HISTORY OF NELLORE

          In past Nellore district was known as VIKRAMA SIMHAPURI until 13th Century and later it came to be referred to as Nellore. 

     Historically the Nellore district was under the rule of  Mouryas, Sathavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, Telugu cholas, Kakateeyas, Pandyans etc. The great Telugu poet TIKKANA SOMAYAJI translated 15 parvas of Sanskrit Mahabharatam into Telugu in Nellore.

      Nellore district formed part of the composite Madras state till 1st October 1953. On 1st November 1956 when the states were reorganized on a linguistic basis, this district came under the Andhra Pradesh state.

         The name of Nellore district has been changed as sri potti sriramulu Nellore district on 4th June 2008.

        Anciently known as vikrama simhapuri it derived its name from "Nelluru", a combination of Tamil words "Nel" and "Ooru" where Nel stands for paddy and Ooru means place.

ANCIENT PERIOD(pre-2nd century CE):

       Nellore's history can be traced back to ancient times, with its roots going back to the Maurya and sathavahana empires. During this period, it was known as "Pallava Nadu" and played a significant role in the trade routes connecting the eastern and western coasts of India.

EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIOD(2nd century CE - 14th century CE):

  During the Pallavas dynasty's rule, particularly under Mahendravarmn-1  and Narasimhavarnam-1, Nellore flourished. The Pallavas were known for their patronage of art and architecture, leaving behind numerous rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures.

     In the 19th century, the chola dynasty emerged as a dominate force in south India, and Nellore became part of their expansive empire. The city continued to prosper and flourish as a vital center for trade and cultures.

KAKATIYA AND VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRES(14th century-16th century):

      The Kakatiya dynasty ruled Nellore during the 13th and early 14th centuries. This period was marked by the construction of forts and temples. However, the Kakatiya dynasty eventually fell to the Delhi Sultanate, and Nellore came under their rule.

   In the 14th century , Nellore saw the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire, which extended its influence over much of South India. Nellore became a prominent province within the empire, witnessing extensive architectural and cultural development. This period is often regarded as the golden age of Nellore's history.

COLONICAL ERA(17th century- 20th century):

       With the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. Nellore came under the control of various local chieftains and rulers. During this period, it was subject to frequent invasions and conflicts.

        In the 18th century, Nellore was incorporated into the British colonials rule had a profound impact on the region, leading to the introduction of modern administrative systems and infrastructure.

POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA(1947-present):

      After India gained independence from British colonials rule in 1947, Nellore become a part of the state Andhra Pradesh in 1953, In 2019, Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated, and Nellore became a significant district in the new state of Andhra Pradesh.

Nellore has continued to be an essential center for trade, agriculture, and industry. Its strategic location on the coastline has made it a hub for seafood export and aquaculture. Additionally, Nellore is known for its agriculture, particularly the cultivation of paddy, sugarcane, and various fruits.

the city's cultural heritage remains vibrant, with numerous temples, mosques, and churches reflecting its multicultural society. Prominent temples include the Ranganatha temple and the Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple.

Nellore has also contributed to the field of education, with several notable institutions like Vikrama Simhapuri University and Narayan engineering college etc...