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Source: Britanicca

Context

After years of being a dead dock town, Machilipatnam is reviving, with approximately 48% of the new Greenfield port at Manginapudi already constructed.

Historical Significance of Machilipatnam

• Also known as Masulipatnam or Maisolia; traces back to 1st century AD (possible Satavahana rule: 2nd century BC–2nd century AD).
  
  
• Major trade hub with Rome, China, Persia, and Southeast Asia.
  
  
• Exports: Spices, cotton textiles (chintz), sugar, elephants.
  
  
• Prosperity peaked under Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah (1570s) and Abdullah Qutb Shah (late 17th century).
  
  
• Called Bandar-i-Mubarak in Golconda records; linked by road to Hyderabad.
  
  
• By the 17th century, the only eastern port with direct trade routes to Pegu, Siam, Bengal, Manila, Cochin, Madagascar, China, and Mecca.
  
  
• Hosted a cosmopolitan population: Mongols, Turks, Persians, Jews, Tamils, Dutch, and French.

Decline of Machilipatnam

• Repeated cyclones (notably 1867 cyclone killing ~30,000).
  
  
• Mughal neglect diminished its strategic importance.
  
  
• Final decline under the British, who shifted trade and investments to Madras (Chennai).
  

Greenfield Port Revival 

• A new Greenfield port at Manginapudi (near Machilipatnam) is under construction.
  
  
• Nearing 50% completion; expected operational by late 2026.
  
  
• Implemented under the Landlord Model by Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd (SPV).
  
  
• Planned exports: Coal, pharmaceuticals, cement, fertilizers, container cargo.
  
  
• Telangana is developing a dry port and direct freight corridor to Machilipatnam for enhanced trade.
  
  
• Expected benefits:
  
  
• Boost regional trade and economy.
  
  
• Create employment opportunities.
  
  
• Increase land values in surrounding areas
  

FAQs

Q1. Why was Machilipatnam historically significant?
It was a major port from the Satavahana period, exporting spices, textiles, and other goods to Rome, China, Persia, and Southeast Asia, peaking under the Qutb Shahis.

Q2. What is the current status of Machilipatnam Port?
A Greenfield port at Manginapudi is under construction, expected to be operational by 2026, boosting exports and regional trade.

Source: The Hindu