Visakhapatnam’s history stretches back to the 6^th Century BC and the city finds mention in Ancient texts such as the 4^th Century BC writings of Panini and Katyayana. Historically considered part of the Kalinga region, it was rules by the Vengi Kingdom and the Pallava and Eastern Ganges dynasties during medieval times. Archaeological records suggest that the present city was built around the 11^thand 12^th Centuries AD by the Choladynasty king Kulothunga I control over the city fluctuated between the Chola dynasty of Tamil Nadu and GapatiKingdom of Odisha until its conquest by the VijayanagaraEmpire in the 15^th Century. In the 16^th century it was conquered by the Mughals. European powers eventually setup trading interests in the city and Visakhapatnam came under French at the end of the 18^th century.