History
Andhra Pradesh is said to have been the home of the Pre- Dravidian
inhabitants. Andhra region witnessed the rule of Chandragupta Maurya
during which it established itself as an independent kingdom. After
Ashoka, the Mauryan empire declined giving opportunity to establish
smaller kingdoms. In about the third century BC the Satavahanas ruled
for about five centuries. The Satavahanas established a strong rule
with their territories extending upto Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
The Satavahanas were overpowered by the Ikshvakus by the third century
AD. During this period Brahmanism is said to have been revived. This
reduced the influence of the Buddhist which was fostered by the Satavahanas.
By the end of the third century AD the Pallavas of Kanchi put
an end to the rule of the Ikshavakus. Art and Architecture advanced during their
rule. By 4th century AD the Anandas established their rule which lasted till
6th century. During the 7th century the Eastern Chalukyas exercised their
power for about four centuries. Literature was advanced during this period with
promotion of the Telegu script. The Kakatiyas who were the feudatories of the
Eastern Chalukyas became independent in about the 12th century. During the
rule of Delhi
Sultanate, Muslims repeatedly attempted intrution into Andhra. In 1332 AD
Ulugh Khan established themselves. The Reddi Kingdom of Kondavidu; the Velama
kingdom, the Vijayanagar Kingdom also ruled independently . The rule of
Muhammad Tughlag witnessed the rise of the independent Muslim Power at Bijapur.
This was under the Bahamani Sultanate. In 1518 the Sultan Qili Qutub Shah
declared himself independent and founded the Qutub Shah dynasty which existed
till 1687. During this period literature, art and architect are advanced. The
city of Hyderabad was laid in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The Mughals
put an end to the Qutub Shahi rule in 1687. After this the Asafjahis called
Nizams emerged. They influenced Andhra Pradesh till the 18th century till Andhra Pradesh was ceded to the East India
Company. Gradually the whole of Andhra Pradesh except Hyderabad was under the
British till 1947. In 1956 Andhra Pradesh was declared as a state.
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