‘Rayadurgam’ literally means “King’s Hill Fortress”. The Rayadurgam Fort played a very significant role in the history of theVijayanagar Empire. The fort has many inner forts and is inaccessible for enemies to attack. It is built at a height of 2727 ft. from sea level.
Rayadurgam was originally a stronghold of “Rayadurgam Palegar” who were very turbulent during the Vijayanagara rule. The emperor deputed an officer to drive them out and ruled the place himself and the hill was thus called “Bhupatirayakonda”. After the battle of ‘Rakshasa Tangadi’, the Bedars regained the place, but were again driven out after some time by ‘Koneti Nayaka’. His son ‘Venkatapathi Nayaka’ who had differences with the ‘Palegar’ of Chittaldurg greatly strengthened the fortifications. Tipucaptured the fort and made it a part of his Gooty province.
There are 15 villages in this mandal (mdl code-18) of Ananthapur Dt, AP & the villages are:1 Mechiri, 2 Mallapuram, 3Chadam, 4 Bondanakal, 5 Gramadatla, 6 D.Kondapuram, 7 Vadrahonnur, 8 Kontanahalli, 9 rayadurg, 10 Udegolam, 11 Baginayakana halli, 12 Avuladatla, 13 Nagireddipalle, 14 Veparalla, 15 Junjurampalle.
Rayadurg is a city and a municipality in Anantapur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.As of 2001[update] India census, Rayadurg had a population of 54,127. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Rayadurg has an average literacy rate of 56%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 65%, and female literacy is 47%. In Rayadurg, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Though ignored by majority of the historians, it definitely left an indelible mark on history of India by its role during Vijayanagara Empire. A strong fort which was built during Vijayanagara empire is still a silent witness for the forgotten days. A large number of temples built in and around the town also tell lots of stories.
The areas surrounding rayadurg are famous for high quality Ground Nut,Tamarind and Custard Apple also known as Seethaphal.Here Special variety of Pomegranate and brinjal (vankaya)can be seen through out the year
Main sources of revenue being Weaving silk and cotton saris, Garment industry and farming. Nearly 10,000 people are working in garment units. Rayadurg is one of the biggest garment industry in south India exporting Rs.200 crore garments per annual. Silk Sarees for marriages also famous in Rayadurg.
Laddu Suri Angadi a Sweets Stall located in Main Bazaar is very famous for the mouthwatering Laddu,Mysorepak,Kara (called as Mixture)and other sweets.
The ruins of the fort can still be seen on the hill at the foot of which the Raidurga town is built. The hill fort is said to have been built by one ‘Junga Nayaka’. A portion of the fort wall has crumbled. Down below the slope of the hill are four caves with small stone doors with carvings of ‘Siddhas’.
The fort area contains most of the temples of the village including those of ‘Narashimhaswamy’, Hanuman, and ‘Elamma’, which are frequently visited by devotees. There are other temples including those of ‘Prasanna Venkateswara’, ‘Venugopala’, ‘Jambukeswara’, ‘Veerabhadra’, and ‘Kanyakaparameswari’.
Another important and a spectacular sight is “Dasabhuja Ganapathi”, a statue of Lord Ganesha with ten shoulders. It was carved out from a 4 m high monolithic stone. ‘Dasabhuja Ganapathi’ statue is witness to the beautiful “Shilpakala” of olden days.
Kalyanadurga fort, Akkamma Konda and Kothi Konda(kota konda) are some of the famous tourist destinations.
Demographics
As of 2011 Census of India, the town had a population of 61,749. The total population constitute, 30,911 males, 30,838 females and 7,462 children, in the age group of 0–6 years. The average literacy rate stands at 69.60% with 37,781 literates, significantly lower than the national average of 73.00%.
Martian crater
Rayadurgam is one of the Indian cities which has a Martian crater named after it. The other cities/towns are Amet, Bhor, Broach, Kakori, Poona (Pune), and Sandila.
Nearby cities: Ballari (Bellary), Chitradurga, Anantapuram
Coordinates: 14°42’12″N 76°51’19″E
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