The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday announced the development of a comprehensive circuit of Buddhist heritage sites across the state, in order to promote the state’s Buddhist heritage on the international tourism map.
State Tourism Minister Kandula Dhowresh told the state legislative assembly that the state government was committed to protecting the archaeological wealth of the state and transforming major Buddhist sites into globally recognized heritage destinations.
He said that famous Buddhist centers including Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Ghantasala, Aduru, Thotlakonda, Bhavikonda and Chitrakoot will be merged into an organized “Buddhist circuit”.
Durgesh said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier announced in Parliament the development of Buddhist circles across regions associated with the life and spread of Buddhism.
“In line with this vision, Andhra Pradesh’s tourism and archeology departments have jointly submitted proposals to the Center seeking approval for the state’s Buddhist circuit project. The development work will begin once the official approvals are obtained,” he said.
The minister said that the initiative is being taken in coordination with the central government to attract international pilgrims and heritage tourists. He said that the state plans to benefit from central budget allocations to develop infrastructure, visitor amenities, conservation frameworks and global promotional campaigns.
Durgesh recalled his participation with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in an exhibition of sacred Buddha relics in Vietnam last year, which was held with the Centre’s approval.
He noted that the profound veneration shown by overseas devotees underscores the global appeal of Buddhist heritage and reinforces the need to bring up Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh to international standards.
Regarding archaeological excavations in Andhra Pradesh, the minister said that before the division of the combined state in 2014, archaeological excavations were conducted at 65 sites. After the bifurcation, excavations were carried out at three main sites.
“During the 2014-15 and 2015-16 field seasons, excavations at Kothapalli (Bidhamita) in Kakinada district uncovered significant Buddhist remains, including mahastupas, eight votive stupas, viharas (monastic residential buildings) and red pottery,” he said.
In 2017 and 2018, prior to the submergence concerns associated with the Polavaram project, excavations were conducted at Rudramakuta and Rayanapeta in the Polavaram submersion zone. These burials yielded megalithic burials dating from 1000-300 BC, iron tools and pottery.
“The findings provided an insight into early human settlement patterns and cultural practices in the region. The minister clarified that no separate budget has been allocated for these excavations; the funds have been drawn from the archaeological department’s excavation allocations under the Polavaram project,” he said.
