Kakinada
Kakinada is a port city and municipal corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, it serves as the headquarters of Kakinada district and is a prominent economic and cultural centre in the region. It is the sixth most populous city in the state and is recognised as one of India's most livable and cleanest cities among those with a population under one million. Nicknamed the "Pensioners' Paradise," Kakinada is known for its well-planned layout and modern infrastructure.
The city rose to prominence in the mid-19th century, when the decline of the nearby Coringa port, caused by natural disasters and silting, redirected trade activities to Kakinada port. It became the administrative headquarters of the Godavari district in 1859, further growing as a cotton export hub during the American Civil War. By the late 19th century, Kakinada emerged as one of India's largest ports and the most significant in the Andhra region. According to the 1891 census, Kakinada was the most populous city in the Andhra region, a status it largely retained until the 1930s. During the colonial era, the city also gained importance as the starting point of the Buckingham Canal, a vital route for trade and transportation.
In modern times, Kakinada's economy is driven by industries such as fertilizer production, edible oil refining, natural gas extraction, food processing, IT, and power generation. The city also plays a vital role in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, serving as a key hub for petrochemical companies. Culturally, Kakinada is known for its iconic sweet, Kakinada Kaja, and has been the hometown of several notable personalities in Telugu cinema. Historically, Telugu migrants to countries like Burma and Malaysia were referred to as "Coranghees," a term derived from the nearby Coringa port, which served as a major migration point in Andhra.
Kakinada is also an educational hub, hosting institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Rangaraya Medical College, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade campus, and Andhra Polytechnic, the first polytechnic college in Andhra Pradesh. The city also boasts nearby attractions such as Hope Island, which acts as a natural barrier protecting it from cyclones and tsunamis, and the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, home to vast mangrove forests. Notably, Kakinada was among the first 20 cities selected under the Smart Cities Mission.
Etymology
The name "Kakinada" has multiple theories regarding its origin. One theory suggests that it is derived from the Telugu word "Koka" or "Coca," referring to saree products that were stored and exported by the Dutch when the city served as a Dutch settlement. Another theory links the name to the Telugu word "Kaki," meaning "crow," interpreting Kakinada as the "abode of crows," referencing the birds often seen catching fish along the shore. A third theory associates it with Kakasura, a mythological figure from the Ramayana. Additionally, some believe the name was derived from Kakichika, an ancient ruler of Vengi region.During British rule, the city was known as "Cocanada." Some believe the name "Cocanada" was modified by the British East India Company from "Co-Canada" for convenience, as the original name was considered difficult to pronounce. The city was also referred to as "Coringa," a name derived from its proximity to the Koringa River.
The name "Cocanada" gained prominence with the establishment of the first Canadian Baptist Mission in the area under British administration. After India gained independence, the city was officially renamed Kakinada.
History
Dutch settlement at Jaggernaickpuram
The Dutch East India Company established a trading post at Jaggernaickpuram in present-day Kakinada, during the Dutch colonization of India. On 25 September 1734, Haji Muhammad Hussain, the Nawab of Rajahmundry, granted the Dutch a parwana and kaul, officially transferring the hamlet of "Jagernaykpalam" to the VOC for the construction of a trading lodge.In 1781, during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, the English seized Dutch settlements along the Coromandel coast, including Jaggernaickpuram. The Dutch factory and public buildings were demolished that year. However, in 1784, after peace was declared, the Dutch factories were returned to the VOC.
The Dutch settlements were once again captured by the British during the wars of the French Revolution, but were handed back in 1818 through the Convention of 1814. Finally, in 1825, the Dutch territories in India, including Jaggernaickpuram, were transferred to the British under a treaty between Netherlands and the UK.
Establishment and decline of Coringa port
In 1759, the British established a shipbuilding and repair facility in the area, which came to be known as Coringa Town, located on the Coringa River, a branch of the Godavari River. Its strategic location and safe anchorage attracted European merchants, including the British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese, who utilized its port for trade and maritime activities on the Coromandel Coast.In 1802, a wet dock was constructed in Coringa, making it a vital facility for repairing Royal Navy and other vessels. This dock was notable for being the only wet dock between Bombay and Calcutta and one of the few locations capable of accommodating large ships. Additionally, the area, including Cape Cori, became internationally recognized for its shipbuilding industry, which flourished alongside its repair operations.
The town's coastal location, however, made it vulnerable to frequent storms and inundations. In 1784, a sea rise caused vessels to drift as far inland as Rajahmundry. Coringa also suffered significant damage from various storms, including a devastating storm in 1789 that claimed 20,000 lives, and another in May 1832 that further damaged the area. The most catastrophic of these was the cyclone of 25 November 1839, which had a storm surge estimated at 40 feet. This cyclone completely destroyed the port and around 20,000 vessels killing over 300,000 people across the region. This event was one of the first to be cited by Henry Piddington, who coined the term "cyclone" to describe such phenomena.
After the 1839 disaster, Coringa's port never fully recovered, and homes were relocated further inland. By the 1870s, the river had become too shallow, and the approaches too difficult, limiting the town's role to servicing only small craft. Despite this decline, Coringa continued to maintain some trade connections, particularly with Moulmein and Rangoon. Neighboring villages, such as Thallarevu, took over the shipbuilding activities, further cementing Coringa’s decline as a maritime centre. By 1901, silting in the estuary rendered the port inaccessible to large ships, and by 1905, shipbuilding activities ceased, leading to the eventual closure of the port.
Growth of Cocanada
With the silting of Coringa Bay, Kakinada, then known as Cocanada, emerged as a prominent port, replacing Coringa. Its strategic location and growing exports established it as a significant trade centre in the 19th century. Regular steamer services, initiated in 1858-59, connected the town to Madras, Rangoon, and Calcutta, facilitating trade. By the 1860s, the British India Steam Navigation Company began regular maritime operations in the region.In 1859, Kakinada became the administrative headquarters of the newly formed Godavari district following the reorganization of the Rajahmundry, Masulipatam, and Guntur Collectorates. This reorganization resulted in the creation of two districts, Godavari and Kistna, with their boundaries defined by the Upputeru and Tamaleru rivers. Since its designation, Kakinada has consistently served as a district headquarters, cementing its role as a key administrative and economic centre in the region.
The American Civil War further boosted Kakinada's prominence as a key shipping hub for cotton from Guntur. With the disruption of cotton supply to mills in Lancashire during the war, the demand for cotton surged. As a result, Kakinada saw a significant increase in port activity, playing a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for cotton by supplying it to international markets. In 1865, infrastructure developments included an iron-girder bridge linking Kakinada with Jagannadhapuram and a lighthouse to support maritime activities. These improvements bolstered trade and communication in the region.
Kakinada was established as a municipality in 1866, reflecting its growing importance. The European Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1868, represented European firms, while the native Chamber of Commerce worked alongside it to promote trade. The local economy thrived on exports of cotton, gingelly oil seeds, sugar, and rice, while imports included iron and copper. The town also became a centre for publications, including the Cocanada Advertiser, a mercantile newspaper, and Suddhiranjani, a Telugu weekly. In 1852, the Pithapuram zamindar established a middle school, which was elevated to a second-grade college in 1884, becoming Pithapur Rajah's College. This institution soon gained prominence as a leading educational centre.
By 1871, Kakinada's population reached 17,839, with Hindus making up 94% of the populace. Over the next decades, the population grew significantly, increasing by 61.8% between 1871 and 1881, and 40.5% between 1881 and 1891. By 1891, Kakinada's population reached 40,553, making it the most populous city in Andhra. It retained this position until 1921 when it briefly fell to second place with a population of 53,348, narrowly surpassed by Rajahmundry's 53,791 residents. However, Kakinada reclaimed its status as the region's largest city by 1931, with its population rising to 65,952.
By the early 20th century, Kakinada had emerged as the principal port on the Coromandel Coast, north of Madras. In 1902–03, it was ranked fifth among the ports of the Madras Presidency in terms of total trade and held the twelfth position among all ports in British India. Within the region of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Kakinada was the largest port and ranked seventh among the ports in the territory of modern India. The port became a thriving commercial hub, attracting prominent European and native merchants, including firms like Ralli Brothers, Gordon, Woodroffe & Co., and Volkart Brothers. Kakinada port played a crucial role in trade within the Godavari district and its hinterlands, and even with parts of the Nizam's Dominions. Local industries, such as rice mills, cheroot factories, and salt works, supported by companies like Simson & Co. and Innes & Co., contributed to the town's economic growth. But, its economy remained primarily focused on shipping. The port’s exports included cotton, oilseeds, rice, and tobacco, while imports included cotton goods, gunny bags, rice, and kerosene.
By the early 20th century, Kakinada was home to five printing presses. Among them, the Sujana Ranjani Press published Telugu books, along with a weekly newspaper, Ravi, and a monthly magazine, Savitri. Another press produced a monthly magazine called Sarasvati. In 1923, Kakinada hosted the All India Congress Committee meeting from December 28 to January 1, 1924. The event became notable for a controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram, which highlighted religious sensitivities of the time.
During World War II, on April 6, 1942, Kakinada was targeted by a Japanese air raid. A single aircraft attacked the port, damaging two ships and causing casualties, including one death and five injuries. This marked one of the earliest Japanese air raids on India's eastern coast during the war.
Today, Kakinada is a thriving port city renowned for its industrial and economic importance within Andhra Pradesh. It serves as a key hub for trade, maritime activities, and cultural heritage in the region.