Post classical era (200–800 AD)

The history of Kadapa dates back to the second century BC. The evidences of Archaeological Survey of India suggest that it started with Mourya and Satavahana dynasty. And since then it has been under the rule of numerous dynasties including Chalukya, Cholas and Pallava. Among all of these dynasties, first one to rule over Kadapa was Pallava dynasty. Pallava kings ruled over the city during the fifth century after penetrating into North of Kadapa. After that Cholas ruled till the eighth century after defeating Pallavas. Later Banas ruled over Kadapa.^[2]

Era (8th to 18th centuries AD)

Ancient Kadapa region part of Vijayanagara Empire ruled between 1336 - 1646

Siddhout fort near Kadapa

After Banas, Rashtrakutas ruled Kadapa region Among the popular rulers of Kadapa was King Indra III, who served during the period of 915 AD. In his period, Kadapa gained a lot of power and influence, which declined with his death later. Telugu Cholas, were the next one to rule Kadapa. Ambadeva ruled Kadapa in the latter half of the 13th century when he established the capital at Vallur, which is located at a distance of about 15 km from Kadapa.

After the death of Ambadeva, the Kakatiya king Prataparudra II ruled until the early 14th century. Prataparudra was defeated by Muslims in the reign of Khalji emperor Alla Uddin. Later in the mid-14th century, Hindus of Vijayanagar dynasty drove the Muslims out of Warangal and subsequently Kadapa and ruled for around two centuries till they were defeated by the Gulbarga sultans. The most illustrious ruler during this time was Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu (1422 CE) who developed the region and constructed many tanks and temples here. Muslims of Golkonda conquered the region in 1594 when Mir Jumla II raided Gandikota fort and defeated Chinna Thimma Nayudu by treachery. Marathas took over the city in 1740 after defeating the Nawab of Kurnool and Cuddapah.

Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan also ruled the city (1784-1792) before it fell in the hands of Nizam by the Treaty of Seringapatam^[3] in 1792. Tipu's grandmother, Hyder Ali’s mother Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa was the daughter of Mir Muin-ud-Din, the governor of the fort of Kadapa.

Later the British took control of Kadapa District in 1800 CE. Although the town is an ancient one, it was probably extended by dilazak Neknam Khan, the Qutb Shahi commander, who called the extension as "Neknamabad". The name "Neknamabad" was used for the town for some time but slowly fell into disuse and the records of the 18th century refer to the rulers not as "Nawab of Kadapa". Except for some years in the beginning, Kadapa District was the seat of the Mayana Nawabs in the 18th century. With the British occupation of the tract in 1800 CE, it became the headquarters of one of the four subordinate collectorates under the principal collector Sir Thomas Munro. In 2004, Kadapa was recognised as a municipal corporation.^[4]

Topography

Palkonda Hills near Kadapa

Kadapa in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh is located at 14°28′N 78°49′E / 14.47°N 78.82°E / 14.47; 78.82 about 260 km from Chennai, 250 km from Bangalore and 360 km from Vijayawada.^[5] The city is situated in the Bugga vanka or Ralla Vanka rivers bordered by the Palakondas to the south and to the east by a patch of hills casting north for the Lankamalas on Penna's other side.^[6] It has an average elevation of 138 metres (452 ft).^[7] Veligonda hills separates the districts of Nellore and Kadapa.^[8]

Climate

Kadapa has a hot semi-arid (Köppen BSh) climate characterised by year round high temperatures. It has a record of reaching 45 degree Celsius. Summers are especially uncomfortable with hot and humid conditions. During this time temperatures range from a minimum of 25 °C or 77.0 °F and can rise up to a maximum of 45 °C or 113.0 °F. Humidity is around 75% during the summer months. The monsoon season brings substantial rain to the area, and Kadapa gets some rainfall from both the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon. About 615 millimetres or 24.2 inches of the average total annual rainfall of around 770 millimetres or 30.3 inches occurs between June and October. Winters are comparatively milder and the temperatures are lower after the onset of the monsoons. During this time the temperatures range from a minimum of 17 °C or 63 °F and can rise up to a maximum of 32 °C or 90 °F. Humidity is much lower during the winter season, which is the best time to visit the area.^[9]

Languages

At the time of the 2011 census, 67.37% of the population spoke Telugu and 31.04% Urdu as their first language.^[17]

Local government

A 4 Lane Service road, NGO Colony Kadapa

The Kadapa Municipal Corporation oversees the civic needs of the city and was constituted in the year 2005. It has 50 municipal wards represented by a corporator through direct election, who in turn elects the Mayor.^[18] The District court is located in the city itself.

Arts and crafts

Shilparamam is a crafts village situated in the outskirts of Kadapa.^[19]

Cuisine

Kadapa is well known for its spicy and culinary food which is very similar to the South Indian food. Karam dosa is one of the most favourite item of kadapa citizens. People have dosa, idly, sambar and chutney in their breakfast. Rice, daal and curry is usually served as lunch. Most of the restaurants serve South Indian thali including these dishes in their lunch and dinner menu. Although it has a South Indian touch in its dishes it also has a diverse variety of its own which include Ragi Sangati or Ragi Mudda, Boti Curry, Natukodi Chicken, Paya Curry etc. Ragi sangati with chicken curry is the staple food in Kadapa and is also one of the most famous dishes in the city. Many other varieties of dishes can also be found in the local restaurants. Like many other cities of India fast food is also increasing its reach in the city.^[20]

Institutions

RIMS Medical College Entrance

• Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa
• KSRM College of Engineering
• Yogi Vemana University
• Fathima institute of Medical Sciences

Roadways

Pulivendula-Kadapa 4 lane road near Pulivendula

Kadapa Bus Station view

Kadapa has good road connectivity to the other major places like Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Nellore, Kurnool, Anantapur. APSRTC provides bus services to various destinations of the Kadapa district and other cities across South India. The city has a total road length of 803.84 km.^[24]

Railways

Long View of Station Building

Kadapa Airport Terminal

Kadapa has its own railway station in the city. It is one of the Earliest Railway station in the state opened around 1866. The Mumbai–Chennai line which happens to be one of the busiest lines in the south coast region passes through Kadapa railway station. It is one of the A category railway station in South Coast Railway zone under Guntakal railway division. A new railway line Kadapa–Bangalore section is under construction stage. As of August 2021, there is no direct train to Bengaluru from Kadapa, although occasional special trains and diverted trains do connect them. Neither are flights to Bengaluru available earlier, however, Indigo started its operations at Kadapa airport connecting the city to Bengaluru(along with Chennai, Hyderabad, Vizag). Kadapa is well connected by road so bus services are widely used.

Airways

Kadapa Airport was opened for air traffic on 7 June 2015. It's located at a distance of 12 km north west of the city.