Buddhist Remains, Guntupalle, Eluru District, Andhra Pradesh
The Buddhist remains of Guntupalle are protected monuments comprising a diverse group: (1) rock-cut temple, (2) large monastery, (3) small monastery, (4) brick chaitya, (5) ruined mandapa, (6) stone-built stupa, and (7) a large group of stupas. These are located in Guntupalle of Eluru District. The caves and structural stupa of archaeological interest are found on Dharmalingesvarasvami hill, at Jilakarragudem, a hamlet of Guntupalle.
The site includes a series of rock-cut chaityas and viharas, along with structural stupas, chaityas, viharas, and mandapas. Notably, the rock-cut chaityas feature horse-shoe shaped façades and stone interiors imitating wooden rafters—design elements resembling Western Indian Buddhist caves like Bhaja and Karle. These architectural features date the site to between the 3rd century BCE and 4th century CE.
The rock-cut chaitya, datable to the 3rd–2nd century BCE, has a circular plan. A large rock-cut stupa model occupies nearly half of the chamber, leaving space for circumambulation. A socket on the dome’s crown likely held an umbrella. One remarkable feature is its vaulted, ribbed roof, mimicking a wooden structure, with stone ribs meeting at the center like a wooden umbrella framework.
The horse-shoe shaped façade is another point of interest. Projecting stone rafters appear to support the curved bargeboard of the gable, replicating traditional timber construction. These intricate ornamental features mark the Guntupalle caves as architecturally significant examples influenced by Western India and are securely dated to the 3rd–2nd century BCE.
Higher on the hill, southeast of the brick chaitya and ruined mandapa, lie over sixty votive stupas arranged on three terraces. These stupas differ in size, style, and period, showing the site's continued religious significance over centuries. Their varied construction methods also reflect evolving architectural practices and devotional patterns.
A large stone stupa was excavated by Alexander Rea, providing deeper insights into the site's chronology and cultural context. Collectively, these monuments underscore Guntupalle’s long-standing role in the Buddhist architectural and devotional landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
Bibliography
- Alexander Rea, Report on the Excavation of the Stupa at Guntupalle, Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India, 1890s.
- Debala Mitra, Buddhist Monuments, Archaeological Survey of India, 1971.
- Annual Report, Archaeological Survey of India, Southern Circle, 1905–06.
- G. Yazdani, Early Architecture in Andhra, Government of India Publications.