Overview
Srikakulam district is the extreme northeastern district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Bordering the state of Odisha to the north and the Bay of Bengal to the east, it forms the northern coastal frontier of Andhra Pradesh. The town of Srikakulam, situated on the banks of the Nagavali river, serves as the district headquarters.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Region | North Coastal Andhra (Uttarandhra) |
| Headquarters | Srikakulam |
| Major rivers | Nagavali, Vamsadhara, Bahuda, Mahendratanaya |
| Coastline | Bay of Bengal (eastern boundary) |
| Neighbouring districts | Vizianagaram (south); Gajapati and Rayagada in Odisha (north and west) |
| Principal language | Telugu |
Geography
The district lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. Its terrain ranges from the hilly tracts in the north and west, which form part of the Eastern Ghats, to the alluvial coastal plains in the east. The Vamsadhara and Nagavali are the main rivers, both rising in Odisha and flowing through the district before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The Bahuda and Mahendratanaya are other notable streams in the northern reaches. The Mahendragiri hill, traditionally associated with the Ramayana and Mahabharata, lies near the Andhra–Odisha border in this region.
History
The area corresponding to present-day Srikakulam has historically been part of the ancient region of Kalinga. Over centuries it came under the rule of the Kalinga kings, the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the Gajapatis of Odisha, the Qutb Shahis, and subsequently the Mughals. Under colonial administration it formed part of the Northern Circars ceded to the British East India Company in 1765 and was administered as part of the larger Ganjam and later Visakhapatnam district under the Madras Presidency.
Srikakulam district was constituted as a separate district on 15 August 1950, carved out of the erstwhile Visakhapatnam district. In 1979, the southern portion of the district was further reorganised, leading to the formation of Vizianagaram district.
In April 2022, as part of a state-wide reorganisation by the Government of Andhra Pradesh that increased the number of districts to 26, the territory of the original Srikakulam district was divided. A new Parvathipuram Manyam district was carved out incorporating some of its western mandals, leaving the reconstituted Srikakulam district with a reduced area but retaining its coastal and core regions.
Economy
The economy of the district is predominantly agrarian. Paddy is the principal crop, supported by irrigation from the Vamsadhara and Nagavali river systems and from the Thotapalli and Vamsadhara projects. Cashew, coconut, sugarcane, and pulses are also significant. The long coastline supports marine fisheries, with fishing harbours and landing centres at Baruva, Kalingapatnam and other points. Industrial activity includes thermal power generation, with major plants located along the coast, as well as units in jute, sugar, and aquaculture-related processing.
Culture and notable places
- Srikurmam – temple dedicated to Kurma, the tortoise avatar of Vishnu, one of the few such shrines in India.
- Arasavalli – an ancient Sun temple (Suryanarayana Swamy temple) near Srikakulam town.
- Salihundam – a Buddhist heritage site on the banks of the Vamsadhara, featuring stupas and monastic remains.
- Kalingapatnam – a historic port town at the mouth of the Vamsadhara, now a fishing harbour and beach.
- Mukhalingam – the medieval capital of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, with notable Shiva temples (Madhukeswara, Someswara, Bhimeswara).
- Telineelapuram – a wetland known as a seasonal habitat for migratory pelicans and painted storks.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector and is subdivided into revenue divisions and mandals. It sends representatives to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly through several constituencies, and the Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency represents the district in the Parliament of India.
Transport
The district is traversed by National Highway 16 (the Chennai–Kolkata corridor), which runs along the coast. The Howrah–Chennai main line of the East Coast Railway passes through the district, with major stations at Srikakulam Road (Amadalavalasa), Naupada and Palasa. The nearest major airport is at Visakhapatnam.
Related topics
- Andhra Pradesh
- Uttarandhra
- Vizianagaram district
- Parvathipuram Manyam district
- Kalinga (historical region)
- Eastern Ganga dynasty
- Vamsadhara River
- Nagavali River
References
- Government of Andhra Pradesh, district administration portal for Srikakulam.
- Census of India, district handbooks for Srikakulam.
- Wikidata entity Q15395.