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DHARMACHAKRAPURAM/PHANGIRI

9th April, 2024 History

DHARMACHAKRAPURAM/PHANGIRI

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Context

  • Officials from the Department of Archaeology and Museums unearthed a significant coin hoard at the Phanigiri Buddhist site in Suryapet district, Telangana.
  • The discovery, included a pot containing 3,730 lead coins with distinct symbols.

Discovery Details

  • The excavation team, led by N. Sagar and B. Mallu, found an earthen pot at a depth of two feet.
  • Inside the pot, they discovered lead coins with an elephant symbol on one side and a Ujjain symbol on the other, dating back to the Ikshvaku period (3rd to 4th century CE).

Additional Discoveries

  • Alongside the coins, the archaeologists found stone beads, glass beads, shell bangle fragments, stucco motifs, broken limestone sculptures, a toy cart wheel, final nails, and pottery.
  • Phanigiri is a significant Buddhist site, and these artefacts add to its historical importance, with some artefacts being displayed at the New York Met Museum.

Conclusion

  • The discovery of the lead coins with distinctive symbols sheds light on the cultural and economic aspects of the Ikshvaku period in the region.
  • Further study and analysis of these artefacts will provide valuable insights into the history and civilization of ancient India.

Phanigiri

  • Phanigiri is a Buddhist site located in Suryapet district, Telangana, dating from the 1st Century BCE to the 4th century CE.
  • It is considered a significant discovery in the history of early India and is closely associated with the stupa complexes at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
  • The village of Phanigiri is situated approximately 40 km from Suryapet city and houses a Buddhist complex.
  • The complex features a massive stupa and two apsidal halls containing stupas.
  • Within the complex are two large footprints believed to belong to Gautama Buddha, along with three viharas that once served as dwelling places for Buddhist monks.
  • Originally known as Dharmachakrapuram, the village's name was later changed to Phanigiri, derived from the words "phani" meaning snake and "giri" meaning hill, reflecting the shape of the hill on which it is located.

Andhra Ikshvaku Dynasty

  • The Andhra Ikshvaku dynasty ruled over the eastern Krishna River valley in India during the 3rd and 4th centuries CE.
  • Their capital was located at Vijayapuri, which is modern-day Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
  • They were known for their patronage of both Shaivism (Hinduism) and Buddhism, with several contributions to the construction of Buddhist monuments.

Political History:

  • The dynasty traced its ancestry back to the legendary king Ikshvaku, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts.
  • Vasishthiputra Chamtamula is regarded as the founder of the dynasty, rising to power after the decline of the Satavahana power.
  • Chamtamula was succeeded by his son Virapurushadatta, who ruled for at least 24 years and had multiple wives, including daughters of his paternal aunts.
  • Ehuvala Chamtamula, son of Virapurushadatta, ruled for over two decades and saw the kingdom reach its zenith.
  • Rudrapurushadatta succeeded Ehuvala and continued the dynasty, with his reign attested by inscriptions and a marital alliance with the Western Kshatrapas.

Territory and Religion:

  • The Ikshvaku kingdom covered parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with inscriptions found in various locations.
  • They were known for their performance of Vedic sacrifices and patronage of Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
  • Buddhist monuments, including mahachaityas and monasteries, were constructed under the patronage of Ikshvaku rulers and their families.

Decline:

  • The decline of the Ikshvaku dynasty is attributed to possible invasions by the Abhiras and the rise of the Pallavas, who eventually gained control of their territory by the mid-4th century CE.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which dynasty ruled over the eastern Krishna River valley in India during the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, with their capital located at modern-day Nagarjunakonda, and was known for their patronage of both Shaivism and Buddhism?

a) Satavahana dynasty

b) Gupta dynasty

c) Andhra Ikshvaku dynasty

d) Pallava dynasty

Answer: c) Andhra Ikshvaku dynasty
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