Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, state in southern India, bordered on the south by Tamil Nâdu state, on the west by Karnâtaka state, on the north and northwest by Mahârâshtra state, on the northeast by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa states, and on the east by the Bay of Bengal. Hyderâbâd is the state capital and largest city. The two other main cities are Vishâkhapatnam, India's fourth largest port, and Vijayawâda. Telugu, is the state's official language. A Muslim, Urdu-speaking minority lives mostly in Hyderâbâd. Andhra Pradesh has several museums, including the Salar Jung Museum, which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, and the Archaeological Museum, which features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and other antiques; both museums are located in Hyderâbâd. Andhra Pradesh is also the home of many colleges and universities, including Andhra Universityi in Waltair, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University in Hyderâbâd, and Osmania University also in Hyderâbâd.Andhra Pradesh has a Legislative Assembly of 295 seats. The state sends 60 members to the Indian national parliament: 18 to the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and 42 to the Lok Sabha (lower house). It has 25 local government administrative districts.