Markapur

Markapur is a town in Prakasam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a Municipality and the headquarters of Markapur mandal in Markapur revenue division. Markapur is known for the Chennakesava Swamy Temple built by King Sri Krishnadevaraya, one of the oldest temples in the state. A carnival happens every year during Ratha yatra (Tirunalla in Telugu). It is also famous for Chenna Kesavaswamy ''Saptavahana Seva'' on the day of Rathsapthami during which the lord will be taken to procession on a ''Vendi Ratham'' (silver chariot), which is attended by thousands of people coming from different parts of the state. It is third-largest town in Prakasam district after Ongole and Chirala, and it is main place for West Prakasam district to avail all facilities.

There is also a demand for separate West Prakasam district with district headquarter as Markapur.

This town formerly was a part of Kurnool District and it was the east gate of Rayalaseema. This town is close to the Nallamala Hills and currently has a population of nearly 75,000. Markapuram is known for slate manufacturing industries. On 3 September 2020, Markapur received a heavy rainfall of 227mm, which is a heavy rainfall in last 20 years. Due to that ground water level was increased so that drought conditions began to decrease.

History

Markapur-situated about east of Kurnool and about three miles north-east of the Vijayawada-Guntakal Railway line. The town's name is derived from a milk maid by name Marika who was said to have been graced with a son by Chennakesava swamy. The lady in commemoration of this event constructed a small temple. Soon afterwards a village grew round and about this temple and was known as Marikapuram. By afflux of time this name evolved into Markapur. The temple originally constructed by Marika developed into a big and a famous temple dedicated to Sri Chennakesava swamy at the time of ruler Sri Krishna devaraya who ruled Rayalaseema.

This town was a part of Kurnool District until 1971. Yerragondapalem, Markapuram, Giddalur talukas, which were in Kurnool district till 1971 was carved out and made new district along with Kanigiri, Podili, Darsi, Kandukur from Nellore District and Ongole and chirala from Guntur district.

Geography

Markapuram is located at at an average elevation of and is surrounded by Nallamala Forest. Markapur is popular for slate manufacturing. It used to export slate to other countries in the late 1980s. It is one of the revenue divisions in Prakasam district.

Transport

Markapuram is located on the Ananthapur–Amaravathi Express Highway which is on going Expressway Project. It is away from Ongole, 43km away from Podili and Nandyal is away on the other side of Nallamala hills.

It is a part of the Guntur division of South Central Railway division. The railway line from Vijayawada to Guntakal passes through this station. Markapur is near Srisailam. People visiting Srisailam taking the train route have to get down at Markapur railway station. Donakonda Airport was used by the British during World War 2 and is also near Markapur.

Education

The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the ''School Education Department'' of the state. The medium of instruction followed by different schools are English and Telugu.
Engineering colleges are there.Also one agricultural College is there,named N.S.Agricultural college.A part from this,there are number of degree colleges.
Various coaching institutes are there which help for competitive exams.

References

{{Prakasam district

Towns in Prakasam district