The History of Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry, a city adorned by the Godavari River, is the land of poets and artists. Located in Eastern Andhra Pradesh, the city is known as the cultural hub of the state where the magnificent language of Telugu is said to have been birthed. Considered by historians as one of the oldest Indian cities, it is home to many historic temples and sites. Once ruled by the Chanakya Dynasty in the 11th century, the city was named after Raja Raja Narendra, one of its many famous monarchs. The city of Rajahmundry has passed through numerous leaderships from the Chanakyas to the Kakathiyas to the Dutches and the British. A major part of the freedom struggle originated and hailed from this city leading to our independence. 

Not known to many, Rajahmundry is also said to be the land that brought the savoury delight of achaar, also called Indian pickles, into the culinary world. The first pickle recipes were found in South Asia and originated from the Ayurvedic and Sangam period texts which mention varieties of condiments, including the earliest known mention of mango pickles. Despite the usage of similar ingredients, achaar from the south has a very distinct difference from those in other parts of the country. Considering the hot and humid temperatures of Southern Indian cities, most vegetables are sun-dried with spices throughout the year, making pickles an everyday staple. Though each state and city is known for a particular assortment of achaar, Andhra Pradesh is widely recognised for its traditional spicy mango pickles which are now devoured globally by a large sector of the population. .

Being the pride of Andhra Pradesh, pickles talk about the history of the land and its origins. It gives character and poise to the city adding to its long-held pride. It has been a part of our lineage for over 4000 years and has evolved to attain perfection. Though there are many varieties of achaar that use different methods and ingredients, the age-old recipe of Rajahmundry’s mango pickle never falters to stand out from the crowd. The flavours not only speak of its sophisticated taste, but also tells the story of its long-cultured ancestry.