Overview
Nizamabad district is an administrative district in the northern part of the Indian state of Telangana. Its headquarters is the city of Nizamabad, which is also one of the larger urban centres in the state. The district is known for its agricultural economy, particularly the cultivation of turmeric, maize and paddy, and forms part of the historical region of Telangana that was earlier under the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Telangana |
| Headquarters | Nizamabad |
| Region | Northern Telangana |
| Major language | Telugu |
Background
The district takes its name from its headquarters town, Nizamabad, which historically was known as Indur or Indrapuri. The area came under the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad State, and the town was renamed in honour of the Nizam. Following the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948, Nizamabad became a district of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state. With the formation of Telangana on 2 June 2014, Nizamabad district was reconstituted as part of the new state.
Geography
Nizamabad district lies on the Deccan plateau and is drained by the Godavari and its tributaries, including the Manjira. The Sriram Sagar Project (Pochampad), one of the major irrigation projects on the Godavari, is located in the district and is central to its agricultural productivity. The terrain is largely undulating with patches of forest and extensive cultivated land.
Administration
In October 2016, Telangana reorganised its districts, and the erstwhile Nizamabad district was split, with parts of it being carved out to form the new Kamareddy district. The remaining Nizamabad district is divided into revenue divisions and mandals for administrative purposes, with Nizamabad town serving as the principal administrative and commercial centre.
Economy
Agriculture is the mainstay of the district's economy. Nizamabad is one of India's leading producers of turmeric, and the establishment of dedicated agricultural marketing facilities has reinforced its role in the national turmeric trade. Other significant crops include maize, paddy, sugarcane and soybean. Sugar mills, rice mills and turmeric processing units form an important part of the local industrial base.
Transport
The district is served by the Secunderabad–Manmad railway line, which makes Nizamabad an important rail junction in northern Telangana. National highways connecting Hyderabad with Maharashtra pass through the district, providing road links to Hyderabad, Nanded and other major centres.
Culture
The district reflects a blend of Telugu and Deccani cultural traditions, with influences carried over from the centuries of Nizam rule. Religious sites such as the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Dichpally (Indur Narasimha Swamy temple) and several mosques and dargahs in the headquarters town are notable. Festivals such as Bathukamma and Bonalu are widely observed.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata: Q15391
- Government of Telangana, district administration portal.