25-July-2024-Editorial

AMRAVATI AND ANDHRA BUDDHISM

Recently, a substantial financial aid of Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its capital city, Amravati. This has brought renewed attention to Amravati, a site of historical and spiritual importance in Andhra Pradesh.

Historical Evolution

Discovery and Early Recognition:

• In the late 1700s, Raja Vessareddy Nayudu discovered ancient ruins in Dhanyakatakam village, which led to the village being renamed Amravati.
• Systematic destruction of these ruins continued until 1816, when Colonel Colin Mackenzie’s survey rediscovered the grand Amravati Stupa, although this survey also caused some damage.

Modern Capital Development:

• In 2015, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister proposed Amaravati as the new capital, inspired by the historic Buddhist site, aiming to transform it into a modern city.

Amravati and Andhra Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh:

• Buddhism originated in the 5th century BCE in Magadh (modern-day Bihar) and spread to Andhra Pradesh through trade routes.
• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), Buddhism’s early presence in Andhra Pradesh is evidenced by Emperor Ashoka’s 3rd century BCE inscriptions.

Influence and Continuation:

• Andhra monks were present at the first Buddhist council in 483 BCE at Rajgir, Bihar.
• Buddhism flourished in Andhra Pradesh for about six centuries, with sites like Amravati, Nagarjunakonda, and Jaggayapeta continuing to practice until the 14th century CE.

Differences Between Northern and Andhra Buddhism

Patronage and Spread:

• In Andhra, merchants and local figures, rather than royal patronage, played a significant role in spreading Buddhism.
• Political rulers in Andhra issued inscriptions supporting Buddhism, indicating a bottom-up spread, unlike the royal patronage seen in North India.

Integration with Local Traditions:

• Buddhism in Andhra integrated with local practices, such as megalithic burials and worship of local deities, showing a unique adaptation to regional traditions.

Significance of Amravati in Buddhism

Birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism:

• Amravati is known for being the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism, which focuses on the Bodhisattva path.
• Acharya Nagarjuna, a key Buddhist philosopher, developed the Madhyamika philosophy in Amravati, emphasizing concepts like emptiness and the middle way.

Spread of Mahayana Buddhism:

• From Amravati, Mahayana Buddhism spread to South Asia, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, greatly influencing global Buddhist traditions.

Decline of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh

Rise of Shaivism:

• By the 7th century CE, Shaivism became prominent, overshadowing Buddhism. This shift was marked by a rise in Shiva temple patronage and decline in Buddhist stupa preservation.

Economic and Political Changes:

• The decline of urbanization and economic support for Buddhist institutions in the 4th century CE led to decreased patronage.
• The arrival of Islam further reduced support for Buddhist institutions as Islamic rulers focused on promoting Islamic institutions.

The Amravati School of Art

The Amravati School of Art emerged during the post-Mauryan period and is one of India’s three major ancient art styles, alongside Mathura and Gandhara.

Historical Context:

The Amravati Stupa, a major Buddhist monument, was central to this art style. Despite damage from the 19th-century excavations and construction, it remains a significant artistic heritage site.

Key Features:

• Major Centres: Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
• Patronage: The Satavahana rulers supported the Amravati School.
• Artistic Characteristics: Sculptures feature the tribhanga posture and intricate carvings from palnad marble.
• Depictions: Art includes narrative panels of the Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and various rituals.

Global Impact:

• Amravati art is now housed in global museums such as the British Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Indian collections include pieces in the Government Museum in Chennai and the National Museum in New Delhi.
• Australia has returned a stolen Amravati-style sculpture, marking a rare instance of repatriation.

Conclusion

Amravati’s historical, spiritual, and artistic significance reflects its pivotal role in Andhra Pradesh and Buddhist heritage. The ongoing development of the city aims to honour this legacy while contributing to modern growth.