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        Andhra Pradesh was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu speaking portions of the former state of Madras. Once upon a time it was a part of the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Ashoka, it became an important Buddhist centre. It is still evident from the early Buddhist influence in places like Amravati, Nagarjunkonda(one of the archaeological sites in India), etc. After the death of Emperor Ashoka, the Satavahanas established their kingdom in this region. Later, it came in the hegamony of the Chalukyas and in the 10th century was engulfed by the Chola Kingdom.

        These reigns accounted for the Hindu school of thought. Subsequently, it witnessed the sway of Muslim rulers in the 14th century and in 1713 A.D. it passed into the hands of a commander of the Mughal army under Aurangzeb. Finally, it succumbed to the rule of the hereditary monarchs called the Nizams of Hyderabad and remained with them till India attained independence. Successive dynasties from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals and the Asaf Jahis, have contributed significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and literature.

Some Historical Events from in the Post Historical Era:

• 1947, Jaipur Session - A committee was set up with Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramaiah (JVP) by the All India Congress Committee to look into the demand for a separate Andhra State.
  
• The JVP Committee approves reorganisation of states on linguistic basis but suggests delay in implementation.
  
• August 15, 1950 - Government of India's non-chalance results in peoples' restlessness. Goparaju Sitarama Sastry commences fast unto death.
  
• September 25, 1950 - Goparaju Sitarama Sastry calls off his fast after assurances from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru about formation of a separate Andhra state.
  
• October 19, 1952 - Andhra stalwart Potti Sreeramulu begins fast unto death when no initiative towards their demands is undertaken.
  
• December 15, 1952 - Sreeramulu takes his last breath, making a supreme sacrifice for the cause of the Andhras.
  
• Bowed down by pressures and angry threats, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru makes a surprise announcement in the Lok Sabha that steps are being taken to form a separate state of Andhra Pradesh.
  
• January 1953 - The Government of India appoints Justice K.N.Wanchoo to look into the matter.
  
• March 1953 - Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announces the ushering in of the first linguistic state in the country on October 1, 1953.
  
• October 1, 1953 - Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam takes charge as Chief Minister of Andhra state with Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy as the deputy.
  
• December 1953 - Government of India appoints the States Reorganisation Commission headed by Justice Fazal Ali to decide on the demand for the formation of linguistic states in other parts of the country.

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