Location on Andhra Pradesh map
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Alternate name | Chandavaram excavation site |
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Location | Chandavaram village |
Region | Andhra Pradesh |
Coordinates | 15°55′58.5156″N 79°25′40.2240″E / 15.932921000°N 79.427840000°ECoordinates: 15°55′58.5156″N 79°25′40.2240″E / 15.932921000°N 79.427840000°E |
Type | Buddhist excavation site |
History | |
Builder | Satavahana dynasty |
Material | Limestone |
Founded | 2 century BCE to 2 century CE |
Cultures | Buddhist |
Site notes | |
Excavation dates | 1964 |
Archaeologists | Dr. Veluri Venkata Krishna Sastry |
Condition | Restored |
Ownership | Public |
Public access | Yes |
Chandavaram Buddhist site is an ancient Buddhist site in Chandavaram village in Prakasam district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated on the bank of Gundlakamma River, the site is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) northwest of Donakonda railway station. The Chandavaram Buddhist site was built between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE during the Satavahana dynasty and was discovered by Dr. Veluri Venkata Krishna Sastry in 1964.
The first of its kind in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Chandavaram Buddhist site was constructed between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. It was an active center for Buddhist religious activities, and was also inhabited at the time. The age of the site was determined by the carbon dating of artifacts discovered during excavation. The sculptural panels in the site are of the Amaravati school which also suggests that the site was built between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. The Chandavaram Buddhist site was used as a resting place by Buddhist monks traveling from Kashi to Kanchi. Discovered in 1964, the site was constructed during the Satavahana dynasty.Ayaka pillars are absent from the site, indicating that the Hinayana form of Buddhism was prevalent in Chandavaram. The site houses a double terraced MahaStupa on a hilltop which is next in importance only to Sanchi Stupa. The hill on which the MahaStupa is located is called Singarakonda.