Prime Minister's Inauguration of Projects in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

1. The Prime Minister inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹58,000 Crore in Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
2. Key projects include the Legislative Assembly, High Court, and Secretariat, laying the foundation for the city’s development.
3. The PM also laid the foundation for the Navdurga Testing Range at Nagayalanka, AP, which will be used for missile testing.

About Amaravati (Capital of Andhra Pradesh)

1. Amaravati is a greenfield city located along the Krishna River, in Guntur District.
2. The capital project began in 2014, following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Buddhist Legacy of Amaravati

1. The Amaravati Stupa, dating back to the 2nd Century BCE, is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in India and referred to as the Maha Chaitya (The Great Stupa).
2. Amaravati is believed to be the place where Gautam Buddha first spread his teachings of the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time).
3. Acharya Nagarjuna, a prominent figure in Mahayana Buddhism, is said to have lived in the Amaravati region and propounded the Madhyamika philosophy.
4. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited Amaravati in the 7th century to collect sacred Buddhist texts.

Other Historical Legacy of Amaravati ("The Place for Immortals")

1. Satavahana Capital: Amaravati served as the capital of the Satavahana Kingdom from the mid-1st to early 3rd century AD.
2. Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple: A medieval Shiva temple located in the region.
3. Amaravati developed a distinct art style, on par with the Gandhara and Mathura art styles.

Features of the Amaravati School of Art

1. Narrative Style: Amaravati art depicts stories from the Buddha’s life with dynamic medallions, featuring expressive and energetic carvings.
2. Naturalism: The art is known for its realistic portrayal of scenes, making it visually engaging.
3. Architectural Elements: Art can be found on parts of Buddhist stupas, including railings and plinths.
4. Material: The art was crafted from a white, marble-like stone, enhancing its detail and visual appeal.
5. Example: The Buddha statue at Nagarjunakonda is a prominent example of the Amaravati art style.

 

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