Visakhapatnam’s 2000-year-old Buddhist site of Thotlakonda

Context

Historians and biologists are campaigning to protect the ancient Buddhist site of Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam, which is also a home to an estimated 90 species of bird

About the Buddhist site

Cultural Significance:

• The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complexis situated on a hill near Bheemunipatnam which is about 15 km from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
• The site is thought of practicing Hinayana Buddhism from 200 BCE to 200 CE.
• Thotlakonda is thought to be under influence of ancient Kalinga, which was an important source of dissemination of Buddhismto Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia.
• It provides an insight into the transoceanic diffusion of Indic culture, especially Buddhism.
• The site has been declared as an area comprising a protected monument under the Andhra Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.
• A partial excavation of the site by the State Archaeology Department (1988-1992) found ancient pottery such as tan ware, black red ware, coins from the Satavahana period and Roman coins, labels with Brahmi inscriptions, inscribed Chhatra pieces, terracotta and glass beads, bangles, stuccos and stone sculptural remains at the site.

Ecological Significance

• The site has been left undisturbed for more than 2,000 years since and allowed the flora and fauna of this area to develop naturally.
• The site is home to birds and raptors like the white-bellied sea eagle, Indian rock eagle, Indian spotted eagle, black-shouldered kite, and common kestrel.