Kamal Guha at 11:02, 25 December 2023

2023-12-25T11:02:20Z

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{{For|the village in Telangana, India|Bheemavaram, Khammam district}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bhimavaram
| native_name =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[City]]
| image_skyline = SomeswaraSwamy-5.JPG
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Somarama Temple of Gunupudi, Bhimavaram
| nickname = Second Bardoli of India
| pushpin_map = India Andhra Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh
| coordinates = {{coord|16.543|81.523|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = [[India]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Coastal Andhra]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[West Godavari district]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[Mandal]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Bhimavaram mandal]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder = Chalukya Bhima I
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body = [[Bhimavaram Municipality]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref name=civicbody>{{cite web|title=Municipalities, Municipal Corporations & UDAs|url=http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|website=Directorate of Town and Country Planning|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=29 January 2016|format=PDF|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128175528/http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 25.64
| area_rank = 20 (Andhra Pradesh)
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 7
| population_footnotes = <ref name=population>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-andhrapradesh.php|title=Andhra Pradesh (India): Districts, Cities, Towns and Outgrowth Wards – Population Statistics in Maps and Charts|work=citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_total = 142185
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/India-AndhraPradesh.html|title=Andhra Pradesh (India): State, Major Agglomerations & Cities – Population Statistics in Maps and Charts|work=citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_metro = 146,961
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 534 20x
| area_code = 08816
| registration_plate = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|AP 37]]
| website = {{URL|http://bhimavaram.cdma.ap.gov.in/}}
| footnotes =
}}

'''Bhimavaram''' is a City in [[West Godavari district]] of the Andhra Pradesh state of [[India]]. It is the administrative headquarters of [[Bhimavaram mandal]] in [[Narasapuram revenue division]].<ref>{{cite web|title=West Godavari District Mandals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/maps/atlas/28part31.pdf |publisher=Census of India|access-date=19 January 2015|page=457|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=census>{{cite web|title=District Census Handbook – West Godavari |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2815_PART_B_DCHB_WEST%20GODAVARI.pdf|website=Census of India|access-date=22 September 2015|page=22,23–54|format=PDF}}</ref> It is a part of [[Eluru Urban Development Authority]]. {{As of|2011}} [[Census of India|census]], it is the [[List of cities in Andhra Pradesh by population|second most populous]] urban area in the district with a population of 142,184. It is one of the major pilgrimage centers in the state, which is home to [[Somarama]]m, one of the five great [[Pancharama Kshetras]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Toursim [sic] |url=http://bhimavarammunicipality.com/tourism.aspx |publisher=Bhimavaram Municipality |access-date=1 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316140637/http://bhimavarammunicipality.com/tourism.aspx |archive-date=16 March 2015 }}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The name Bhimavaram literally means "the gift of Bhima". According to a legend, in around 890–918 AD, an [[Eastern Chalukyas|Eastern Chalukya]] king named Chalukya Bheema built a [[Shiva|Siva]] temple and laid the foundation to this town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhimavaraminfo.com/about-bhimavaram.html|title=Welcome to Bhimavaram Info|work=bhimavaraminfo.com|access-date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706221432/http://www.bhimavaraminfo.com/about-bhimavaram.html|archive-date=6 July 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was originally called "Bhimapuram", but the name gradually changed to "Bhimavaram"; "puram" refers to a dwelling place while "varam" means an endowment in Telugu.

== History ==
Along with much of present-day coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bhimavaram was controlled by the [[Chola dynasty]]. Under [[Kulothunga Chola I]], Bhimavaram was ruled by his sons who served as viceroys. Stone inscriptions have been found in the town dating from his reign (c. 1096 C.E.).<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://www.bhimavaraminfo.com/municipality.html|title=About Bhimavaram Municipality.|year=2011|publisher=Bhimavaram Municipality|access-date=23 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714160906/http://www.bhimavaraminfo.com/municipality.html|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Distrct formation===
[[Rajahmundry|Rajahmundry district]] was formed in 1823 and in 1859 bifurcated into [[Godavari District]] and [[Krishna district]]. In 1925, Godavari district was split into [[East Godavari district]] and [[West Godavari district]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://rmc.ap.gov.in/about/rajahmundry_history | title=Rajamahendravaram History | work= Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation |publisher= Government of Andhra Pradesh | access-date = 20 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://chapter.intach.org/godavari-chapters/history.html | title= History of East Godavari chapter |publisher= INTACH East Godavari chapter| access-date = 20 December 2023}}</ref>

The reorganisation of the districts in 2022 increased the number of districts in Andhra Pradesh from 13 to 26.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/040422/cm-jagan-mohan-reddy-inaugurates-13-new-districts.html | title= 13 new districts inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh; Full list here | work= Published on: April 4, 2022 |publisher= Deccan Chronicle| access-date = 20 December 2023}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{As of|2011}} [[census of India]], the town had a population of 142,184. The total population constitutes 70,066 males and 72,214 females—a sex ratio of 1031 females per 1000 males. 12,157 children are in the age group of 0–6 years, of which 6,149 are boys and 6,008 are girls—a ratio of 977 girls per 1000 boys. The average literacy rate stands at 83.41% with 1,08,535 literates, significantly higher than the state average of 73.00%.<ref name=population /><ref>{{cite web|title=Literacy of AP (Census 2011) |url=http://www.ap.gov.in/AP%20State%20Statistical%20Abstract%20May%202014/2%20AP%20Demography.pdf |publisher=AP govt. portal |access-date=11 June 2014 |page=43 |format=PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213923/http://www.ap.gov.in/AP%20State%20Statistical%20Abstract%20May%202014/2%20AP%20Demography.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> Its [[urban agglomeration]] population was 146,961.<ref name=census />

== Economy ==
[[File:Bhimavaram Paddy Fields.JPG|right|thumb|A patch of paddy fields near Bhimavaram]]
Bhimavaram is in the epicentre of the [[Godavari River|Godavari delta]] region. It is one of the principal trade centres of paddy in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Agriculture-based businesses like food processing, aqua culture, rice mills etc., are the chief sources of the town's revenue. It serves as a distribution centre as well as commercial centre to its hinterland. The town is the regional centre for higher education and is known for its specialized health services.<ref name="About" />It has many major Retail brand shops like KLM, DMart, Coastal city centre etc..,

== Governance ==
===Civic administration===
Its urban agglomeration covers Bhimavaram municipality, partly out growths of Rayalam (rural) and Chinamiram. It has an area of {{Convert|26.14|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="census" />

Trace of Bhimavaram Municipality Evolution:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epaper.eenadu.net/index.php?rt=print/printPage&article=MjAxOTAxMDNmXzAwMTEyNQ==&view=image|title=Administration|website=Bhimavaram Municipality|access-date=29 March 2016}}{{Dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

# April 1948: [[Bhimavaram Municipality]] was established as a third grade municipality.
# August 1963: Upgraded to a second grade municipality in August 1963.
# August 1967: Upgraded to a first grade municipality in August 1967.
# September 1980: Upgraded to a Special Grade Municipality in September 1980.
# September 2011: It was upgraded to 'Selection Grade municipality' in 2011.
# 1 January 2019: [[Eluru Urban Development Authority]] created. Bhimavaram became a part of [[Eluru Urban Development Authority|EUDA]] along with places in [[West Godavari district|West Godavari District.]]

==Politics==
[[Bhimavaram (Assembly constituency)]] is a legislative assembly constituency in [[Andhra Pradesh]].(The MLA was Grandhi Srinivas)

== Transport ==
The town has a total road length of '''{{Convert|201.60|km|mi|abbr=on}}'''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Details of Roads in each ULB of Andhra Pradesh|url=http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp|website=Commissioner and Directorate of Municipal Administration|publisher=Municipal Administration and Urban Developmemt Department – Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801101300/http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is well connected with other places in the country by [[National Highway (India)|national highways]]. [[National Highway 216 (India)|NH 216]] passes through the town.

The [[Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation]] operates bus services from '''[[Bhimavaram bus station]]'''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bus Stations in Districts |url=http://www.apsrtc.gov.in/Bus%20Stations.aspx |website=Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation |access-date=9 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322233330/http://apsrtc.gov.in/Bus%20Stations.aspx |archive-date=22 March 2016 }}</ref> [[Bhimavaram Town railway station]] is classified as 'A–category' in [[South Central Railway zone]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1327487244480-Division%20profile-new.pdf |title = Vijayawada Division – a profile| publisher= Indian Railways| access-date = 2013-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/bhimavaram-junction-bvrm/2080|title=BVRM/Bhimavaram Junction Railway Station|work=India Rail Info|access-date=23 August 2013}}</ref> The [[Gudivada–Bhimavaram section]] connects it with [[Howrah-Chennai main line]].

There are as many as 2,69,137 vehicle owners are licensed according to transport officials in the town. Out of this, about 13,064 are autos, 1236 school buses, 9908 lorries, 11,129 cars, 2,04,728 motorbikes, 2,833 three-wheelers, 15 car travels, and 5 bus travel vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2017-12-18/Traffic-hurdles-in-Bhimavaram-aplenty/346144|title=Traffic hurdles in Bhimavaram aplenty|access-date=12 May 2018}}</ref>

The nearest airport to Bhimavaram is [[Rajahmundry Airport]], which is 80 km away. Bhimavaram is located at distance of 120km from [[Vijayawada|Vijayawada - Wikipedia]], 265 km from [[Visakhapatnam|Visakhapatnam - Wikipedia]] and 400 km from [[Hyderabad|Hyderabad - Wikipedia]]

== Culture ==
Bhimavaram is famous for the Gunupudi Someswara ([[Somarama]]) temple, which is one of the five holy [[Pancharamas]] and the temple of the local deity Mavullamma. The [[Shiva]] [[lingam]] is known for changing its color according to the lunar month: Black during [[amavasya]] and white during [[Purnima|pournami]].

The local deity Mavullamma is believed to have manifested here in the year 1200 CE with the temple being built around 1880 CE. According to local folklore the goddess manifested between a mango farm earning her the name Mamillamma (arising from mangoes) which was later adapted to Mavullamma.

Many people from the city have become notable in the [[Telugu cinema]] industry such as, [[Trivikram Srinivas]], [[Sivaji Raja]], [[Subbaraju|Penmatsa Subbaraju]], [[Sunil (actor)|Sunil]], [[Prabhas]] and [[Raja Ravindra]].

Other notable personalities include [[Krishnam Raju Gadiraju]], [[K. V. K. Raju]], [[Yellapragada Subbarao]] in science, mystic [[Swami Jnanananda]], Industrialists [[B. V. Raju]], [[Byrraju Ramalinga Raju]] and freedom fighter [[Alluri Sitarama Raju]].

== Education ==
Primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided, and private schools of the School Education Department of the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=School Education Department |url=http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf |publisher=School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=7 November 2016 |format=PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227185018/http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal {{!}} AP State Portal |url=http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ |website=www.ap.gov.in |access-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155331/http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ |archive-date= 7 November 2016 }}</ref> The mediums of instruction followed by schools are English and Telugu.

There are numerous higher educational institutions in and around Bhimavaram.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bhimavaramtv.com/bhimavaram-schools-colleges/|title=Bhimavaram Schools, Colleges, Engineering Colleges, Degree Colleges List – BhimavaramTV.com|work=bhimavaramtv.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044127/http://bhimavaramtv.com/bhimavaram-schools-colleges/|archive-date=2014-08-08}}</ref> Some of the renowned institutions are S.R.K.R Engineering College,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srkrec.ac.in/|title=SRKR Engineering College|work=srkrec.ac.in}}</ref> D.N.R Educational Institutions,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnrcollege.org/ |title=(Autonomous) Affiliated to Andhra University, Reaccredited at the "A" Level by NAAC |publisher=DNR College |access-date=2015-08-29}}</ref> K.G.R.L Group of Educational Institutions,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kgrlcollege.net/|title=Kgrl College|publisher=Kgrlcollege.net|access-date=2015-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801215732/http://kgrlcollege.net/|archive-date=1 August 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sri Vishnu Educational Society,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srivishnu.edu.in/|title=Sri Vishnu Educational Society|work=srivishnu.edu.in}}</ref> Bhimavaram Institute of Engineering & Technology,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bietbvrm.ac.in/|title=Home|work=bietbvrm.ac.in}}</ref> Grandhi Varalakshmi Venkatarao Institute of Technology (GVIT),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gvit.ac.in/|title=Welcome to GVIT|work=www.gvit.ac.in}}</ref> Dr.C.S.N. degree and P.G college.

==See also==
* [[West Godavari district#Administrative divisions|Revenue divisions and mandals in West Godavari district]]
* [[Kolleru Lake]]
* [[Kolleru Bird Sanctuary]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Bhimavaram}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120112083305/http://bhimavarammunicipality.com/ Bhimavaram Municipality website]
{{Authority control}}

{{Major Cities of Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Municipalities of Andhra Pradesh}}
{{West Godavari district}}

[[Category:Bhimavaram| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Mandal headquarters in West Godavari district]]

Bhimavaram - Revision history

Kamal Guha at 11:02, 25 December 2023