The sources provide an extensive historical and geographical overview of the Indian city of Vizag, also known by its colonial name Vizagapatnam and former name Vaijag, highlighting its transformation from a small fishing village into a major port city. The first two sources offer a chronological history of Vizag's major events, listing rulers from the Mauryan Empire to the establishment of modern institutions like the port and university, while also detailing its geographical features and cultural components like cuisine and festivals. The third source, inspired by B. Carmichael’s 1869 manual, focuses specifically on the 18th and 19th centuries, describing the city's colonial encounters with the Dutch, French, and British, its spiritual landmarks, and the socio-economic impacts of British governance and port upgrades. Together, the texts paint a comprehensive picture of the city's ancient roots, its strategic importance during the colonial era, and its ongoing evolution as a modern center of commerce and culture.
Recollections of an Indian Official 1928-1949 - Life in Koraput
Welcome to the podcast. Today, we delve into the experiences of a British official in India between 1928 and 1949, as recollected by Roger Bell. We'll explore his postings in various districts, including Koraput, Madras, and Sambalpur, offering a glimpse into the life and challenges faced by officials during this period.
In this episode, we examine the social and administrative aspects of British rule in India through the eyes of an official1. From encounters with local doctors like Dr. Appalaswami and dealing with dacoity6 to tiger-shooting and managing census operations9, we uncover the diverse responsibilities and interactions that shaped his career. Join us as we journey through the career of a British official in India, encountering outstanding doctors,troublesome panthers..., and the social life in Madras and the West Coast
This episode provides insights into the challenges and rewards of serving in the Indian Civil Service during a transformative period"
Recollections of an Indian Official 1928-1949 - Roger Bell
From 1928 to 1949, Roger Bell served in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) under the Government of Madras, offering a glimpse into the world of British colonial administration1. His story reveals the inner workings of the ICS1, the social lives of British officials in India2, and the political changes that shaped the subcontinent3. From his recruitment out of Oxford4 to his role in managing districts5, to his encounters with Gandhi's independence movement6, Bell's journey encapsulates a pivotal era in Indian history
The TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum, also known as the "Pride for the City", is located on the beach road in Vizag.
The museum was formed in 2017 after the TU 142 Naval Aircraft was decommissioned at the Vizag each, having served the Indian Navy for 29 years.
The foundation of the museum was laid by Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh State, and it was inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind
The cost to convert the aircraft into a museum was INR 3.5 crore, with a total project development cost of INR 14 crore
The aircraft in the museum took its first flight on July 18, 1968, and was retired on March 29, 2017, at INS Rajali. The aircraft had given an accidental-free flying service of 30,000 hours to the navy.
The museum has an exhibition hall where you can see equipment such as a survival kit, engine, data recorder, propeller, anti-submarine missiles, and sonobuoys. The museum also features VR rides . Photography is not allowed inside the aircraft.The entry fee is ₹70 per person for adults and ₹40 per person for children, which includes a free audio guide. The museum is open from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Hawa Mahal, a palace in Visakhapatnam, India. Built between 1917 and 1923 by Maharaja Ramchandra Dev IV of Jeypore, it served as a summer residence and transit point. The palace's Indo-Gothic architecture is highlighted, featuring unique design elements intended to maximize cooling sea breezes. The Hawa Mahal has hosted numerous dignitaries and continues to be a significant landmark and popular venue for cultural events, also appearing in films. Sources offer varying details on construction, usage, and historical context.
Juggarow was one of the early pioneers of observational astron-omy in India who built his own observatory in 1840 at Vizag (Visakhapatnam). His legacy was continued by his son-in-law A.V.Nursing Rowtill 1892, his daughter till 1894, Madras Government till 1898, and his grandson till it became inactive in early 1900s. Observations of comets,planetary transits, stellar occultationsetc have been continued along with meteorological observations. Celestial photography was also started at the observatory. After 1898 the observatory’s activities were re-oriented towards meteorology. The establishment of the observatory, the personality’sinvolved and the final closing of the institution are described here.
When people picture Vizag, they often imagine serene beaches, the majestic Dolphin’s Nose, and a bustling port alive with modern industry. What rarely comes to mind is the scene of warplanes roaring overhead, bombs whistling downward, and local residents huddling in trenches, clinging to the hope of survival. Yet for a brief, intense period in 1942, the very “City of Destiny” was on the front lines of a global conflict that rattled its peaceful rhythms and forced it to develop an impromptu civil defense apparatus. From INS Ryujo’s feared warplanes to everyday hardships like blackout regulations, rationing, and rumored invasions, Vizag in wartime stands as a stark testament to how civilian life can transform in the crosshairs of conflict.
The Battle of Bobbili in 1757, a pivotal event in Indian history. A conflict between the Bobbili and Vizianagaram families escalated, involving the French East India Company and resulting in the near-total destruction of Bobbili fort and its inhabitants. The battle highlights the clash between local Indian powers and European colonial ambitions in the weakening Mughal empire. Subsequent revenge by Bobbili's general, Tandra Paparayudu, adds to the narrative's dramatic intensity. The text also explores the historical background of the involved families and the political landscape of the time.
The War of Padmanabham was fought on July 10, 1794 between British Colonel Pendergast sent by the Governor of Madras, John Andrews and The Rajah of Vizianagaram kingdom because 2nd Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju or Pusapa China Vijayaramaraju refused to Pay tax to Britih & also opposed British Governance on his Kingdom from the Time of his Grandfather. British got their full control over the Vizianagaram kingdom with loss of only 13 persons. The Bale lasted up to a Span of 1hr or 1hr 30 min. At that me The British were well equipped with Rifles & Canons whereas the King lacks of those weapons. At that time both Vizianagaram & Visakhapatnam were united
Sinking of PNS Ghazi in the waters of Vizag
We did fooled fooled Pakistan into sending their sole long-range submarine to stalk the Indian aircra carrier INS Vikrant outside Vizag port, while the carrier was safely harbored in the Andamans.
PNS Ghazi (SS 479) was a United States-built submarine that was leased by Pakistan in 1963. It operated in the 1965 and 1971 wars between India and Pakistan and was Pakistan's first submarine and remained the flagship submarine for Pakistan Navy unl it sank in 1971. It sank off the fairway buoy of Vizag near eastern coast of India during the 1971 war.
Why
During 1971 Indo Pak war, sensing a deteriorang military scenario with the transfer of Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant close to East Pakistan, the Pakistan Military decided to negate the threat by deploying its flagship submarine Ghazi. On 14 November, Ghazi sailed out of harbour on a reconnaissance patrol under the command of Cdr. Zafar Muhammad Khan with 92 hands on board. It was expected to report on 26 November. The submarine sailed 3,000 miles
In the mid-1700s, Vizag was on the cusp of becoming a French colony but a twist of fate changed the course of Vizag’s history. The first major exploratory voyage made by the French to the Bay of Bengal was in 1740, by the sailor Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, who was the French East India Company’s cartographer. Vifipatagam, on the western shore of the Golfe de Bengale, is how the mapmaker wrote the town’s name at that time.
On a sun-drenched morning in 1976, the Indian Navy was conducting a routine aerial survey along the picturesque coastline of Visakhapatnam. As the aircraft glided over the rolling hills kissing the Bay of Bengal, something unusual caught the eye of the crew. Nestled atop a hill were patterns and structures that stood out against the natural landscape—symmetrical shapes and lines that hinted at human craftsmanship.
Curiosity piqued, they marked the location for a closer inspection. What began as a routine mission soon turned into a voyage of historical discovery. Little did they know, they had stumbled upon the remnants of an ancient civilization that would rewrite the history of Vizag and shed light on a forgotten chapter of India’s Buddhist heritage.
Though born in koraput district of odisha, Dhimsa is almost the official dance of Vizag. This tribal dance is performed by the Porja' caste (One Of many tribes of eastern ghats) women praising deity for welfare of the domestic life.
Nearly 15-20 women form a chain and dance wearing typical tribal dresses and ornaments. The leading women carry a peacock feather in her hand. It is a must for newly wed because on this day the women pray for a peaceful and happy married life. The members play instruments like Mori, Thuduma and Dappu.
Etikoppaka, a small town in Vizag reminds one of childhood days, of vivid, sparkling wooden toys and colorful objects that were the source of endless joy.This village in Vizag has an age-old tradition of toy making. The toys are usually made of wood. The wood is soft and has a fine grain. Women and children pick it up from nearby hills and leave it to dry in the courtyards. The workplace and tools are primitive. It is a wonder that with these primitive tools, objects of such skill originate here.In 1906, Sri C.V.Padmanabha Raju, a landlord of Etikoppaka, brought colored lac from Chennai. The local villagers made toys using the soft lightwood and colored lac.Lacquering is done on a lathe, hand or machine operated. For making slender and delicate items, the hand lathe is considered suitable. Dry lac is pressed against the item to be lacquered and then exposed to heat. The wooden base is continually rotated for uniform application. It speaks of the skill of the craftsman as he uses different colors and yet manages to get uniform shine on them.Etikoppaka toys have become very popular in India and abroad. As the toys are exported also, vegetable dyes are used in coloring instead of lead based dyes. Vegetable dyes are brought from Madhya Pradesh in powdered form. A thick decoction of color is mixed with hot lac and sticks are made similar to those with synthetic dyes.In making new designs, Etikoppaka artisans are helped by the School of Fine Arts, Andhra University, National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and M.S.University, Baroda besides individual designers.
Step into the heart of Araku Valley, where the warm aroma of coffee beans mingles with the gentle hiss of an espresso machine. I find myself at the Araku Valley Coffee Museum, nestled about 130 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. Amid the rich scents of freshly brewed coffee.
Explore the fascinating journey of this humble bean to its present prominence. Coffee first arrived in Andhra Pradesh in 1898, brought by British planter N.S. Brodie. Today, India stands as the world's sixth-largest coffee producer, with over 98% of its growers being small-scale farmers. Join me as we brew up the story of Araku coffee’s rich heritage and its journey from seed to sip.