Amaravati

Source: TH

Summary

• Context: On April 6, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, making Amaravati the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
• Legal Finality: The Act amends Section 5 of the 2014 Reorganisation Act to substitute “a new capital” with “Amaravati shall be the new capital,” providing statutory backing that prevents future administrative reversals.
• Historical Continuity: Named after the ancient Satavahana capital, the city bridges 2,000 years of history—from being a global Buddhist center to a modern “People’s Capital.”
• Economic Scale: With capital works worth over ₹57,000 crore underway, the city is designed as a sustainable, “future-ready” hub on the banks of the Krishna River.

The Legislative Path (2026)

• April 1-2: Passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the Budget session.
• April 6: President’s Assent and Gazette Notification issued.
• Retrospective Effect: The Act is deemed to have come into force from June 2, 2024, aligning with the current government’s term.
• End of the “Three Capital” Era: This legislation effectively overrides the previous proposal of decentralizing governance across Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Kurnool.

Heritage: The Amaravati School of Art

For your Art & Culture notes, remember that Amaravati isn’t just a new city; it’s a civilizational anchor.

• The Mahachaitya (Stupa): Built between the 2nd Century BCE and 3rd Century CE, it was one of the largest in the world.
• Distinctive Style: The Amaravati School is famous for its use of white marble/limestone and “narrative art,” where entire stories of the Buddha (Jatakas) are carved into medallions and panels.
• Xuanzang’s Records: The traveler noted that the region was a flourishing center where monks from all over Asia gathered to study the Abhidhamma.

Modern Infrastructure & Urban Planning

The modern city is being built on 33,000 acres of land pooled voluntarily by farmers—one of the largest successful land-pooling exercises in history.

• The Blue-Green Concept: Designed to utilize the Krishna River (Blue) and extensive parks/forests (Green) for natural cooling and sustainability.
• Iconic Structures: The Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court are being built with unique architectural designs that blend Telugu tradition with modern technology.
• Connectivity: Positioned as the center of the Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali (VGT) urban corridor, ensuring it becomes an economic powerhouse.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Which specific section of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, was amended in 2026 to designate Amaravati as the permanent capital?

A) Section 3

B) Section 5

C) Section 8

D) Section 10

Q2. The ancient city of Amaravati served as the capital for which prominent South Indian dynasty?

A) Pallava Dynasty

B) Satavahana Dynasty

C) Chola Dynasty

D) Kakatiya Dynasty

Q3. The ‘Amaravati School of Art’ is primarily characterized by the use of which material in its sculptures and stupa panels?

A) Red Sandstone

B) White Marble/Limestone

C) Granite

D) Terracotta

Q4. The modern city of Amaravati is situated on the southern bank of which major Indian river?

A) Godavari

B) Krishna

C) Kaveri

D) Penna

Q5. According to the 2026 Amendment Act, the legal recognition of Amaravati as the capital has been given retrospective effect from which date?

A) October 22, 2015

B) June 2, 2014

C) June 2, 2024

D) April 6, 2026

Answer Key:

1. B) Section 5.
2. B) Satavahana Dynasty.
3. B) White Marble/Limestone.
4. B) Krishna River.
5. C) June 2, 2024.