Ancient Buddhist Treasures of Phanigiri, Gajulabanda Set for Revival
HYDERABAD: The Telangana heritage department will begin conservation and restoration work at the ancient Buddhist sites of Phanigiri and Gajulabanda in Suryapet district. Officials will lay the foundation stone for the projects on June 22.
Culture minister Jupally Krishna Rao will inaugurate the programme. The department is carrying out the works with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from the Yadadri Thermal Power Station of TG Genco.
The government has earmarked ₹1.6 crore for conservation work at Phanigiri. It has also set aside ₹23 lakh for restoration and protection measures at Gajulabanda.
Phanigiri’s place in Buddhist history
Phanigiri served as an important centre for both Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. Archaeologists first explored the site during the Nizam era and continued excavations in later years.
Their work revealed several important structures and artefacts. These include a maha stupa, chaitya halls, monastic complexes and smaller stupas. Archaeologists also found stone panels showing events from the life of Gautama Buddha and stories from the Jataka tales. The site contains Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions written in Brahmi script.
Major discoveries at the site
Excavations uncovered pottery, terracotta objects, lime artefacts, beads and coins from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods.
One of the most notable finds is a Roman coin linked to Augustus. The discovery points to the region’s trade and cultural links with distant parts of the ancient world.
Officials said the project will help protect the archaeological remains and preserve Telangana’s Buddhist heritage for future generations.
