To invoke the Telugu pride and to
bestow special identity, recognition to the traditions, culture and heritage
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Chandrababu Naidu christened the new
capital city as Amaravathi. India has long tradition of redeeming glory to the
ancient history by naming major cities after the invaders or the rulers/erstwhile
capitals of that region. Thus naming of the new green capital city after the
illustrious old city falls in line with the same convention.
10 Amazing Facts About Amaravathi, the Ancient and
Future Capital
As you try soaking in the feeling
of this new capital city soon En Route to become one of the most promising
cities of India, take a look at 10 amazing facts about the Amaravathi, which
denotes pride with rich heritage and nostalgia.
A sneak peek at the astounding
cultural attributes of Amaravathi at this juncture can greatly elate the
spirits of aspiring coastal Andhra people
1.
Is
also referred to as Deepaladinne or Hill of Lamps
The tiny old heritage town of Amaravathi, 35 km north of Guntur, is
referred to as deepaladinne or hill of lamps in local parlance. It is also
popular by the name Amareswaram for the famous Amareswara temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva, built along the banks of swiftly flowing waters of river Krishna.
2.
Was
Ruled by the Best of the Best
Amaravathi has glorious history to its name. Recorded history indicates
that it was ruled by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka from 272 BC to 235 BC. Its
existence is antiquated and interestingly Stone Age tools like hand axes,
cleaver, discoids and scrapers were recovered from this region. After the
decline of Mauryans it was taken over by Satavahanas who chose Dharanikota or
Dhanyakataka, a place very close of Amaravathi as their capital. Subsequently
the city retained a venerable position under the Ikshavuku rulers, Pallava
Kings, Eastern Chalukyas, Telugu Cholas, Kota Kings and Kakatiyas. It was part
of Mughal Empire, Sultanate of Golconda and was ceded to France initially and
then to English. It finally became part of Madras Presidency during the
colonial period.
3.
Was the Highest Seat of Cultural Learning
Amaravathi has been a high seat of cultural learning. Various forms of
arts flourished in this region for six centuries. Religion, especially Buddhism
had been source of inspiration for great building activity. Ancient Monuments
like Stupas, Chaitras, Viharas and Sangharamas discovered around this region
speaks volumes about the influence of the Buddhism.
4.
The Main Centre of Buddhism in South India
Amaravathi gradually evolved into the South Indian Centre of Buddhism
where a thoroughly indigenous school of sculpture grew. It began to earn a
universal applause for the conception of delicate beauty of human form,
wonderful imagination, sense of symmetry and subtle display of human emotions.
The art form brandished stupendous technical skill and dexterity and successively
entered an advanced stage of exquisite refinement.
5.
Rise
of Amaravathi School of Art
With unique art and themes based on Buddha’s life and Jataka Tales, Amaravathi
School of Art began to make a special mark during 3rd century. The other two major art forms of
those times were Gandhara art and Mathura art. The stupa in Amaravathi, a classical outcome of this marvellous art
form was the grandest architectural masterpiece of South India. It was referred
to as Mahachaitya in the Ancient inscriptions. Built during the regime of Emperor
Asoka in 2nd century, it was extensively enlarged and embellished by
the later Satavahana rulers. The imposing solid 50 mt diameter of dome of the
stupa was mounted on a drum like platform of bricks, housing the relics of
Buddha. Empanelled with lime stone and the Palnad marble, it is now kept in the
jewelled casket in Amaravathi Museum.
6.
Had
Unique Buddhist Sculptures connecting to Rome
Buddhist sculptures of Amaravathi had a Graeco-Roman
influence indicating close trade and diplomatic trade between South India and
ancient Romans. Coincidentally even some ancient Roman coins were recovered
from this place. In fact the long curls of Buddha trademark of Amaravathi
Buddhist stupa reflect this Greek influence.
7.
Buddhist
Stupa and Artefacts were recovered by the British
Administrative British authorities during the colonial rule
after authenticated examinations by renowned archaeologists carried out
excavations of resulting in unearthing of these antique artefacts.
8. Was
Patronised by Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu
Incidentally before the advent of British, parts of coastal
Andhra were ruled by the famous Vasireddy Clan. The last ruler of the clan, Vasireddy
Venkatadri Naidu, a benevolent ruler, patronised art and literature,
constructed several temples in the Krishna district and renovated the temple of
Amareswara Swamy. He shifted his capital to Amaravathi from Chintapalli, the
original seat of power. Legend says that upon the, treacherously beheaded 600 Chenchu tribes who
were torturing innocent villagers by inviting them for a luncheon. Repentant
after the killings, he spent rest of his life in Amareswara Swamy temple
premises. The present structure thus, owes its existence to him.
- Recovered Buddhist
Relics Now in Various Museums of the World
For years, the invaluable Buddhist sculptures recovered after
the excavations were not displayed and preserved in a basement in the British
Museum. Some of the treasured relics of long Indian history are now housed in
the recently refurbished Madras Museum in the Amaravathi Gallery and a small
fraction of them are preserved in British Museum, London and at the Archaeological
site Museum at Amaravathi.
- Was Declared at the UNESCO
Heritage City
In 2014 the ancient city of Amaravathi, the pride and glory of the
Telugu rulers, Satavahanas was declared as UNESCO heritage city. As the capital of Andhra Desam, the city
witnessed pinnacles of sublime spiritual glory, triumph, decline and neglect in
the annals of Indian history.
May the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, imbibing the
spirit of ever widening thought and action usher the citizens into an era of bountiful
development, progress and prosperity.
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