Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site

Why in News?

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with ministers and senior delegates from BRICS countries, visited the historic Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit highlighted the importance of India’s Buddhist heritage and its historical links with the wider Asian region.

Key Points

Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is an ancient Buddhist monastic site located near Visakhapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Excavations at the site have revealed several important Buddhist remains, including a Mahastupa, votive stupas, viharas, circular chaitya-grihas, meditation centres, stone pathways, wells, a dining hall and a kitchen.

The presence of these structures indicates that Thotlakonda functioned as an important Buddhist monastic and religious centre.

Archaeological excavations have also yielded Satavahana silver coins, dating approximately from the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE, providing evidence of the site’s historical significance and its association with the wider Satavahana-period cultural and trade network.

The site was first identified during an aerial survey conducted by the Indian Navy in connection with the establishment of a base camp.

Thotlakonda is now recognised as a protected monument under the Andhra Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.

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