Latest news with #Satavahana
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rare Satavahana, Neolithic artefacts discovered in Kondapaka
Hyderabad: Members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam have unearthed three Neolithic stone axes and a rare terracotta torso from the Satavahana period at the Patigadda mound in Kondapaka village in Siddipet district. The terracotta figure, believed to represent a royal figure wearing a breastplate, offers a rare glimpse into early Telangana's material culture. These latest finds add to a growing list of discoveries from the same site, which has previously yielded colourful glass beads, a carved ivory dice, a double-edged Neolithic axe, terracotta figurine fragments, and iron slag—indicating the site's long-standing archaeological significance. Call for scientific excavation Sriramoju Haragopal, convenor of the Brundam, siad that the mound is part of a larger historical landscape, with layers spanning the prehistoric era to the Rashtrakuta and Kakatiya periods. "These discoveries are not isolated. They suggest an uninterrupted human presence and an evolving cultural footprint over several centuries," he said. Haragopal urged the Telangana heritage department to initiate a comprehensive and scientific excavation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alerta: Você tem zumbido no ouvido? Dica de ouro pode aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo "Without immediate and systematic intervention, the archaeological wealth of Kondapaka risks being lost or scattered. The site holds crucial evidence of Telangana's deep and layered past, and must be preserved through expert exploration," he added. The Brundam emphasised that such grassroots discoveries should shape official heritage conservation strategies, especially in archaeologically rich zones like Siddipet.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh government pushes to reclaim Amaravati artefacts
GUNTUR: As Andhra Pradesh revives its plans for a world-class capital at Amaravati, the state is also setting its sights on reclaiming a rich cultural heritage scattered across the globe. Ancient Buddhist sculptures and artefacts originating from Amaravati — once a thriving centre of Buddhism and the Satavahana dynasty — are currently housed in museums in London, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Germany, and the United States. The AP Department of Archaeology and Museums has submitted a comprehensive report to the State government, highlighting the historical significance of bringing back these artefacts, some dating to the 2nd century BCE. Many of these pieces — including stone slabs, relief panels from the Amaravati Stupa, and depictions of the life of the Buddha — were moved during British colonial rule. By 1885, hundreds of Amaravati artefacts had been transferred to the Egmore Museum in Chennai. The British Museum in London houses over 130 of these objects in its Gallery 33A. Others remain in national institutions across Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata. 'Amaravati's legacy doesn't belong in fragments across continents. It belongs here, where it was born,' said Dr Jasti Veeranjaneyulu, Chairman of the Amaravati Development Committee and Vice President of the All India Panchayat Parishad. He has been advocating for the return of the artefacts for over a decade. CM N Chandrababu Naidu had previously taken up the issue, including a visit to the British Museum during his earlier tenure. Plans are now being considered to set up an international-standard museum in Amaravati to house and exhibit the reclaimed pieces. Officials believe this effort will not only restore cultural continuity but also enhance Amaravati's global identity as an artistic hub. 'Reclaiming this legacy isn't just about artefacts—it's about identity, pride, and historic justice,' he said.
Hans India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM Modi Lays Foundation for Rs 58,000 Crore Amaravati Revamp
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 58,000 crore aimed at reviving Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's capital, nearly 1,800 years after it served as the seat of the Satavahana dynasty. Of the total, Rs 49,000 crore will fund 74 infrastructure projects, including a new Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, High Court and housing for judicial officers. State officials say work will begin immediately on roads, drainage systems and power supply. The push to rebuild Amaravati dates to 2014, when then-Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed a greenfield city between Vijayawada and Guntur after Hyderabad became Telangana's capital. His administration acquired more than 33,000 acres from about 30,000 farmers in 29 villages in exchange for plots and compensation once development was complete. After the YSR Congress Party swept elections in 2019, the new government halted the scheme and proposed three separate capitals for legislative, executive and judicial functions in Amaravati, Visakhapatnam and Kurnool, respectively. Farmers and activists formed the Amaravati Parirakshana Samithi and filed court cases to block changes, leading to a five-year standstill. A 2023 Comptroller and Auditor General report flagged cost overruns and irregularities in land allotment. By 2019, the state had spent over Rs 15,000 crore with little visible outcome. International partners from Singapore and Japan scaled back or withdrew due to the impasse. Chandrababu Naidu returned as chief minister in 2024 with BJP alliance support and pledged to honour the original Amaravati plan. At a village meeting Thursday, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar assured land contributors that the project would benefit all 29 villages that surrendered land. State planners are now surveying up to 40,000 acres adjacent to the existing site to create a larger urban area, integrating Guntur, Vijayawada, Tadepalli and Mangalagiri. Proposals include an international airport, a dedicated rail link and inner and outer ring roads to connect the region. Officials say the revised timetable aims for completion of key buildings by December 2027, with full infrastructure operational by 2030. They view Amaravati's revival as critical to balancing growth across Andhra Pradesh and fulfilling promises made to farmers.
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Amaravati Back In Focus After 6-Year Break, PM Modi Relaunches Projects
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The Amaravati project faced delays after the 2019 shift to YSR Congress Party. Prime Minister Modi is laying the foundation for projects worth Rs 58,000 crore. Chandrababu Naidu's return promises renewed focus and development for Amaravati. Amravati: Amravati was once the thriving capital of the ancient Satavahana dynasty and renowned for its Buddhist heritage. Nearly 1,800 years later, moves to revive it as a capital are in full swing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone for projects worth thousands of crores. A decade ago, in the wake of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation, which resulted in the formation of Telangana and the loss of Hyderabad, the idea of reviving Amaravati as the new capital emerged. Today, after years of delay and political turmoil, the project is being rekindled with renewed central and state backing. PM Modi laid the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 49,000 crore earmarked for 74 major infrastructure projects in Amaravati, including the construction of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, High Court, and residences for judicial officers. The Vision That Was Amaravati's re-imagining as Andhra Pradesh's greenfield capital was first spearheaded by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's previous government in 2014. With Hyderabad going to Telangana during bifurcation, Mr Naidu proposed Amaravati as a futuristic capital, strategically located between Vijayawada and Guntur. The previous Naidu government pooled more than 33,000 acres of fertile agricultural land from nearly 30,000 farmers across 29 villages. In exchange, the farmers were promised land plots post-development, along with monetary benefits and long-term prosperity. Then, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy took power in 2019, and the Amaravati project came to a halt. The new government questioned the sustainability and ecological consequences of pouring in state resources in one region. It proposed a controversial three-capital plan, with Amaravati as the legislative capital, Visakhapatnam as the executive hub, and Kurnool for the judiciary. This vision threw Amaravati's future into uncertainty and sparked widespread protests, particularly from farmers who had given up land in good faith. Legal Challenges There was a five-year lull between 2019 and 2024 regarding the project. Farmers filed legal petitions, held rallies, and formed groups like the Amaravati Parirakshana Samithi to demand continuity of the original plan. Partially constructed buildings and abandoned plots became Amravati's image. Key public infrastructure projects were stalled or shelved. International collaborations, including with Singapore and Japanese firms, have lapsed or scaled down operations. The state fell into debt, limiting its ability to fund large-scale projects like Amaravati. A 2023 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) raised questions about expenditure patterns, inconsistencies in land allotments, and cost overruns in capital works. By 2019, more than Rs 15,000 crore had already been spent, with little visible progress. A New Dawn In 2024, Chandrababu Naidu returned to power with support from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), bringing Amaravati back to mainstream. His campaign promised continuity, vision, and the need to honour commitments made to farmers and institutions. Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, addressing a meeting in Inavolu village yesterday, assured villagers and land contributors that development would now be inclusive. "Amaravati farmers' sacrifices resulted in the formation of the coalition government," he said, promising development of all 29 participating villages. The state government is also eyeing additional land of up to 40,000 acres to expand the Amaravati plan into a megacity. The vision includes integrating adjacent municipalities like Guntur, Vijayawada, Tadepalli, and Mangalagiri, supported by upgraded transport infrastructure, including a railway line, outer and inner ring roads, and an international airport.
New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
ASI documents 11 ancient inscriptions in Telangana strengthening ties to Asmaka and early Deccan history
HYDERABAD: In a remarkable development that deepens the historical narrative of Telangana, the Epigraphy branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has documented 11 ancient inscriptions dating from the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE. These newly recorded etchings strengthen the theory that the region was once part of Asmaka — one of the 16 Mahajanapadas mentioned in early Indian texts. Carved into a rock locally known as Sitammalodi near Gattusingaram village in Peddapalli, the inscriptions open a rare window into the socio-political and cultural landscape of the early Deccan, especially during the Satavahana period. The survey was conducted on April 29 and 30 under the leadership of ASI director (Epigraphy) K Munirathnam Reddy with the support of local Forest department. Munirathnam Reddy told TNIE that the Epigraphy branch had earlier confirmed Telangana's connection to Asmaka through an inscription found in Mukkataraopeta, Karimnagar district, about three years ago. 'This latest discovery adds further weight to that historical link,' he remarked. Among the newly discovered inscriptions, one found at the Gundavaram rock shelter is particularly intriguing. Opening with a trident and a damaru — symbols traditionally associated with a religion — it marks the first known appearance of such iconography in an early inscription in South India.
