Vishakhapatnam (pop. 1,728,128), also spelled Visakhapatnam, is a commercial and industrial center and naval base in northeastern Andhra Pradesh, India. Its industries include oil refining, steel production, and other heavy industries. It has one of the biggest shipyards in India. The Eastern Command of India’s navy is based in Vishakhapatnam.
Vishakhapatnam lies on a broad bay. At the south of the city lies a rocky point of land known as Dolphin’s Nose. Vishakhapatnam lies on the main railroad from Kolkata to Chennai. Waltair lies to the east of the city center. It was once a separate town, but the two have grown together.
Waltair was founded as a resort for British officers. Today, it is home to Andhra University, one of the largest in Andhra Pradesh. The university was founded in 1931. The English came to Vishakhapatnam in 1682, and the city became a center in the trade of textiles, tobacco, and ivory. When the Mughals invaded in 1689, they seized all the property held by the English. Once peace was made, Vishakhapatnam remained under British rule until India became independent in 1947.
