Eluru ( ) is a city and the district headquarters of Eluru district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Historically known as Ellore". It is one of the 14 municipal corporations in the state and the mandal headquarters of Eluru mandal in the Eluru revenue division. Situated on the banks of the Tammileru River, Eluru is strategically positioned in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh. It was historically known as Helapuri. Census of India, the city had a population of , where as Eluru Urban Development Authority has a population around 2,760,160, reflecting its status as a major urban centre. The city's historical significance dates back to the second century CE, with evidence of its ancient roots found in various archaeological sites and historical records. Eluru was a prominent town under the rule of the Qutub Shahis, who governed the region in the 16th century. It came under the control of the Mughal Empire in the 17th century as the empire expanded its influence across South India. The town later became part of the Nawab of Hyderabad's dominions in the 18th century. During British India, Eluru was incorporated into the Madras Presidency and made capital for Northern Circars in the early 19th century. The British established administrative and infrastructural developments in the town, shaping its modern identity.
The city came into headlines after the outbreak in 2020, which was a significant event that drew national attention. The incident involved a mysterious illness that affected hundreds of people, leading to widespread concern and a major public health response. It is situated in the Krishna River Delta region, and is known for its fertile agricultural lands. The city is intersected by various rivers and canals. Kolleru Lake, one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in India is located within a few kilometers from the city.
Eluru has made significant contributions to Indian film and arts through several notable personalities like L. V. Prasad, Silk Smitha, Sekhar Kammula etc. The city plays a crucial role in regional commerce, Eluru is renowned primarily for its pile carpets, though it also manufactures textiles and leather goods. Additionally, the city serves as a key trade hub for fresh water fish, lemon, rice, oilseeds, tobacco, and sugar. Located on the Golden Quadrilateral, the city is well-connected by road, rail, and airways. Alluri Sitarama Raju Stadium, situated in Eluru, is a prominent sports venue named after the celebrated Indian freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. Eluru's educational landscape includes several notable institutions, such as ASRAM Medical college, Sir C.R. Reddy Educational Institutions, etc, which contribute to the city's reputation as a centre for learning.
History
Toponymy
The city was part of the Vengi Kingdom and served as the capital during the Buddhist kingdom's rule, where it was known as 'Helapuri'. It was also called Erla Uru before being renamed Ellore by the British. To avoid confusion with Vellore, which had a similar pronunciation during the Nizam rule, Ellore was referred to as Uppu Ellore (i.e. Salt Ellore), while Vellore was called Ra Vellore or Raya Vellore.
Early and medieval history Historical affiliations Qutub Shahis 1565–1687 Mughal Empire 1687–1724 Nizam State 1724–1753 French East India Company 1753–1759 Northern Circas 1759–1947 Madras State 1947–1953 Andhra State 1953–1956 Andhra Pradesh Since 1956
The history of Eluru dates back to the second century CE and has great prominence in the history of Andhra. Vengi near Eluru was the capital of Andhra from the second century to the twelfth century, ruled by Salankayanas, Vishnukudinas, and Eastern Chalukyas. Vengi was the capital city of Andhradesa for more years than any other city in Andhra Pradesh.
The Salankayanas ruled from the third to the fifth century CE, with their domain centred around the Vengi region and Eluru serving as their capital. Known as Šalaňkayana after their Gotra name, they were feudatories of the Ikshvakus. The historical significance of the Salankayanas is highlighted by the inscription of their first known king, Devavarman, in Eluru (Ellore), where he recorded performing the Ashvamedha sacrifice to mark his successful establishment of the kingdom. The Salankayanas are considered one of the elusive kingdoms of Andhra, with their timeline corroborated by references in the Samudra Gupta inscription mentioning Hastivarman of Vengi.
In the late fifth century, the Salankayanas were conquered by Madhavarma II of the Vishnukundinas. During the reign of Madhava Varma the Great, they became independent and conquered coastal Andhra from the Salankayanas and might have shifted their capital to a place in coastal Andhra. Eluru was a major city of the Vishnukundinas. Vishnukundin reign might be fixed between the end of the Salankayana and the rise of the Eastern Chalukyan power in 624 AD.
Eastern Chalukyas, or Chalukyas of Vengi, were a dynasty of South India whose kingdom was in the present day Andhra Pradesh. Their capital was Vengi near Eluru and their dynasty lasted around 500 years from the seventh century until 1130 AD, when the Vengi kingdom merged with the Chola empire. The Vengi kingdom continued to be ruled by the Eastern Chalukyas (Eastern Chalukyan kings) under the protection of the Chola empire until 1189 AD, when the kingdom succumbed to the Hoysalas. They had their capital originally at Vengi, now Pedavegi, near Eluru and was later changed to Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry).
After the defeat and capture of Prataparudra II in 1323 AD, the annexation of the region from Nellore to Rajahmundry, including Eluru. A Persian inscription from the same year by Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq is found on the main gateway of the large mosque in Rajahmundry. Additionally, coins of this Sultan have been discovered in a village near Eluru. Nearly all of the Telugu country had come under Muslim rule by 1324 AD Eluru was captured by the Kakatiyas and then became a part of the Kalinga Empire until 1471 AD. Later, it fell into the hands of the Gajapatis. In 1515, Srikrishnadevaraya captured it. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, The region fell under Qutb Shahi dynasty in c. 1565 AD and subsequently became part of the Mughal Empire in 1687.
Modern history
In the early 17th century, the East India Company was establishing its foothold in the Indian subcontinent amidst the complex political landscape of the Mughal Empire. In 1689, after Mughal forces occupied the Vizagapatam factory and seized Company servants, the renewal of the factory's lease was secured, including for Eluru. The President of Fort St. George informed the Governors of Eluru and other factories about the reconciliation with the Mughals. Due to threats from local bandits, the Company requested permission to fortify the Vizagapatam factory, which Nawab Asad Khan granted in April 1689.
In 1724, the region was integrated into the Nizam of Hyderabad's dominion. In 1748 AD, Nizam-ul-Mulk died, leading to a succession dispute between his son Nasir Jung and his grandson Muzaffar Jung. Both, however, were ultimately overthrown due to the machinations of their subordinates. As a result, Salabat Jung, the third son of Nizam-ul-Mulk, was elevated to the throne with the support of the French. Between 1750 and 1850, the Northern Coromandel region, including Eluru, witnessed significant political and administrative changes. In 1753 AD, Salabat Jung granted the provinces of Kondapalle, Eluru, Rajahmundry, and Chicacole to the French East India Company as a means to maintain their military forces. In the mid-18th century, the power struggle between the French and British East India Companies significantly impacted the region around Eluru. By December 1758, during the Carnatic wars, British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Forde began a series of military operations in the Northern Circars, including the area around Eluru. This was part of a broader strategy to weaken the French position in the Deccan and support local allies. On 20 October 1758, British troops arrived at Visakhapatnam, subsequently advancing to Eluru. By 6 February 1759, British forces reached Eluru, and by 3 March, they neared Masulipatnam. The French commander, Conflaus, had sought assistance from the Nizam of Hyderabad, Salabat Jung, but British pressure led to the eventual surrender of Masulipatnam on 8 April 1759. Salabat Jung, the Nizam of Hyderabad, initially allied with the French but was forced to retreat after a treaty with the British, after the rebellion by his brother, Nizam Ali Khan. In 1760, Nizam Ali Khan sought British assistance in his conflict with the Marathas, offering the cession of Eluru and two other Circars. Although the British couldn't spare troops, they suggested to Hasan Ali Khan, the fauzdar of Eluru, to lease the five Northern Circars to them in return for half the net revenue. In 1762, Nizam Ali Khan ousted Salabat Jung and usurped the throne, leading to the British occupying the Circars, including Eluru, under the sanads delivered by Hasan Ali Khan. When Nizam Ali Khan demanded the return of the sanads and the restoration of the territory, he appointed Buddea Jemah Khan as the new fauzdar in 1763. However, Jemah Khan struggled to maintain authority after the withdrawal of British troops and was forced to take refuge in the fort of Eluru when the Raja of Vizianagaram captured Rajahmundry. By 1766, a treaty was concluded where the British agreed to hold the Northern Circars, including Eluru, on payment of tribute and the provision of troops. Hasan Ali Khan's administration ended with the expiration of his lease in 1769, and Eluru, along with Rajahmundry and Kondapalle, was placed under the direct control of the British, managed by the Chief and Council at Machilipatnam. This agreement was part of a broader strategy by the British to secure their interests in the region and stabilize their position against other regional powers.
In AD 1785, disputes over estate management, including Eluru, led to unrest. During this period, Eluru's revenue management was intertwined with neighboring estates such as Polavaram, Gutala and Kothapalle. The early history of the zamindari of Eluru is not well-documented. By AD 1786, Tirapati Raju, the zamindar of Mogalthur who owns Eluru, fell behind on payments, which led to the estate being taken over by the Company. Revell was appointed to oversee the estate with assistance from Bhupayya, the zamindar's diwan, and the zamindar eventually settled his debts faithfully. In AD 1791, following the death of Tirapati Raju and an insurrection led by Jagga Raju, the Mogalthuru zamindari, including Eluru, was annexed to the Company's dominions and leased out. The renters, Bhupayya and Venkatarama Raju, failed to meet their obligations and fled, leading to further disturbances. In AD 1794, the Masulipatnam district, including Eluru, was reorganized into three collectorates with headquarters at Mogalthuru, Cocanada, and Rajahmundry, with Eluru under Rajahmundry's jurisdiction.