Ruined Buddhist Stupa and Other Remains, Amaravati, District Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh
The present-day twin villages of Amaravati and Dharanikota, located about 33 km north of Guntur, formed part of the ancient township called Dhamnakada or Dhanyakataka. Colonel Colin Mackenzie first recorded the antiquarian wealth of this area in 1797. The Mahachaitya mound here, known as Dipaladinne (the mound of lamps), is frequently referenced in inscriptions found at the site.
In the early centuries of the Common Era, the site was called Dhanakada. Satavahana king Vasishthiputra Pulumavi made this his eastern capital and referred to himself as "Dhanakata Saminehi." Inscriptions from the Ikshvaku period (240–280 A.D.) also refer to "Dhamnakada Vathavasa." Prakrit literature like *Gandavyuha* (3rd century CE) and accounts by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang (639 CE) highlight Dhanyakataka’s prominence as a Buddhist centre. Tibetan traditions note that the Buddha delivered the Kalachakra Mulatantra here.
The city was also known for the Buddha’s past life as Sumedha and thus earned spiritual significance. Saivism also flourished here, evidenced by the Amresvara temple. The name Amaravati came into usage post-1182 CE, while the fortified area continued to be known as Dharanikota.
A Mauryan-period stele depicts a scene labeled "Dhamnakada Vamda namagothi," showcasing the Krishna River’s bend and symbols like flowers and sandals, possibly alluding to the Master's descent. Early archaeological finds, including part of an Ashokan pillar and Northern Black Polished Ware, suggest the Mahastupa dates back to the Mauryan period. Brahmi inscriptions mention "Dhamnakada Kasa nigamasa" and "Dhana (ka) dasa Mahavihare."
The great stupa at Amaravati is one of the largest in Andhra Pradesh, measuring around 50 meters in diameter and 27 meters in height. Its brick-built circular drum featured Ayaka platforms in four cardinal directions, each originally supporting five pillars symbolizing major events in Buddha’s life. Excavations unearthed relic caskets with bone fragments, pearls, gold flowers, and precious stones, confirming its classification as a Sariraka stupa.
Although only the drum survives today, it has been partially reconstructed. Remains of early railings with Mauryan polish and sculptural panels from the Satavahana period underscore its historical layering. Many sculptures from the site are now housed in major museums including the British Museum (London), Musée Guimet (Germany), National Museum (New Delhi), Indian Museum (Kolkata), and Government Museum (Chennai), while others remain at the Amaravati Site Museum.
Bibliography
- Robert Sewell, Lists of Antiquarian Remains in the Presidency of Madras, Vol. I, (Madras, 1882), p.63
- Annual Progress Report of the Archaeological Survey Department, Southern Circle, 1905–06 (Calcutta, 1909), pp.116–119
- Burgess, J., Notes on the Amaravati Stupa (1882), pp.1–57
- Annual Progress Report of the Archaeological Department, Southern Circle, 1908–09 (Calcutta, 1912), pp.88–91