Nellore district is a district in the eastern part of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated along the Coromandel Coast on the Bay of Bengal, it is named after its administrative headquarters, the city of Nellore, which lies on the banks of the Penna river. The district is historically associated with paddy cultivation, aquaculture, and a long political and literary heritage in Telugu culture.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Region | Coastal Andhra (Rayalaseema border) |
| Headquarters | Nellore |
| Major river | Penna (Pennar) |
| Coastline | Bay of Bengal (east) |
| Official language | Telugu |
Geography
The district lies between the Eastern Ghats to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. It is bordered by Prakasam district to the north, Tirupati district to the south, and Kadapa and Annamayya districts to the west. The terrain is largely a coastal plain crossed by the Penna river and several smaller streams. Pulicat Lake, a brackish-water lagoon shared with Tamil Nadu, lies along the southern coast and supports a notable bird sanctuary. Mineral resources include mica, for which the area was historically prominent, along with barytes and quartz.
Administration
Following the reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh districts in April 2022, the boundaries of Nellore district were redrawn. Portions of the erstwhile Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, particularly the southern mandals around Gudur, Naidupeta and Sullurpeta, were carved out to form the new Tirupati district. The reconstituted Nellore district retains the city of Nellore as its headquarters and is divided into revenue divisions and mandals for administration.
Major towns
- Nellore (headquarters)
- Kavali
- Atmakur
- Kovur
- Buchireddypalem
History
The region was part of successive south Indian polities, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Under the Cholas, the area was known as Vikrama Simhapuri. It later came under the Nawabs of Arcot and subsequently passed to the British East India Company, becoming part of the Madras Presidency. After Indian independence, the Telugu-speaking districts of the Madras State were organised into Andhra State in 1953, and Nellore became part of Andhra Pradesh on its formation in 1956.
For a period the district was officially named Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, in memory of Potti Sriramulu, whose fast unto death in 1952 catalysed the creation of a separate Telugu-speaking state.
Economy
Agriculture is the mainstay, with paddy as the dominant crop, sustained by irrigation from the Penna river and the Somasila and Kandaleru reservoir systems. The district is among the leading aquaculture producers in India, with extensive shrimp and prawn farming along the coast. Sugarcane, pulses, and lemons (the Nellore region is well known for its citrus produce) are also significant. Industrial activity is concentrated around the port and along the highway corridor, with the Krishnapatnam Port serving as a major maritime gateway for cargo.
Transport
The district is served by the Chennai–Kolkata National Highway (NH 16) and by the Howrah–Chennai main railway line, with Nellore among the principal stations. Krishnapatnam Port handles bulk cargo including coal and iron ore. The nearest major airport is at Tirupati, with Chennai International Airport also accessible to the south.
Culture and notable places
- Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Nellore — a prominent Vaishnava temple on the Penna river.
- Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple — a noted Shakta shrine near Nellore.
- Udayagiri Fort — a hill fort with Vijayanagara and Nawabi-era remains.
- Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary — a wetland habitat known for pelicans and painted storks (in the adjoining area).
Demographics and language
Telugu is the principal language, with Urdu and Tamil also spoken in pockets, especially near the southern fringe. The district has a long tradition of Telugu literature; the medieval poet Tikkana, one of the Kavitraya who translated the Mahabharata into Telugu, was associated with Nellore.
Related topics
- Andhra Pradesh
- Nellore
- Coastal Andhra
- Penna River
- Pulicat Lake
- Krishnapatnam Port
- Tirupati district
- Potti Sriramulu
References
- Wikidata entity Q15383 — Nellore district.
- Government of Andhra Pradesh, district reorganisation notification, 2022.