Context:
Recently, the Central government has sanctioned 7.30 crore rupees for taking up landscaping and development of tourist amenities at Bojjannakonda site.
Relevance:
GS I: History
About Bojjannakonda
Bojjannakonda is an important historical and archaeological site located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Here are some key details about Bojjannakonda:
Excavation and History:
- The site was excavated under the supervision of Alexander Rim in 1906.
- Originally known as ‘Buddhuni Konda,’ which means ‘Hill of the Buddha,’ it came to be known as ‘Bojjannakonda’ over time.
- Buddhist monks are believed to have practiced and inhabited the area around 2,000 years ago.
Archaeological Finds:
- Several significant artifacts and archaeological finds have been discovered at Bojjannakonda, including:
- A gold coin from the period of Samudra Gupta.
- Copper coins from the Chalukya king Kubja Vishnu Vardhan.
- Coins from the Andhra Satavahanas.
- Various pottery items.
Features of Buddhism:
- Bojjannakonda is notable for showcasing features of all three major phases of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. This suggests a rich history of Buddhist practice and development at the site.
Artistic Elements:
- Artifacts found at Bojjannakonda include a figure of ‘Kalabhairava’ with the head of Lord Ganesha and statues of Buddhist monks like ‘Harati.’
- There is a large double-storeyed cave on the hill, featuring a rock-cut stupa at its center.
- Impressive figures of the Buddha in a meditative posture and the stupa are among the main attractions for tourists.
Structural Buildings:
- On top of the hill, there are structural buildings and a vihara (monastery), although they have been reduced to ruins over time.
Lingalakonda:
- To the west of Bojjannakonda, another hillock called Lingalakonda or Lingalametta is present. It features numerous monolithic and structural stupas.
Comparison to Takshasila:
- The caves at Bojjannakonda are noted to have similarities with those at Takshasila, indicating potential influence or exchange of Buddhist practices between northern India and this region.
- The use of the word ‘Sangrama’ at Takshasila, which was not commonly used in Andhra Pradesh, further suggests such influences.
Influence on Borobudur:
- The text mentions that the Buddhist temple at Borobudur in Java has been constructed on the lines of the structures found at Lingalametta, emphasizing the historical and cultural connections between different Buddhist sites.
-Source: The Hindu
