Amaravathi:

The cradle of Buddhist architecture

by Vellamuri Purnima

Buddhism had been a strong force in the social and cultural history of Andhra Pradesh for about 1,000 years. The gospel was responsible for uniting the Andhras into a single race and in return the Andhras played a remarkable role in developing and enriching the Buddhist philosophy, art and architecture.

Not many people know the importance of Amaravathi in Andhra, and of the treasure it holds; that during Buddhism's golden era, these sacred grounds are the places where, historians believe, the Buddha himself tread and gave the first Kalchakra initiation at Sri Dhyanakataka (a neighbouring village). That no less than the great Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar here to commemorate the Buddha's visit. That Amaravathi once held the biggest and most magnificent stupa in Southern India. That a school of art that rose to eminence in India's architectural history was born here.

Amaravathi was also the capital of the first Andhra dynasty, the Satvahanas who ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Later the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas and Kakatiyas would hold sway over Amaravathi.

Great thinkers

This place, once a meeting place for great thinkers from far and wide, today lies mostly in ruin. But you could still experience what Amaravathi was like once, thanks to two excellent museums run by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The site of the archaeological ruins of the Emperor Ashokan Maha Chaitya, the focal point of Amaravathi, once one of the most beautiful monuments of ancient India is located here and is locally called Deepa Dinne (mount of lamps), recalling the days when the stupa was lit up by oil lamps. Records indicate that the Mahachaitya was in existence till the 14th century.

All that remains now is a huge, drum-like structure. The stupa erected in the 3rd century BCE, is the biggest in Andhra Pradesh. Five distinct historical periods have been identified in this stupa through addition over the centuries - from Ashokan 3rd century BCE to early Pallava to the late medieval period.

Parinibbana

Legend says that after Gautama Buddha attained Parinibbana, a few of his bones were brought here by the disciples, over which the Mahachaitya was built. It once had carved panels depicting the life of the Buddha. The railing was considered one of the greatest ancient Buddhist sculptural achievements.

The huge 10m tall Dhyana Buddha statue near the Mahachaitya, is the latest addition to the skyline of Amaravathi.

It was consecrated in January 2006 by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who followed in the Buddha's footsteps to give a Kalchakra initiation at Amaravathi. The statue is of the Buddha in Padmasana with a serene smile and eyes closed, deep in meditation. The panoramic view of the River Krishna and its environs from the platform is impressive.

For about one thousand years (circa 300 BC - AD 600) Buddhism exerted profound influence on the socio-cultural life of the Andhras, especially during the Satavahana - Ikshvaku period when the rich artisan and trading communities patronised it and raised magnificent monuments in its honour.

Philosophy

Andhra Pradesh occupies a place of pride in the history of Buddhism - especially in its philosophy and art. The Andhras were one of the earliest who extended an enthusiastic welcome to Buddhism and both the Theravada and Mahayana systems enjoyed their liberal patronage. Sharpened by noble gospel and by absorbing various influences, the creative genius of Andhra artist, reinforced by ideological convictions, developed a style of his own.