Telangana360

Nelakondapalli: Ancient Buddhist Stupa & Birthplace of Bhakta Ramadasu Satavahana‑Ikshvaku Mahastupa | 100‑acre Mud Fort | Bronze Buddha | 17th‑c. Saint‑Poet’s Memorial 100‑acre fortified site | Mahastupa (25‑30 m) | 3rd–4th c. CE | Bronze Buddha | Bhakta Ramadasu festival (28 Apr–2 May) Nelakondapalli (also Nelakondapalle) is a historic town in Khammam district, Telangana, about 21 km from Khammam city. It is renowned for its ancient Buddhist monastic complex dating from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods (2nd–4th centuries CE) . Excavations have revealed a massive Mahastupa (great stupa), foundations of viharas (monastic cells), chaitya halls , cisterns, wells, terracotta idols, a bronze idol of Lord Buddha (30 cm), and a miniature limestone stupa . The entire site is enclosed by a mud fortification wall covering 100 acres , indicating its importance as a fortified Buddhist pilgrimage and trade centre. Nelakonda...

Dhulikatta (Pedda Bankur) A Satavahana Capital with Stupas, Viharas & Fortifications – One of Megasthenes’ 30 Walled Cities 2nd Century BCE – 2nd Century CE | Mud Fort | Mahastupa with 47 Limestone Slabs | Roman & Satavahana Coins Dhulikatta (also known as Pedda Bankur) is a village in Eligaid mandal, Peddapalli district, Telangana, about 25 km from Karimnagar city. The name Dhulikatta derives from Dhulikota – "a fort made of mud". The site is one of the thirty walled cities mentioned by the Greek ambassador Megasthenes (c. 300 BCE) in his Indica . Excavations by the Archaeology Department (1975 onwards) uncovered a large Buddhist monastic complex dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE – a major urban centre of the Satavahana period . The remains include a Mahastupa constructed with 47 carved limestone slabs, a vihara (monastic residence), a chaitya hall , a mud fortification wall ,...

Phanigiri: The Buddhist Hill of the Snake Hood Mahastupa, Apsidal Chaityas, Paribhogika Relic Casket & Ikshvaku Inscriptions (3rd c. BCE – 4th c. CE) 16‑acre hilltop complex | Roman gold coin of Nero | Potin coin with ship | Jataka panels | Sanskrit‑Prakrit verses Phanigiri (Sanskrit: Phani = snake, Giri = hill) is a village in Tirumalagiri mandal, Suryapet district, Telangana, about 52 km from Nalgonda. The hill on the northern side resembles a snake’s hood, giving the site its name. Phanigiri is one of the most significant Buddhist centres in the Deccan, spreading over 16 acres atop a hill. Excavations have revealed a Mahastupa (Paribhogika stupa containing a silver relic casket), two apsidal chaityagrihas (prayer halls), three viharas , a stone‑pillared congregation hall, and sculptured panels depicting Jataka tales . Rare Brahmi label inscriptions from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku dynasties, a Roman gold coin of Nero ...