Chinnaganjam Buddha Mound, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Chinnaganjam Buddha Mound Nagulapadu Kanupathy Rd, Thopu Palem, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh 523180

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

A.S.I discovered a 1st century A.D. damaged stone statue of Buddha in the midst of a votive stupa, encircled by a prakara. A systematic and thorough exploration and excavation also resulted in the discovery of semi-precious stone beads, a few Ikshavaku coins, earthen ware, a good number of pottery that includes black, red slipped ware and red ware etc. along with fragmented shell bangles. Prominent discovery of these diggings is the robust torso figure of Lord Buddha and it proves that Uppugundur enjoyed a high reputation by the way of residence of several Buddhist monks during 1st and 3rd century A.D. These structural activities belonged to two different cultural chronological periods – the earlier one is Satavahana 1st century A.D. and the later is of Ikshvaku period 3rd century A.D. Currently only part of the mound has been excavated. The site is located between Uppugundur and Chinna Ganjam in Prakasam district, Andhrapradesh, on the banks of a rivulet of Gundlakamma stream.