Bhuvanagiri, AndhraPradesh

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Bhongir | type = city | latd = 17.51 | longd = 78.89
locator_position = right | state_name = Andhra Pradesh
district = Nalgonda
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altitude = 430
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 47,451| population_density =
area_magnitude= km²
area_total =
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Bhongir, Bhongiri or Bhuvanagiri is a town and municipality in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located in the of (Telangana region and Nalgonda district of the state. It is 48 km from the state capital, Hyderabad. Bhongir is famous for its fort, which became prominent during the rule of the Kakatiyas.

The Fort was built on an isolated monolithic rock by the Western Chalukya ruler "Tri-bhuvana-malla Vikram-aditya VI" and was named after him as "Tribhuvanagiri". This name gradually became Bhuvanagiri and subsequently Bhongir (Because razakars could not pronounce the original name). At the foot of the fortified rocks stands the town of Bhongir, it has a unique egg-shaped construction with two entry points protected by huge rocks, so the fort was considered practically impregnable by invading armies. A moat that encircles the fort, a vast underground chamber, trap doors, an armoury, stables, ponds, wells etc., make for fascinating viewing. The Bala Hisar or citadel on the top of the hill gives a bird's eye view of the neighbouring area. The fort is associated with the rule of the heroic queen Rudra Amma Devi and her grandson Pratapa Rudra. According to legend, there once was an underground corridor connecting Bhongir Fort to Golconda Fort.

Geography

Bhongir is located at coord|17.51|N|78.89|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/2/Bhongir.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Bhongir] ] It has an average elevation of 430 metres (1410 ft).

The Town is located around the "Bhongir Hill". The Hill has a fort built in the period of the King Vikram-aditya. The Hill is more than convert|500|ft|m high spread about 40 acres. The old steps from the bottom of the hill to the top are still intact. The hill also has a Hanuman Temple on it. The Stone Hill also have few Ponds and is famous for its beatle leaves, pottery and textiles.

Demographics

The Municipal area covers 9.63 km². As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Bhongir had a population of 47,451. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Bhongir has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 78% and female literacy of 61%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Tourism

* Just 48 km from Hyderabad, Bhongir is an ideal stressbuster for all.
* The splendid, peaceful and famous Hill shrine Yadagirigutta, the abode of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, is just 13 km from Bhongir.
* The famous jain Temple in AndhraPradesh 'KolanuPaka' is about 30km from Bhongir.
* Famous educational institutions like, Aurora's Engineering college located near by raigiri
* Other places like Boodhan Pochamalli - famous for its silk & cotton sarees, SurendraPuri temple etc are near to Bhongir. Festivals like Dussera, Deepavali, Sankranti, SriRamaNavami, Bathukamma Panduga etc are a treat to watch in this part of Telangana and are celebrated with pomp and devotion.

References

External links

* [http://www.bhongir.org/Index.asp?View=Tourism Bhongir website with tourism information]
*AP Tourism [http://www.aptourism.com/apservlets/jsp/iplaces3.jsp?infoId=110&THEME=Monuments&LOCATION=Bhongir&DISTRICT=Nalgonda]
*A new website [http://www.bhongir.org] gives an updated information on the area.