Transplanted monuments at Nagarjunakonda hill top and Anupu, District Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh.
The Buddhist remains of Nagarjunakonda was originally notified as the Hill of Nagarjunakonda with the ancient remains, Pullareddigudem (Agraharam) and Sculptures, carvings, images, bas-relief on the ancient mound, Pullareddigudem. Pullareddigudem was the revenue village under which the site was situated. All these are now submerged under the Nagarjunasagar reservoir. But some of the excavated structures were reconstituted on the hilltop and at Anupu.
Nagarjunakonda is one of the most important Buddhist sites of Andhra and traditionally associated with the celebrated Acharya Nagarjuna, the founder of the Madhyamika School of Mahayanism. The site with rich archaeological vestiges was brought to light by one A. R. Saraswati, Telugu Assistant of Epigraphy Branch, ASI in 1926. Thereafter, the Buddhist vestiges made ASI to undertake three excavations in three spells under the direction of A. H. Longhurst (1927-1931), T. N. Ramachandran (1938) and B. R. Subrahmanyam (1954- 1960). The last effort was a gigantic salvage operation as the valley was submerged under the waters of Nagarjunasagar reservoir. The excavation not only yielded plethora of Buddhist vestiges but also brought to light significant remains of Palaeolithic phase, Neolithic phase, Iron Age and several important Brahmanical temples and structures.
The monument described hereunder were excavated during the above operation and reconstituted on the elevated hill top and at Anupu. All the sculptures and other antiquities got during the excavation are now preserved in the site museum.
The city which once stood in the valley was called Vijayapuri, the capital of the southern line of the Ikshvaku Kings (210-260 A.D). They rose into prominence after the fall of the imperial The Satavahanas. They patronised Buddhism and the Brahmanical sects as well.
Bathing Ghat
This is perhaps the most elegant of the Ikshvaku architecture with its magnificent flights of steps covering a length of 75m. This was built of brick in lime and covered with cut and polished Kadapa slabs. The descents flanked by Gaja-vyalas. This gigantic ghat on the Krishna was perhaps more religious than secular in character for reasons of its location near the Pushpabhadraswamy temple. There are side steps and balustrades. The slabs having label inscriptions like 'asala' and 'venisiri' and also masons marks like "Bow-and-Arrow" on them. The bathing ghat touches the flowing river waters at various levels.
Aswamedha Complex
Aswamedha complex is situated almost in the center of the fortified area, this complex comprised ritualistic structures enclosed by a massive compound with flanks. The founder of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed the well-known ‘Aswamedhayaga’ (sacrifice of the horse). This ritual was one among the very elaborate sacrifices prescribed to be performed only by a king of unquestionable authority and who had the recognition of his neighborly kings as their over lord. The tank was intended for the holy bath and the structure is in the shape of a tortoise was known as Kurma chiti where part of the horse was sacrificed.
Maha Stupa
This is the principal stupa at Nagarjunakonda and was referred in the inscription on the Ayaka Pillars as "Maha-Chaitya". It contained a sacred bone relic probably of the Buddha himself. Chamtisri, a lady of the Ikshvaku line renovated this Mahastupa under the supervision of the reverend Ananda, a disciple of Buddha during the 6th regnal year of King Sri Virapurushadatta of the Ikshvaku line (3rd century C.E.) The stupa is wheel shaped on plan having a diameter of about 27.5 meters, with Ayaka platforms surmounted by Ayaka pillars at the four cardinal directions.
Megalithic Burial
This is a cist burial representing the method of disposal of the dead in the before common era. It is marked on the ground by unworked boulders arranged in a circle.
Simhala Vihara
This monastery is evidently meant for the Ceylonese (Srilankan) monks. It is interesting for its two apsidal chaityagrihas juxtaposed to each other and enshrining a colossal image of Buddha and an uddesika (votive) stupa respectively. The moonstone and decoration at the threshold and the decorated pillars of the central mandapa are notable features.
Swastika Stupa
This transplanted stupa was originally part of a complex located opposite the Mahaviharavasin monastery in the valley. The remains of this structure have an interesting feature — the arrangement of bricks at the center forms a Swastika, with its arms turning clockwise. The Swastika Stupa is an exceptional example of the Buddhist architecture of Nagarjunakonda valley.
Chamtisri Chaitya Griha
This Chaityagriha with its votive Stupa was built by Queen Chamtasri, sister of Vasishthiputra Chamtamula, for the use of the monks living in the adjoining Apara Mahavina Seliya Vihara.
Amphitheatre – Anupu
On the contours of the hill Phirangulabodu, at its lower levels, is situated the Amphitheatre (Auditorium) with tiered gallery on all four sides, providing seating for about a thousand spectators. It is a unique example of ancient Indian architecture, probably inspired by Roman traditions. Enclosing a rectangular area (16.46 x 13.71 m), the brick-built structure, cased entirely with Kadapa stone slabs, had at least sixteen tiers and was open to the sky.
The acoustic properties allowed sounds from the pit to be heard throughout, suggesting its use for music or drama. However, sculptural depictions of wrestling from Nagarjunakonda hint that it may have also hosted sports. At its southeast corner is a stone bench, possibly for visitors to wash their feet, with nearby drainage. A circular abacus, part of a column, is located at the center of the quadrangle. One bench bears the triratna and bow-and-arrow symbols, while another is inscribed with "Kamasara" or "Arrow of Love". Its fine acoustics were achieved by utilizing the natural slope of the hill.
Hariti Temple – Anupu
This temple is situated on the contours of Phirangulabodu hill. To reach it, one must pass through a wide enclosure and ascend a flight of steep steps. In the shrine, flanked by two larger rooms, was an image of Hariti made of limestone, with a missing torso, seated with her legs hanging down. The decorative style suggests a 4th or 5th century C.E. date. An inscribed pillar in the area refers to the installation of a perpetual lamp (akhya-nivi) during a festival (utsava).
Bahusrutiya Vihara – Anupu
Located at the foot of the Nagarjunakonda hill, this Vihara was built by Bhattidevi during the reign of King Ehuvula Chantamula, as revealed by an inscription. It was intended for the Masters of the Bahusrutiya sect.
University Complex – Anupu
Situated at the foot of the Nallamalai Hills in the northeast corner of the valley, this extensive monastic establishment is believed to be the site of the famous Buddhist University of Nagarjunakonda. The main stupa is flanked by two chaityagrihas: one housing an uddesika (votive) stupa made of cut Kadapa stones for Acharyas' worship, and the other with a now-damaged image of the Buddha.
Between these, a Buddhapada (Buddha’s feet) was found buried along with a small gold casket containing pearls, bone, and ash. Special apartments were constructed for female disciples, and traces of adequate sanitary arrangements are also evident.
Bibliography
- 1. Annual Report of ASI for the year 1926–27 (Reprint) (Delhi) pp.156–161.
- 2. Annual Report of ASI for the year 1927–28, pp.113–121.
- 3. Annual Report of ASI for the year 1928–29, pp.100–104.
- 4. Annual Report of ASI for the year 1930–31, pp.107–110.
- 5. Annual Report of ASI for the year 1931–32, pp.110–111.
- 6. H. Sarkar, 1962 in Ancient India, 16 pp.65–84.