What is the News ?

The Phanigiri artefacts, which were found in 1942 and date back to 200 BCE-400 CE, are currently showcased at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Facts About:

• The Phanigiri Buddhist site is a significant discovery in Buddhist iconography in this era.
• Phanigiri, a small village located in Telangana, is where these artefacts were unearthed.

Key Discoveries:

• The thoranas found at Phanigiri hold great importance, especially because they are some of the earliest ones discovered south of Sanchi.
• One particular thorana has a panel that depicts both Mahayana and Hinayana schools of Buddhist thought.
• Evidence from Phanigiri indicates the transformation of Buddha's status, marking a transition from a historical and spiritual figure to canonization and ritualization.
• In the monograph of this discovery, you can find an image of Buddha wearing what appears to be a Roman toga, carved in limestone.