Markapur

Markapuram is a town in Prakasam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and is the headquarters of Markapuram mandal in Markapuram revenue division. Markapuram is notable for the Chennakesava Swamy Temple, built by King Sri Krishnadevaraya. During Ratha Yatra (Tirunalla in Telugu) there occurs a popular carnival; the town is also famous for Chenna Kesavaswamy (Saptavahana Seva) on the day of Rathsapthami, which is attended by thousands of people coming from different parts of the state. It is the second-largest town in Prakasam district after Ongole and it is the main place within West Prakasam district to avail all facilities.

Markapur was formerly a part of Kurnool District, serving as the east gate of Rayalaseema. The town is close to the Nallamala Hills and currently has a population of approximately 75,000. Markapuram is known for slate manufacturing industries.

On 3 September 2020, Markapuram received a historically heavy rainfall measuring 227mm. Due to this weather event, the partially-depleted ground water level increased significantly, leading to a marked decrease in local drought conditions.

History
The town's name comes from a story of a milk maid by the name of Marika who was graced with a son by Swamy Chennakesava. The milk maid, 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 Markapuram. The temple, originally constructed by Marika, underwent numerous additions and renovations, the later large and prominent temple being dedicated to Sri Chennakesava.

This town was a part of Kurnool District until 1971. Yerragondapalem, Markapuram, and Giddalur mandals were in Kurnool district until 1971, when a carve-out made a new district (along with Kanigiri, Podili, Darsi, Kandukur from Nellore District and Ongole and Chirala from Guntur district).

Geography
Markapuram is situated about 100 km east of Kurnool and about three miles north-east of the Vijayawada-Guntakal railway line. Markapuram is located at 15.73°N, 79.28°W at an average elevation of 145 m and is surrounded by Nallamala Forest. An important industry in Markapuram is slate manufacturing. It exported 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-Amaravati Express Highway, a section of the Expressway Project. It is 95 km away from Ongole, 43 km away from Podili, and Nandyal is 120 km 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. Markapuram is near Srisailam. People visiting Srisailam take the train route through Markapuram railway station.

Donakonda Airport was used by the British during World War 2 and is also close to Markapuram.

Education
The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government in conjunction with private schools, under the School Education Department of the state. Instruction is given in both English and Telugu.

N.S. Agricultural College is located in Markapur, along with other degree colleges, including engineering. Various coaching institutes are there which help for competitive exams.