Rayalaseema: A Historical Perspective : A Study of a Region in A.P.

Rayalaseema is one of the three geographical regions in Andhra Pradesh. It has a hoary post. It originally includes the districts of Bellary, Anantapur, Cuddapah, Chittoor and Kurnool. Kurnool became the capital ofAndhra State from 1-10-1953 to 31-10-1956. But no substantial development took place in Rayalaseema. Even before the implementation of the historic Sri Bagh pact of 1937, the capital was shifted from Kurnool to Hyderabad. Mahatma Gandhi visited Rayalaseema in 1921, 1929 and 1933-1934 during the freedom struggle and was pained to see the famine conditions here. Way back in 1977, the A.P. Assembly debated a report by the Geological Survey of India that Rayalaseema would become a desert. Justice Sri Krishna Commission opined that Rayalaseema is one of the most backward regions in the country. It is a fact that injustice is done to Rayalaseema throughout history. Even after 67 years of independence, Rayalaseema is lagging behind in the fields of industry, irrigation, education, electricity, medicine, roads, railways and communications. But it continues to be a politically significant zone and contributed Chief Ministers I Speakers / Governors / Union Ministers I President / Prime Minister etc., There are no major cities in the region. Rural Development is only a mirage. History will not excuse us if we still neglect the development of the region. The historical importance and backwardness of the areas are highlighted in the book, "RAYALASEEMA : A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE" (A Study of a Region in A.P.).