Place · rock-cut Buddhist monastery · India
Guntupalli
The Buddhist rock-cut monastic and stupa complex at Guntupalle in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, cut between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE under Satavahana patronage. The complex is unique for its circular rock-cut chaityagriha — the only rock-cut circular Buddhist shrine in India, modelled on free-standing timber circular shrines like the Bairat Hinayana shrine excavated by Daya Ram Sahni in 1935. The 25 excavated cells, three stupas, and a rock-cut chaitya hall document the Satavahana Hinayana monastic tradition. Guntupalle is one of the chief rock-cut Buddhist sites of Andhra Pradesh alongside Sankaram, Salihundam and Nagarjunakonda. ASI protection since 1917.
- Function
- Religious institution & practice
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 16.680, 81.100
Connections (1)
- Site adjacencyGuntupalli caves, Eluru
Guntupalli is one site with two kinds of architecture: a rock-cut apsidal chaityagriha whose stone roof imitates timber ribs, and a brick monastery and stupas built in the open on the same hill. The vaulted hall is close in date and form to Bhaja and Kondane in the western Deccan, which puts the two coasts' cave traditions within a generation of each other.
On these journeys
Sources
Wikipedia, “Guntupalle”. Archaeological Survey of India and State Archaeology monument records, and the standard regional literature.
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