FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO AMARAVATHI, ANDRAPRADESH
- ECONOMY
News: 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.
What’s in the news?
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: