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Eluru ( ) is a city and the district headquarters of Eluru district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the 14 municipal corporations in the state and the Tehsil headquarters of Eluru mandal in the Eluru revenue division. Situated on the banks of the Tammileru, 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 Eluru outbreak, 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, and is known for its fertile agricultural lands. The city is intersected by various rivers and canals. Kolleru Lake, the largest freshwater lake in inland 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, 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.
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''.
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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 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 Samudragupta 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 Chalukya dynasty 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 dynasty. 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 Hoysala Empire. They had their capital originally at Vengi, now Pedavegi, near Eluru and was later changed to Rajahmundry (Rajahmundry).
After the defeat and capture of Prataparudra 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 Kakatiya dynasty and then became a part of the Kalinga Empire until 1471 AD. Later, it fell into the hands of the Gajapati Kingdom. In 1515, Krishnadevaraya 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.
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 India 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 October 20, 1758, British troops arrived at Visakhapatnam, subsequently advancing to Eluru. By February 6, 1759, British forces reached Eluru, and by March 3, they neared Machilipatnam. 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 April 8, 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 Kondapalli Fort, 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 Estate, 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.
During British Raj, Eluru was a military station and the capital city of Northern Circars, a division of the Madras Presidency. In the Madras Presidency, the District of Rajahmundry was created in 1823. It was reorganized in 1859 and was bifurcated into Godavari and Machilipatnam districts. Eluru was a part of Machilipatnam district after the division of the Northern Circars. In 1859, it was included in the Godavari District; later, it was made a part of the Krishna district. During British rule, Rajahmundry was the headquarters of the Godavari district, which was further bifurcated into East Godavari and West Godavari districts in 1925. When the Godavari district was divided, Eluru became the headquarters of West Godavari district. In 2022, Eluru district was carved out of West Godavari and includes the Assembly constituencies of Eluru, Chintalapudi, Nuzvid, Denduluru, Unguturu, Kaikalur and Polavaram.
During Mahatma Gandhi's individual Satyagraha in 1941, Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the movement in Andhra. After Sitaramaiah's arrest, Venkata Raju was appointed as his successor with Gandhi's approval on March 19, 1941. Venkata Raju subsequently traveled to various Andhra towns, including Eluru, to build support for the Satyagraha. His efforts were notable in Eluru and other locations such as Guntur, Vijayawada, and Kakinada. Venkata Raju's activism continued during the Quit India Movement, where he led underground efforts in Guntur district before his arrest in Tenali on September 3, 1942.
In 1944, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar visited Eluru during his tour of Andhra Pradesh. Ambedkar used his platform to criticize Gandhi, asserting that Gandhi's policies were unsuitable for India and likening them unfavorably to Abraham Lincoln's approach. Despite his criticism of Gandhi, Ambedkar's visit was significant for Eluru's Dalit community. His speeches inspired local untouchables, leading to increased self-consciousness and activism. Ambedkar's visit was well-received, and he was presented with Welcome Addresses by various local associations, including the Vaisya Association, Backward Classes Association, and Prema Samajam. Ambedkar's visit to Eluru and other Andhra towns, along with the government's support for the upliftment of untouchables, marked a period of significant social and political change in the region. His influence helped galvanize local leaders and activists, contributing to the broader Dalit movement in Andhra Pradesh.
Eluru is located in the Pranhita–Godavari Basin, a rift that stretches from Boregaon in Maharashtra to the east coast of Andhra Pradesh. This region features a range of geological deposits from the Permian to Early Cretaceous periods. Gondwana formations like Talchir and Barakar are found along the basin's edges, while Upper Gondwana sediments, including Kamthi and Kota Sandstones, are present in the central areas. The basin's diverse geology reflects a history of varying marine and terrestrial environments.
Kolleru Lake is the largest freshwater lake situated between the major river deltas of the Godavari and Krishna along India's east coast. This shallow wetland has a depth ranging between 0.5 and 2.0 meters in summer and spans approximately 245 square kilometers. Designated as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention, Kolleru serves as a flood-balancing reservoir and a crucial habitat for various resident and migratory bird species over an area of about 910 square kilometers. While the exact origin of Kolleru Lake is unclear, previous studies based on sandy beach ridges and fossil shell datings suggest it may have formed as a coastal lagoon during the Mid-Holocene period.
Eluru has been ranked 20th best "National Clean Air City" under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.
The recent outbreak of a mysterious illness in Eluru and neighbouring villages highlights the pressing pollution issues in Kolleru Lake and other water bodies in Andhra Pradesh. Over 600 people fell ill, with experts detecting herbicides in vegetables and lead and nickel in patients' blood samples. Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, once home to millions of migratory birds such as glossy Ibis, , and grey pelicans, but now only limited numbers of painted storks and grey pelicans are observed in the lake. These birds, which previously migrated from Siberia and other regions between October and March for breeding, are now arriving in reduced numbers. This decline in bird populations is attributed to increasing pollution and environmental degradation. The Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, crucial for migratory and indigenous birds, is experiencing significant threats from contamination and habitat loss. Efforts to address these issues include reviewing a proposal for declaring an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kolleru Lake to enhance pollution control and protect the region's ecological health.
census of India, Eluru Municipal Corporation had a population of 214,414 of which 105,707 were male and 108,707 female, whilst Eluru [[urban agglomeration|Urban area]] had a population of 250,693. The estimated city population during 2015–16, period was 350,000.
Hindus are in the majority, and are present throughout the city. There are also Christian, Sikh and Jain communities. census, the religious make-up of Greater Hyderabad was: Hindus (89.51%), Muslims (7.02%), Christians (2.74%), and others (0.72%).
Eluru urban agglomeration is spread over an area of and its constituents include Eluru municipal corporation, census towns of Sanivarapupeta, Satrampadu, Gavaravaram, Tangellamudi, and partly of Komadavole, Eluru (rural) villages.
The Eluru Urban Development Authority (ELUDA) is an urban planning organization established on January 1, 2019, under the AP Metropolitan Region and Urban Development Authority Act, 2016. Based in Eluru, West Godavari district, the ELUDA is responsible for overseeing development and planning within its jurisdiction, which spans an area of 3,327.99 square kilometers. The authority manages urban planning for Eluru city, as well as seven municipalities namely; Bhimavaram, Kovvur, Narasapuram, Nidadavolu, Palakollu, Tadepalligudem, and Tanuku and one Nagar Panchayat, Jangareddygudem. The formation of ELUDA aims to streamline and enhance urban development in the region, ensuring coordinated growth and improved infrastructure.
Law and order in Eluru is maintained with the help of eight , which includes one woman and one traffic police station. These are under the jurisdiction of the 'Additional Judicial First Class Magistrate'.
The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) has highlighted that West Godavari, which has since been split into Eluru district and West Godavari district, ranks first in Andhra Pradesh in terms of healthcare infrastructure development according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). As of 1998, Eluru had 73 clinics, including 50 private and 23 government establishments. With a population of 215,804 (2001), the city had 159 doctors, translating to approximately 7.4 doctors per 10,000 people; 304 nurses, or about 14.1 nurses per 10,000 people; and 849 hospital beds, equating to about 39.4 beds per 10,000 people. Approximately 75% of private hospitals in Eluru were established between the 1980s and 1990s. Government hospitals account for 40% of the hospital beds, while 75% of doctors work in the private sector, and 55% of trained nurses and paramedics are employed privately.
In June 1914, Eluru established its first veterinary dispensary. By the end of 1968, the district's network included one veterinary hospital in Eluru, along with twenty-three primary veterinary dispensaries and thirteen rural veterinary dispensaries in the region. A clinical laboratory was also set up at the Eluru hospital to enhance veterinary services.
In West Godavari, Eluru stands out for its significant role in livestock and poultry farming. According to the 1961 Livestock Census, Eluru taluk ranks first in livestock numbers and also leads in poultry population. The density of livestock in Eluru is 370.7 per square mile, while poultry density is 225.6 per square mile. Recent developments have boosted dairying in Eluru. The Integrated Milk Project, supported by UNICEF and the Government of India, began milk distribution in Eluru town on January 1, 1968. Within two years, daily milk supply surged from 35 liters to 3,100 liters, and by the end of 1969, Eluru had 14 milk distribution centers. Due to its proximity to Kolleru Lake, Eluru hosts approximately four fish markets that conduct trade statewide. These markets play a crucial role in the local economy by providing a significant source of income for fishermen and supporting numerous related businesses. The Eluru Canal, stretching over 64 kilometers, is vital to the local economy, irrigating about 24,483 hectares. This irrigation sustains agriculture in the region, which is key to its economic stability and growth.
In 1904, the Sree Krishna Jute Mills Limited began operations in Eluru as a public limited company. With an initial capital investment of Rs. 20 lakhs, the mills produce gunnies and jute twine, employing around 1,800 people, and had a production of 6,924.45 tonnes in 1967-68. This mill was later closed in 2022. Annapurna Pulverising Mills, established in 1963 in Eluru's industrial estate, has a capital investment of Rs. 5 lakhs. The mills manufacture pesticides and insecticides, producing 1,449 tonnes of dusts, 41 tonnes of , and 30,648 litres of emulsions during 1968-69, and provide employment for about thirty people. Ambica Agarbathies Aroma & Industries Ltd., established in 1946, is one of the oldest contributors to the Eluru's economy. The company produces incense products in the city.
In 2016, a new facility for integration of weapons and manufacturing unit for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was planned for Eluru. The project, estimated to cost Rs , is a collaboration between UK-based Wem Technologies Private Limited and Lockheed Martin, the largest U.S. defense, aerospace, and security company. Then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that of land in Vatluru and Bhogapuram villages near Eluru will be allocated for the facility. In the first phase, the facility will see an investment of Rs crore and create 650 jobs, with a total of 2,510 jobs expected upon full operation. Wem Technologies currently holds orders valued at . The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces challenges with its aging fleet and a shortage of combat squadrons, currently operating 33 squadrons versus the needed 42. The induction of the indigenous HAL Tejas and ongoing negotiations for additional aircraft like the Dassault Rafale and Sukhoi-30 highlight India's efforts to bolster its air combat capabilities. The establishment of this new facility is expected to support these national defense objectives by enhancing domestic production of advanced aircraft.
The Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, situated near Pedavegi is dedicated to boosting oil palm cultivation across the country. Eluru district, with 75,705 hectares dedicated to oil palm cultivation, is a leading region in India's Elaeis production. As part of the Government of India's Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive under the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), efforts are being made to enhance oil palm cultivation to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production. On August 18, 2023 Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) supported this initiative by organizing a plantation drive in Chintampalle, involving 200 farmers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. GAVL has also inaugurated an edible oil refinery in Chintalapudi and allocated 47,000 acres in Telangana for expanded cultivation and processing.
Notable landmarks include the ancient Helapuri Samskrita Pathasala and prominent temples like Janardhana and Jalapaharesvara, with major festivals such as Sankara Jayanti, Ramakoti Utsavam, and Tyagaraja Aradhana attracting thousands of visitors. Dwaraka Tirumala, also known as Chinna Tirupathi, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara Swamy, situated on Seshadri Hill. The temple is renowned for its self-manifested idol of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, discovered by the saint Dwaraka. It is located 38.63 kilometers from Eluru and 19.31 kilometers from Bhimadole Railway Station. The temple is carved into the hill and includes a five-storey gopuram at the entrance. The Kalyanotsavam, an eight-day festival held in April–May, attracts thousands of devotees. Pedavegi, formerly known as Vengi, is located 11.3 kilometers from Eluru and was once the capital of the Salankayanas, Vishnukundins, and Eastern Chalukyas. Now a small village, it retains archaeological remains, including a large well in the fortress where it is believed that women sacrificed themselves during enemy invasions. Eluru Ashram, or Nam Datta Natha Kshetra, is linked to the Baba Budangiri and includes a small temple with idols of Dattatreya and Anagha Devi. The ashram also houses a spacious prayer hall and a Guru Nilayam.
Kolleru Lake is a very large ( to ) but shallow fresh-water lake, about 15 km from the city. The lake is known for attracting migratory birds from Northern Europe and Northern Asia during the months of October–March and is designated as the Kolleru Bird Sanctuary. As of 2018, the water level has been low in recent years.
The "Holy Land" of Israel has been replicated on the premises of Fr. Silvio Pasquali Memorial Convent at Duggirala on the city outskirts.
Eluru city has approximately 522,000 registered vehicles, with motorcycles being the most common, making up 77% of the total. Goods vehicles account for 12%, and auto rickshaws represent 5%. The city lacks a dedicated bus transport system and relies on APSRTC buses for intercity travel though its old and new bus stations. Auto rickshaws are the only available intermediate public transit, with 25,278 autos operating in the city. Footpaths are in poor condition and many locations lack zebra crossings. Despite urban areas in the former West Godavari district contributing 62% to walking and cycling, and 50% of places being within a cyclable distance. Eluru has 93 traffic centres, including 10 major junctions, but only 4 of these junctions are equipped with traffic signals.
is classified as an 'A–category station' in the Vijayawada railway division of South Coast Railway zone. Apart from the main station, other stations that serve the city include , and . All these stations are on the Howrah-Chennai main line. Vijayawada is the nearest airport to the city. Indian National Waterway 4 (NW-4) is under development. It runs along the East Coast through [[Kakinada]], Rajahmundry, Eluru, Commanur, [[Buckingham Canal]], and part of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in South India.
Primary and secondary school education is provided by government, aided, and private schools, under the School Education Department of Andhra Pradesh. According to the school information report for the academic year 2016–17, the urban area has around 160 schools. These include government, residential, private, municipal, and other types of schools. There are more than 100 private schools and 49 municipal schools. There are more than 30,000 students in these schools.
Sri Chintalapati Varaprasada Murthy Raju was the founder of Chintalpati Satyavathi Devi College (St. Therisa College) and three high schools in the name of Indian freedom fighters: Kasturiba Girls High School, Balagangadhar Tilak Oriental for Sanskrit, Duggirala Gopal Krishnayya. Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad High School (the only school with Urdu as medium of instruction in the district). The Central Board of Secondary Education, Secondary School Certificate, or the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education are the types of syllabus followed by schools.
The government plans to set up Municipal Corporation Junior College in the city. Eluru city has ASRAM Medical college, Sir C.R. Reddy Educational Institutions, St Joseph Dental College, Eluru College of Engineering and Technology, Ramachandra College of Engineering, Helapuri Institute of Engineering and Science are Engineering colleges present in and around Eluru.
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