Why in the News?

Recently, the Central government allocated 7.30 crore rupees to undertake landscaping and develop tourist amenities at the Bojjannakonda site.

About Bojjannakonda:

• Bojjannakonda is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• It was excavated by Alexander Rim in 1906.
• Originally known as ‘Buddhuni konda’ (meaning hill of the Buddha), it eventually came to be known as ‘Bojjannakonda’ over time.
• Approximately 2,000 years ago, Buddhist monks used this hill for their practices.
• During excavations, various artifacts were unearthed, including a gold coin from the Samudra Gupta period, copper coins from the Chalukya king Kubja Vishnu Vardhan, coins from the Andhra Satavahanas, and pottery.
• Bojjannakonda is unique as it reflects features of all three phases of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
• Notable discoveries at the site include a figure of ‘Kalabhairava’ with the head of Lord Ganesha adorned with conch shells and the statue of a Buddhist monk named ‘Harati.’
• There is a large double-storeyed cave on the hill with a rectangular doorway flanked by 'dwarapalakas' on both sides.
• At its center stands a rock-cut stupa on a square platform.
• The northern side of the hill features a series of rock-cut caves and monolithic structures on rock platforms.
• The upper cave has a rectangular doorway, with Buddha figures on either side.
• The prominent attractions for tourists at Bojjannakonda are the imposing figures of the Buddha seated in a meditative posture and the stupa.
• At the hill's summit, there are structural buildings and a vihara (monastery), which are now in ruins.
• To the west of Bojjannakonda lies another hillock called Lingalakonda or Lingalametta, where several monolithic and structural stupas can be found.
• Interestingly, the structures on Lingalametta served as inspiration for the Buddhist temple at Barabodur in Java.
• Similarities between the caves at Bojjannakonda and those in Takshasila suggest Buddhist influences, although the word ‘Sangrama’ was used in Takshasila but not in Andhra Pradesh.