SANNATI BUDDHIST SITE: PRESERVING ANCIENT HISTORY

Neglected for many years, the ancient Buddhist site of Sannati on the banks of the Bhima river got a restoration project in 2022 after coming to light through ASI excavations in the 1990s. One phase of work has been completed and preparations for the next phase will begin after the Lok Sabha elections.

About the Sannati Buddhist Site:

1. Location: Situated on the banks of the Bhima river near Kanaganahalli in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, the Sannati Buddhist site is an ancient Buddhist site. It also draws tourists to the Chandrala Parameshwari Temple.

2. Major Findings:

   1. The site is believed to have gone through 3 construction phases in the 3rd century BC. 3rd century AD, which includes the Maurya, early Satavahana and later Satavahana periods.
   2. The Ranamandala area of Sannati offers a unique chronological scale spanning from prehistoric to early historic times.
   3. An inscription written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script was discovered at the site.
   4. A stone statue depicting the Maurya emperor Ashoka was excavated, with his identity confirmed through the inscription "Raya Asoko" carved in Brahmi script.
   5. About 60 dome slabs were discovered, containing sculptural representations of selected Jataka tales, important events from the life of the Buddha, portraits of the Shatavahana kings and depictions of Buddhist missionaries sent by Ashoka to spread the teachings of Buddhism.

3. Connection to Nagavi Ghatikasthana:

   1. The site of ancient Nagavi Ghatikasthan, often called Takshashila of the South by historians, is located about 40 km from Sannati.
   2. Ghatikasthan had the status of a present-day university and served as a major educational center during the rule of the Rashtrakuta and Kalyana Chalukya dynasties between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Conclusion:

The Sannati Buddhist site, with its rich historical significance and archaeological discoveries, stands as evidence of the ancient Buddhist heritage of Karnataka. The restoration project, scheduled to begin in 2022, aims to revitalize and preserve the site for future generations, ensuring its continued study and appreciation.

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