Gandikota Canyon: Location, Formation, Geographical Significance-UPSC Notes

What Is Gandikota Canyon?

Gandikota Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of India," does the Pennar River form a stunning gorge cutting through the Erramala hills in Andhra Pradesh. The Gandikota Canyon is Located in the Kadapa district. This secret treasure is known for its spectacular views, rugged red sandstone cliffs, and historical importance. 

The 13th-century Gandikota Fort, perched along the edge, adds a rich cultural dimension to the natural beauty. Adventure seekers and photographers often visit to explore the canyon's landscapes. Its raw, untouched terrain makes Gandikota Canyon a must-visit destination for nature and history lovers.

• Physical Geography: Gandikota Canyon is a geomorphological feature, a canyon formed by the Pennar River, which is a major river in Southern India. 
• Indian Geography: Gandikota Canyon is located in Andhra Pradesh, which is a specific geographical feature of India. 
• Rivers and River Systems: The Pennar River, which carved out Gandikota Canyon, is a central river system in the region. 
• Landforms: Canyons are a type of landform, and studying their formation and characteristics is part of understanding the physical geography of a region.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

Location

Gandikota Canyon is found in the Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh, near the village of Gandikota, which is on the right bank of the Penna River. Gandikota is a region with a vibrant history. It is located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Perched on a hill at a height of approximately 100 meters, it overlooks the Penna River gorge. The name Gandikota is derived from the Telugu words' Gandi' (gorge) and 'Kota' (fort).

Formation

The Gandikota Canyon was formed by the Penna River over thousands of years as it eroded the rocky terrain. A gorge is a valley formed by a source of water flowing between tall stabs of steep rocks. The Pennar River must have cut rocks in Gandikota over centuries to have formed the Canyon that we see today.

The canyon is an example of erosion by a river, showcasing the power of natural forces. The natural processes of weathering and erosion, the movement of rivers, and activity in tectonics create canyons. Canyons are most commonly developed by erosion.

Historical Context

The area has a rich history, with the fort at Gandikota being a significant landmark. Gandikota is a village on the right bank of the river Penna, 15 km from Jammalamudugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Gandikota area was first identified and made as a Sand fort in 1123 by Kakatiya Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, Kalyani Chalukya ruler. Gandikota came under the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty from 1239 A.D to 1304 A.D and was ruled by their various subordinates.

Grand Canyon of India

The canyon is nicknamed this due to its resemblance to the famous Grand Canyon in the United States. The "Grand Canyon of India" refers to the Gandikota Canyon, located in Andhra Pradesh. This canyon is a deep gorge carved by the Penna River, resembling the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. It's situated in Kadapa District and is often referred to as the "Hidden Grand Canyon of India." 

Pennar River

The river plays a crucial role in the formation of the canyon and is a significant source of water in the region. The Pennar River was carved through the Erramala hills over millions of years, gradually eroding the red sandstone to create the deep and dramatic Gandikota Canyon. Its continuous flow shaped the cliffs and narrow gorge, defining the canyon's iconic landscape.

Other Features

The fort, temples, and other historical structures in Gandikota add to its cultural significance. The other main attractions at the fort include House of the Drum (drums were used to alert the army in case of invasion), Charminar, Jail (where the prisoners were held captive), and Red Koneru (Also known as Pond of Swords, The huge lake in front of the mosque, where the warriors used to dip their swords in this lake and the waters used to turn blood red after the war).

Check the Article Tropical Deciduous Forests in India for UPSC!

What makes Andhra Pradesh’s Gandikota Canyon so popular?

Gandikota village, located in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, is home to a stunning canyon by the Pennar River. Also called Gandikota Canyon, this natural structure is often compared to the Grand Canyon of Arizona, USA. Though it wouldn't be fair to compare the two, Gandikota has a history and enjoys its special features and popularity. Over time, the Pennar River carved the pink granite rock of Erramala Hills and formed Gandikota Canyon.

• Gandikota Canyon has been an essential part of Andhra Pradesh's history. From the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagaras to the Qutub Shahis, everyone knew that the massive canyon needed to be under their control for better administration of the kingdom.
• A lot of local and essential attractions are named after the Gandikota Canyon, which, like it or not, is an imposing structure and clearly a very influential one, too.
• For instance, Gandikota Fort, The 13th-century red sandstone fort with its 5-mile wall, was once home to some of history's most prominent and most influential rulers.
• The fort complex also has Gandikota temple and Jama Masjid.
• About an hour and a half away from the canyon lies India's second-largest cave system – the Belum Caves in the Kurnool district.
• These caves were formed some millions of years ago when a constant stream of water cut through the black limestone deposits in the area.
• The cave system is also the second largest in the Indian subcontinent, right after Meghalaya's Krem Liat Prah.
• Right outside the cave, on a hillock, there's a white 40 ft Buddha statue.
• Right behind that is the Belum Cave, which has some of the most striking stalagmite and stalactite formations. Belum is 150 ft deep and is an essential site for Buddhists.

Check the Article Classification of Soil in India for UPSC!

Key Takeaways on Gandikota Canyon For UPSC Aspirants!   Natural Marvel: Gandikota Canyon is a stunning gorge carved by the Penna River through the Erramala hills in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing dramatic red sandstone cliffs and rugged rock formations reminiscent of Arizona's Grand Canyon.   Historical Significance: The adjacent Gandikota Fort, established in the 12th century by Kaka Raja, a subordinate of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty, served as a strategic stronghold for various dynasties, including the Pemmasani Nayakas and the Golconda Sultanate.   Architectural Highlights: Within the fort, visitors can explore ancient structures like the Madhavaraya Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and built in the 16th century, and the Jamia Masjid, reflecting Islamic architectural influences. Liamtra.   Accessibility: Gandikota is accessible via road and rail, with the nearest railway stations being Muddanuru and Jammalamadugu. Accommodation options include the Haritha Hotel, managed by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department.

Download Gandikota Canyon Key Takeaways PDF 

If you need detailed study materials for the UPSC CSE exam and other competitive exams, Testbook is your ultimate solution. The quality content covering MCQs with comprehensive explanations, master classes, practice papers, and mock test papers covering general studies and videos related to current affairs has secured its top position. Boost your UPSC preparation by downloading the Testbook App today.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions
Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF
Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF
Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF
Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF
Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF
Art and Culture PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF
Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Download Free PDF