525 in 2011, Ghaziabad is ranked as the third most populated city in Uttar Pradesh. Since the city is located close to New Delhi, the national capital of India, it is often regarded as the "Gateway of UP” as most tourists enter the state via this city. Ghaziabad is a well-planned industrial city with a well-developed transport infrastructure. The city has a high literacy rate of 93.81%. The city has also developed as an educational hub in recent years with many reputed schools and other educational institutes opening here. 

4. Agra

The fourth most populated city in Uttar Pradesh, Agra has a population of 2,146,467. Famous as the city of the Taj Mahal and numerous other historical attractions, Agra is based on the banks of the Yamuna river. The population here has a literacy rate of 75.11%. The city has a booming tourist industry as well as a thriving industry of royal crafts like carpets, marble inlay work, zardozi work, etc. Agra has India’s second largest self-employed population after Varanasi. Besides tourism, agriculture, leather, footwear, and iron foundries are also major industries here.

5. Varanasi

Regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi, India’s holiest city, is located on the banks of the Ganges river in Uttar Pradesh. It is the fifth most populous city in the state. It contains several sacred and religious sites of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is also visited by tourists from across the world who tour the city to learn about Indian culture and religion. The population here has a literacy rate of 77%. 

What Is The Coldest Place In India?

The Coldest Temperature Recorded In India

Dras

Dras is a town in India’s Kargil District in the country’s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is located at an elevation of 10,990 ft and is regarded as the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’. It is often labelled as the coldest place in India. The lowest temperature of India of −33.9 °C was recorded here. The place experiences a continental climate with dry and cool summers which last from June to September. The average temperature at this time is about 23 °C. Winters last from mid-October to May and have temperatures averaging around −20 °C. Precipitation takes place mostly in the winter months and averages around 550 mm water equivalent of snowfall.

Leh

Another town in Jammu and Kashmir, Leh, is also known for its frigid winters with temperatures dropping as low as −30.6 °C. Leh was the former capital of the kingdom of Ladakh and its palace housed the ruling family of the time. The town is located at an elevation of 11,562 ft above sea-level. Leh experiences a cold desert climate with pleasant weather in summers (April to October) and extremely harsh winters between November and early March. Precipitation is very low with occasional snowfall in winter and an average annual rainfall of only 102 mm.

Is This The Coldest Place In India?

Although the above towns have recorded some of India’s lowest temperatures, the records in the India-controlled Siachen Glacier area are way lower. Subjected to territorial disputes between India and Pakistan, this area has witnessed skirmishes and wars between the armies of two sides for decades. Located near the 17,881 ft high Bilafond La and the 18,337 ft tall Sia La, this area has recorded temperatures as low as −55 °C. Blizzards blowing in this area have wind speeds higher than 250 km/h. Such extreme conditions claim the lives of many soldiers posted in this area to guard the borders of their own countries.