There are various theories linked to the origin of the name Nellore. According to a mythological story from the Sthala Purana, the name is connected to a sacred lingam in the form of a stone found beneath a Phyllanthus emblica tree, also known as the nelli tree (nelli, meaning 'emblica tree' in Proto-Dravidian and Telugu). The presence of the nelli tree in this story is believed to be one of the etymological roots of the region's name.
Another theory is that the name "Nellore" is derived from the Tamil word "nellu", which means "paddy" or "rice." The region is renowned for its vast rice cultivation, and the name reflects its agricultural heritage and the importance of rice production in the area. Over time, the name "Nelluru" evolved into the modern form "Nellore," used in both Telugu and Tamil-speaking regions.[8]
Historically, the area was known as Vikrama Simhapuri in medieval era. The abundance of paddy fields eventually led to the name being changed to Nellore. The region has long been associated with agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which continues to play a significant role in its economy today.[9][10]
Nellore was ruled by Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BCE. Nellore was conquered by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty and it was under their rule till the 6th century CE, subsequently the Chola rulers ruled Nellore for a long period of time. The Cholas met their decline in the 13th century CE. Tamil inscriptions indicate that it formed part of Chola kingdom till their decline in the thirteenth century CE.[11] It later became a part of Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Sultanate of Golconda, Mughal Empire and Arcot Nawab. In 1758 Marathas under the command of Balwant Rao Captured Nellore from Nazibulla.[12] In the 18th century, Nellore was taken over by the British from the Arcot Nawabs and was part of the Madras Presidency of British India.
British rule – Madras Presidency
The first account was produced by John Boswell in 1873 as collector. This report by the British Includes Climate, agriculture, health statistics as well important taxation information. Social structure including important families of Nellore from the 1800s. These included Venketagiri Raja, kalhastri Rajah, The Chundi Zamindhar, The Mutiyalpad Zamindhar, Sayidapur Zamindhar, Jupalli Zamindhars of Udayagiri, Udayagiri Jaghirediar, the Vazella Zamidhars of Gudur, Zamindhars of Ongole, Turrawar Poligar, Tadeboyina Polighar, The Chettiars Polighar, The Udathawar Polighar, The Gangulawar Poighar and Buchireddypalem Family. These families under the British Raj were responsible for the villages and lands in their possession. The British recognized the importance of Nellore in cultivation as well as important port of Krishnapatam.[13] The city had an important role in the emergence of the Telugu language and the formation of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Potti Sriramulu, who fasted until death for the formation of Andhra Pradesh, hailed from Nellore.[citation needed]
The climate of Nellore city can be placed under Tropical Savanna climate category according to Köppen climate classification which has hot and humid summers and warm winters. April and May are the hottest months and the hot conditions generally last until the end of the June. December, January and February are the coolest months. As the Bay of Bengal is at a distance of 24 kilometres (15 mi) from the city, the sea breeze renders the climate of the city moderate both in winter and in summer. Humidity level in the city is high due to its proximity to the coast. Nellore does not receive the south-west monsoon. Rainfall in Nellore occurs between the months of October and December due to the north-east monsoon. This period gives about 60 percent of the city's annual rainfall. Cyclones are common in the city during this period, causing floods and havoc.[16]
The maximum temperature is 36 to 46 °C (97 to 115 °F) during summer[17] and the minimum temperature is 23 to 25 °C (73 to 77 °F) during winter. The rainfall ranges from 700 to 1,000 mm (28 to 39 in) through South West and North East Monsoons. Nellore is subject both to droughts and to floods based on the seasons.[18]
Climate data for Nellore (1991–2020, extremes 1901–present)
As of the 2011[update][needs update][a]census, Nellore city had a population of 505,258. The average literacy rate stands at 83.59% (male 87.53%; female 79.52%) with 387,192 literates, significantly higher than the state average of 73.00%.[27][28] The expanded city population, post-merger of 15 gram panchayats into Nellore Municipal Corporation stands at 631,791[29]
The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided, and private schools of the School Education Department of the state.[30][31] The medium of instruction followed by different schools are English and Telugu.[32]
Vikrama Simhapuri University is located in Nellore City which offers multiple graduation and post graduation courses to students.
Apart from it, The south headquarters of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) is also in Nellore.
Governance
Tikkana Park in Nellore
Civic administration
Nellore Municipal Corporation was constituted as a municipality on 1 November 1866 by the Madras District Municipality Act.[33][34] It was upgraded to corporation on 18 October 2004 and has a jurisdictional area of 150.48 km2 (58.10 sq mi) with 54 wards.[35] In 2013, fifteen gram panchayats namely, Allipuram, Ambhapuram, Buja Buja Nellore, Chinthareddypalem, Gudupallipadu, Gundlapalem, Kallurupalli, Kanaparthypadu, Kodurupadu, Narayanareddypeta, Navalakulathota, Nellore Bit-I (Kothuru), Peddacherukuru, Pottipalem, Vavilatepadhu were merged into the municipal corporation.[36] Present mayor of the city is Sravanthi.[37]
The residents of the city are generally referred as Nelloreans.[42] The Rottela Panduga (Roti festival) is an annual urs event celebrated at the Bara Shaheed Dargah (shrine of twelve martyrs) on the banks of Swarnala Cheruvu.[43] The event got its name after the practice of exchanging flat breads and attracts visitors from all religious backgrounds every year and from all over the country and also from foreign countries.[44]
Zaminryot newspaper, established in 1930,[47] and the Lawyer Weekly newspaper[48] are based out of Nellore. In addition, Eenadu,[citation needed]Vaartha AndhraJyothy[49] and Sakshi[50] newspapers are also printing local editions in Nellore.
^The planned 2021 census of India was delayed due to the Covid pandemic. As general elections are due in April 2024, further postponement has become necessary. It is now envisaged it will commence in late 2024.[25][26]
^"School Education Department"(PDF). School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original(PDF) on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
