Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh (AHN-dhruh-pruh-daysh) is known for its rich history, architecture and culture. Andhra Pradesh has a variety of tourist attractions including beaches, hills, wildlife, forests and temples. Like rest of the Southern India, the culture of Andhra Pradesh is essentially Dravidian, quite different from Northern India's Aryan culture. "Andhra" (आन्ध्र Āndhra) is an old Sanskrit name for the non-Aryans living on the fringes of the Aryan settlements. It was first mentioned in the Rigveda as descendants of the sage Vishvamitra. The name "Andhra" is said to have come from the Old Telugu masculine nominative marker aṉṟu. "Pradesh" means "province" or "state" in Hindi, and Andhra Pradesh is one of the five states of India with "Pradesh". The history of Andhra Pradesh is marked by a succession of dynasties and cultural influences.