Machilipatnam, also known as Masulipatnam or Bandar or Masula (in short), is a city on the south eastern or Coromandel Coast of India. Situated on one of the mouths of the river Krishna at the Bay of Bengal, Machilipatnam is the administrative center of Krishna District in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Machlipatnam derived its name owing to the construction of a gateway to the town decorated with eyes of a fish (also called machili). It was a 17th century port for French, British and Dutch trade.
History
Machilipatnam was founded in the 14th century by the trading Arabs who found their way from the red sea to southern India to the spot of eastern peninsula. Once a flourishing port, the port of Machilipatnam today is in desperate need for modernization. It has not seen any ships in the last decade. In its heyday, the port used to handle export of different items weighing more than 2.7 lakh tonnes and imports of 37,000 tonnes. Much needs to be done to bring the city back to its glory. In January 2006, Government of Andhra Pradesh revealed plans for reviving the Machilipatnam port at a cost of Rs. 1200 crores. It has allocated 6000 acres of land for the project.
Geography
Machilipatnam is located at 16.2° N 81.2° E on the southeast coast of India and in the east corner of Andhra Pradesh. The city has an average elevation of 3 meters (20 feet)
Climate
Machilipatnam gets annual rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. The climate is tropical in nature with hot summers and moderate winters. The hottest months are between April and June
Layout
For administrative purposes, Machilipatnam falls into Bandar revenue division of the Krishna District. It is a municipality with 34 panchayats and 28 villages. The city area covers an area of 27 km² (10 mi²).
Administration
It is governed by the Collector & District Magistrate of the Krishna district.
Economy
Machilipatnam has many small scale industries. Fashion Gold (also called rold gold) oranaments are made here. Agriculture is the most important occupation, paddy being the main food crop produced. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a unit of the Union Defence Ministry, of Government of India, has a manufacturing unit here. BEL is involved in design, development and manufacture of sophisticated, state-of-the art electronic equipments that are used by Indian Defence Services and para military organizations.
Arts and Crafts
Kalamkari floor spread, block-printed and mordant-dyed cotton (kalamkari) from Machilipatnam. This spread, in the Muslim style, was used for gatherings such as community dinners.The Kalamkari fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti with their intricate designs, are used in clothing and wall hangings. Kalamkari refers to dye-painted cloths and the technique used to create them. Their name derives from kalam, the Persian word for a pen-like tool used to draw outlines on the cloth, and kari (work). Fabrics are outlined with a cotton-tipped bamboo stick and dyed in vegetable or mineral colours.
Demographics
According to the census of 2001, the population of Machilipatnam is 183,370. Males number at 91,400 and Females at 91,970.
Culture
People in Machilipatnam practice Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Hindus and Christians usually speak Telugu and the Muslims tend to speak Urdu. Women of all cultures and faith communities in Machilipatnam typically wear the traditional Indian dress, the sari – sometimes Shalwar Qamis.
Tourism
Machilipatnam is a city with a rich history of foreign conquests, business and trade. The beaches in Machilipatnam are long, broad, pristine, with pale blonde sands. Manginapudi Beach, a beachside fishing hamlet, located at a distance of 11 km from Machilipatnam, is well known for its scenic beauty and also as a historic port city.
Transport
Vijayawada, 65 km from Machilipatnam, connects the city by road and rail with the rest of India.
Media
The city receives television and radio
transmissions from Hyderabad and the rest of country. All major print media are
in circulation here. The major Telugu dailies include the Eenadu, Vaartha,
Andhra Jyoti, Andhra Bhoomi, Udayam and Andhra Prabha & Surya. The major
English dailies are The Deccan Chronicle, Business Standard, The Hindu, The
Times of India, The Indian Express and The Economic Times.
Education
In Machilipatnam has KRISHNAUniversity in Andhra Jaateeya Kalasala in Rajupet. EST 2008 Machilipatnam has a high literacy rate. It has public (state-run) and private run schools.
Temples
Lord Pandu Ranga temple in Chilkalapudi, Sivaganga Temple in Kalekanpet, Tri Shakthi Peetam in batchupet, Saibaba temple in batchupet, Haiyagreeva temple in batchupet,Venkateswara swamy temple in batchupet,Lord shiva temples in balarampet ,gandhi bomma centre, ,Ayyappa temple having gold kavacham.,Famous Vinayaka temples.,54 feet saibaba idol near district court centre
Specialities
Here are some specialities of Machilipatnam(Bandar):-Bandar Laddu,Black Halwa,Badam Milk.
