Phanigiri artefacts
2023 SEP 9
Preliminary >
Art and Culture > Architecture > Archaeological sites
Why in news?
- The Phanigiri artefacts, dating from 200 BCE-400 CE and discovered in 1942, are on display at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About Phanigiri Artefacts
- The Phanigiri Buddhist site is considered one of the most important finds in Buddhist iconography in this millennium.
- Phanigiri (meaning hillock of snake hood) is a small village in the state of Telangana.
Key findings:
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Torana is a free-standing ornamental or arched gateway for ceremonial purposes in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain architecture
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- The site provides valuable insights into the history of Buddhism during the Satavahana period
- The Toranas discovered at Phanigiri are very important as they are among the first found south of Sanchi.
- The same Torana has a panel that shows both Mahayana and Hinayana schools of thought.
- There is evidence from Phanigiri that shows the deification of Buddha, and we can date this change. From a historical and spiritual identity, there is a transition to canonisation and ritual.
- The monograph of the event has the image of the Buddha wearing what looks like a Roman toga with folds carved in limestone.
PRACTICE QUESTION
Phanigiri archeological site is largely associated with:
(a) Jainism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Hinduism
(d) Ajeevikas
Answer
