Buddhist Archaeology in Andhra Pradesh

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The book entitled Buddhist Archarology in Ambru Pradesh showcases the most neglected aspect of documenting the history of archaeology of the state during the colonial rule and the post-independence period. It reveals the zeal of the British officials and tenacy of the native scholars of the archaeological Survey of India, State Department of Archaeology, non governmental organizations and a few private individuals and art connoisseurs in locating the Buddhist sites and monuments covered under the earth for centuries together.

The pioneering efforts and enquires of the officials of the British India and Independent India resulted onto further explorations, excavations, conservation and preservation of Buddhist sites and Monuments, publishing reports and independent book on Buddhist antiquities, art and architecture. These discoveries helped the historians and archaeologists to fix the chronology of the sites, decipherment of early scripts and contribution of the Buddhist centers to the evolution of a distinct culture of the state.

This book also reveals the trends of archaeological investigations over a period of time that shaped the archaeology into a multi-disciplinary subject. The sequence of discoveries of Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, rock-cut caves, Buddha image in stone and in metal and inscriptions on stone and copper plates, coins issued in various periods form an indispensable source material for future research scholars.

I do not hesitate to place on record my appreciations to both the authors of this monograph viz. Dr.B.Subrahmanyam and Prof. E. Sivanagi Reddy, who have been rendering their valuable service for the past three decades in the Department of Archaeology and Museums. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. D. Jitendra Das, Supdt. Archacologist, ASI, Hyderabad circle for according permission to utilize some photographs and to Prof. V. Ramakrishna and the executive committee AP History congress for permitting us to utilize some material given by the authors.

I personally feel that this book will stir the young minds in the field of archaeology and cherish the shelves of the libraries of the Research Scholars and historians forever.

I feel it a privilege to express my profound thanks to Sri. Anna Ramanayana Reddy. Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, Culture, Archaeology and Museums, Smt. D. Lakshmi Parthasarathy, LAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Archaeology and Museums, AP Secretariat, Sri. K. Prabhakar Reddy, IAS, Special to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Sti. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, MD, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Sn. K.V. Reddy, Direcot, Department of Tourism, Sri. R.V. Prasada Raju, Director, Department of Culture, Sent. Sunita M. Bhagwatha, IFS, Additional Chief, PM, Sei. G. Janardhan Reddy, Special Officer, Shilparamam for extending their valuable support to this department in many a way.

I express my respectful regards to Sri Mandali Buddha Prasad, Hon'bel Minister for Anima, Husbandry, A.P Dairy Development, S.V. Veterinary University and Fisheries, and also thankful Dr. VV. Krishna Sastry. Former Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Dr. Gandam Subbha Rao, Sti, CH. Babji Rao, K. Muniramam Reddy, Archaeological Survey of India for their support in bringing out this publication.

I also thank Sarvasri G.V. Ramakrishna Rao, K.SB. Kesava, T.Venkatesam Chetty, Deputy Directors: K. Brahma Chary, Dr.K. Padmanabha, Asst. Directors, G.Narasimha Rao, Photographer, Durga Prasad, Research Asst. Durga Prasad Computer Operator, Srinivas, PA to Director, Veerabhadra Rao, Librarian other Staff of the Department of Archaeology and Museums for their help at various levels.