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Till late 1940s there existed a garden by name ‘Yellamma Thota’ in the place where Jagadamba theatre and other commercial complexes are located at present. The garden was named after the presiding deity ‘Yellamma’ and even today, a small temple of the deity exists on the road adjoining the theatre. In the middle of the garden, there was a bungalow that belonged to the Dasapalla Estates. Between the garden and Saraswati Park there was a ‘gedda’ (stream) that served as dhobi ghat. The connecting road between the judge-court and Dabagardens was laid during the late 1940s. The area that was scarcely populated and less frequented during those days has today become the heart of the city and is full of hectic activity. Though the area is still called as ‘Yellamma Thota’, in the place of a garden there exists a concrete jungle. What a metaphorical change! (Contributed by B.V. Ramamurty)

In the recent times, the city might have gained prominence for housing the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, but prior to that Vizagapatam was considered to be an important military station. It served as a prominent military station for the British Raj till 1870 and had many installations like Martin Point and Benyon Point. It again became a major transit point for the allied troops during the World War II and many temporary stations were set up near Kancharapalem and on the Beach Road.

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