Context:
Recently, the Finance Minister announced Rs 15,000 crore in financial support for Andhra Pradesh to build its capital city, Amravati, and boost other development activities in the state. This has brought back focus on Amravati, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance in Andhra Pradesh that remains relatively unrecognized. The financial boost is expected to catalyze infrastructure development and enhance the city’s recognition and prominence.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key Facts About Amravati and Andhra Buddhism
- Key Features of the Amravati School of Art
Key Facts About Amravati and Andhra Buddhism
Amravati:
- Discovery: In the late 1700s, Raja Vessareddy Nayudu discovered ancient limestone ruins in Dhanyakatakam village (later renamed Amravati). These ruins were used for construction, leading to significant damage.
- Rediscovery: In 1816, Colonel Colin Mackenzie’s survey rediscovered the Amravati Stupa, though further damage occurred during the survey.
- Modern Development: In 2015, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced the new capital, Amaravati, inspired by the historic Buddhist site, with plans to develop it into a modern city akin to Singapore.
Andhra Buddhism:
- Introduction: Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th century BCE, spread to Andhra Pradesh via trade routes.
- Early Evidence: The earliest significant evidence of Buddhism in Andhra dates back to the 3rd century BCE, with Emperor Ashoka’s inscriptions promoting the religion.
- Historical Presence: Monks from Andhra participated in the first Buddhist council in 483 BCE. Buddhism thrived in Andhra for six centuries, with sites such as Amravati and Nagarjunakonda continuing until the 14th century CE.
- Spread and Integration: Andhra’s Buddhism spread through trade and integrated with local practices like megalithic burials and Goddess worship.
- Decline: The rise of Shaivism, economic degradation, and later Islamic rule contributed to the decline of Buddhism in Andhra.
Key Features of the Amravati School of Art
Historical Context and Influences:
- Significance: The Amravati School of Art, prominent during the post-Mauryan period, was one of the three main ancient Indian art styles, alongside Mathura and Gandhara.
- Stupa: The Amravati Stupa was central to this art style and became a major artistic hub. However, government indifference and improper conservation led to the site’s degradation, with sculptures being moved to various locations in the 19th century.
Characteristics:
- Major Centres: Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
- Patronage: Supported by Satavahana rulers.
- Artistic Style: Known for the tribhanga posture (three bends in the body), intricate detailing, and use of palnad marble.
- Sculptures: Feature narrative panels depicting the Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist rituals. The depiction of the Buddha with a robe on the left shoulder and in abhaya (fearlessness) gesture became iconic.
- Unique Style: Developed independently with minimal external influence, contrasting with the Graeco-Roman influences in Mathura and Gandhara.
Global Dispersion:
- Museums: Amravati sculptures are housed in major museums globally, including the British Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Musee Guimet, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Return of Art: Australia is notable for returning a stolen Amravati-style sculpture.
-Source: Indian Express
