Buddhist Monuments in Northern Telangana A Study of Art and Architecture

Abstract

The glorious era of Buddhism was a time when the creed of Gautama Buddha had a very stronghold on the minds of people of Telangana during the three centuries preceding and succeeding the birth of Christ. This phase witnessed an unprecedented growth of Buddhist institutions and their art and architecture as witnessed from various Buddhist remains. These centres must have influenced the religious and social life of people. Telugu country occupies a place of pride in the history of Buddhism especially its philosophy and the art. The Telugu people were one of the earliest people who extended an enthusiastic welcome to Buddhism and both the Theravada (Hinayana) and the Ahasanghika (Mahayana) systems enjoyed their liberal patronage. The wide popularity of Buddhism in Telangana is attested by the scores of Buddhist sites spotted so far by the spade of archaeologist. The recent excavations revealed that the building activity began though in a humble way by the local Buddhists during pre-Ashokan or at least Ashokan times. It reached its zenith during Satavahana and Ikshvaku times in Telugu country. The fact that it continued to flourish for another four hundred years (i.e. up to 700 A.D.) meant that the wharf and woof of the culture of this region were largely Buddhist. The art and architecture began and developed in the region mainly under the Buddhist auspices. The exploration of the Buddhist monuments was initiated by archaeologists in the middle of the eighteenth century in Telugu country, resulted in locating more than one hundred Buddhist sites. But recently during the second half of the 20th century, fifteen Buddhist sites of early centuries were brought to light in the Telangana region. The excavated sites have brought out the grandeur of Stupas, Viharas, Caityagrihas and temples. Stone and metalwork have adorned the rock-cut and brick-built monuments. Few of the label inscriptions and copper plates were also unearthed from these sites.