Amaravati: The Ancient Legacy of Andhra Pradesh’s Historic Capital
The name Amaravati evokes images of spiritual grandeur, historical magnificence, and civilizational continuity. Situated on the fertile banks of the Krishna River in present-day Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati is not merely a political choice for a new capital—it is a place steeped in ancient tradition, Buddhist glory, and enduring Hindu significance. As Andhra Pradesh seeks to redefine its identity post-bifurcation, Amaravati emerges as a symbol of continuity, deeply rooted in India’s sacred and imperial past.
Origins and Early History
Amaravati’s earliest known identity was Dhānyakatakam. The name itself suggests abundance—dhanya means grain or wealth, and katakam means fort or city. The site has been inhabited since the pre-Mauryan period and came to prominence during the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled large parts of South and Central India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
The Satavahanas made Dhānyakatakam one of their prominent urban centers. The city was a hub of trade, administration, and culture, flourishing due to its strategic location on the river and along ancient trade routes. Under their rule, Amaravati also emerged as a vibrant center of early Buddhist learning and art, establishing itself as a key node in the southern spread of Buddhism.
The Amaravati Stupa: Jewel of Southern Buddhism
Amaravati’s greatest historical treasure is undoubtedly the Amaravati Stupa, one of the grandest Buddhist monuments ever built in India. Constructed during the early Satavahana period (2nd century BCE), the stupa underwent several renovations and expansions over the next few centuries, becoming a massive complex of religious architecture and sculpture.
The stupa was built using white limestone, unlike the stone used in Sanchi and Bharhut. Measuring nearly 50 meters in diameter and originally standing over 27 meters tall, it was adorned with intricately carved relief panels. These panels are masterpieces of early Indian sculpture and depict scenes from the Jataka tales, Buddha’s life, and symbols such as the Bodhi tree, lotus, and Dharma chakra.
The art of Amaravati is considered to be a distinct school, often referred to as the Amaravati School of Art, known for its dynamic forms, fluidity of movement, and expression. This artistic tradition influenced later art styles in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and beyond, attesting to Amaravati’s cultural and religious importance.
A Center of Buddhist Learning and Pilgrimage
By the early centuries CE, Amaravati had evolved into a major Buddhist monastic and scholastic center. Numerous monasteries, chaityas (prayer halls), and viharas (monastic residences) were built around the stupa complex. It became a prominent site for Buddhist pilgrims, monks, and scholars from different parts of India and abroad.
According to many historians and travelers, including the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang) who visited India in the 7th century CE, Amaravati was still renowned for its Buddhist establishments and teachings. He wrote of the once-glorious stupa and the thriving Buddhist community that had flourished there.
Hindu Revival and the Amareswara Temple
By the 9th and 10th centuries CE, Buddhism began to decline in the region, giving way to a revival of Hinduism, particularly Shaivism. However, the city retained its religious relevance through the Amareswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
According to Hindu legends, Indra and other gods worshipped Shiva at this spot, earning the deity the name Amareswara, or the “Lord of the Immortals.” The temple is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, a set of five sacred Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh, and continues to attract Hindu pilgrims to this day.
The coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu traditions in Amaravati is a reflection of India’s syncretic cultural fabric. While Buddhism may have faded, its influence remained embedded in the stone, art, and memory of the land.
Colonial Encounters and Loss of Heritage
Amaravati’s archaeological importance was recognized during British colonial rule. In the early 19th century, Colonel Colin Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India, documented the ruins of the stupa. Later, British officials like Sir Walter Elliot and Robert Sewell carried out excavations.
Tragically, many of the sculptures and artifacts were removed from the site and sent to museums in London (British Museum), Chennai (Government Museum), and Guntur. The main stupa itself was largely dismantled. What remains at the site today is a reconstructed low mound and scattered sculptures, though a museum at the site preserves some of the recovered pieces.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in preserving and showcasing Amaravati’s heritage, with efforts to revive the stupa and boost tourism.
Amaravati in the Modern Context
In 2014, when Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create Telangana, Hyderabad became the capital of the new state. Amaravati was chosen as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, not only for its central location but also for its rich history. It is seen as a return to roots—a modern capital rising from the ashes of an ancient civilization.
The government initiated plans for a greenfield city with world-class infrastructure, administrative complexes, and cultural centers, branding Amaravati as a city that blends ancient wisdom with modern progress. Though subsequent governments have debated the capital status—proposing decentralization with Visakhapatnam and Kurnool—Amaravati remains a symbol of Andhra’s glorious past and ambitious future.
Conclusion
Amaravati is not just a name on a political map—it is a sacred city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the spread of spiritual philosophies, and the blossoming of classical art. Its stupa once rivaled the likes of Sanchi and Borobudur. Its temples continue to echo with devotional hymns. And its soil has nurtured saints, scholars, and kings.
As Andhra Pradesh crafts its destiny in the 21st century, anchoring its capital in Amaravati is more than a logistical decision—it is a civilizational affirmation, a revival of an ancient city that once stood as a beacon of light in India’s spiritual and artistic landscape.
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