HYDERABAD: In a move to preserve Telangana Buddhist heritage, the state heritage department will launch conservation and restoration works at the ancient Phanigiri and Gajulabanda sites in Suryapet district, following the laying of foundation stone on June 22.
Culture minister Jupally Krishna Rao will inaugurate the programme. The restoration works are being undertaken with CSR funds from TG Genco’s Yadadri thermal power station. A statement said Rs 1.6 crore had been allocated for conservation works at Phanigiri, and Rs 23 lakh for restoration and protection works at Gajulabanda.
The Phanigiri site is an important centre for both Hinayana and Mahayana traditions of Buddhism. It provided several archaeological treasures through excavations carried out since the Nizam era and after that the site has witnessed multiple phases of excavation.
The site contains maha stupa, chaitya halls, monastic complexes, stupas, sculptural panels depicting episodes from the life of Gautama Buddha, Jataka stories, Buddhist stone panels and inscriptions in Brahmi script. It also includes pottery, lime and terracotta objects, beads, and coins from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods including a Roman coin linked to the Emperor Augustus.
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