Amaravati

by Idéfix Tue Jul 31, 2012 2:21 pm

I was reading about the ancient stupa at Amaravati, which Charles Allen's book Ashoka describes as the largest stupa ever built in the subcontinent. The book describes how much of the ancient ruins unearthed there were taken away by British and local officials to reuse as building material, and some of the finest statues were carted away to European museums -- particularly the Musee Guimet in Paris. I have not seen Amaravati, but am interested in going there on my next trip to Hyderabad. I will check out Musee Guimet on my next trip to Paris in November, but it would be a pity if I can't see at least some remains of the original monument that convey the scale of what once was. Has anyone here visited Amaravati? Is there anything worth seeing there now?

by indophile Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:41 pm

It's a popular place for shraaddha karmas now. People travel hundreds of miles to perform those karmaas there by the Krishna river.

by Obnoxious Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:43 pm

panini press wrote:I was reading about the ancient stupa at Amaravati, which Charles Allen's book Ashoka describes as the largest stupa ever built in the subcontinent. The book describes how much of the ancient ruins unearthed there were taken away by British and local officials to reuse as building material, and some of the finest statues were carted away to European museums -- particularly the Musee Guimet in Paris. I have not seen Amaravati, but am interested in going there on my next trip to Hyderabad. I will check out Musee Guimet on my next trip to Paris in November, but it would be a pity if I can't see at least some remains of the original monument that convey the scale of what once was. Has anyone here visited Amaravati? Is there anything worth seeing there now?

I visited when I was very young. Dont remember a whole lot.

by truthbetold Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:38 pm

I spent my early childhood in amaravati. Some of the bhuddist relics were recollected and arranged as a museum. Go with limited expectations and you may find some surprises. Amaravati temple and krishna river could very well be worth it. Also you may trace the unrecognized remains of dharani kota of sathavahanas. I hope the roads are better now i am not exaggerating when i say i hit the roof of rtc bus.

by Idéfix Wed Aug 01, 2012 1:23 am

Thanks for the responses, folks. I will drive down there next time I am India. I guess it will be 4-5 hours drive from Hyderabad. From Google Maps, it doesn't look like the roads from Guntur and Sattenapalle have improved much.

by Guest Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:19 am

there seem to be some ruins. amaravati stupa:

must see place for me too (along with hampi) in south.

p.s. never heard of amaravati. thanks for highlighting it!

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