Context:
The lead coins excavated at Phanigiri village was found to be from Ikshvaku period.
Ikshvaku Kingdom:
- Also known as – Suryavamsa (the Solar dynasty).
- Founded by – Chamtamula, a feudatory of the Satavahanas.
- Location – Andhra Pradesh & Telangana region
- Time period – 220-320 CE.
- Capital city – Vijayapuri
- Important King – King Kanha
- Religion – Patronised Buddhism (mainly Mahayana) and Brahminism
- Vijayapuri hosted Nagarjuna, the founder of Madhyamaka, or the Middle Path school of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Known for construction of magnificent stupas and monasteries, like those at Kanaganahalli and Sankaram.
- Economy – Trade-relations with Rome, evident from the roman coins.
- Decline –
- Flooding from Krishna River
- Invasion of Pallavas
Source: The Wire
Previous Year Question
With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The concept of Stupa is Vedic in origin.
