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| image_skyline = Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu 01.jpg | | image_skyline = Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu 01.jpg | ||
| image_caption = Buddhist Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu | | image_caption = Buddhist Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu | ||
| mapframe = yes | |||
| mapframe-zoom = 14 | |||
| pushpin_map = India#India Andhra Pradesh | | pushpin_map = India#India Andhra Pradesh | ||
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| governing_body = Bhattiprolu [[Gram Panchayat]] | | governing_body = Bhattiprolu [[Gram Panchayat]] | ||
| leader_title = [[Sarpanch]] | | leader_title = [[Sarpanch]] | ||
| | | Ravi Kiranmai.Dara = | ||
| unit_pref = Metric | | unit_pref = Metric | ||
| area_footnotes = <ref name="census">{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book : Guntur (Part B) |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2817_PART_B_DCHB_GUNTUR.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh |access-date=2 June 2019 |pages=14,474 |date=2011}}</ref> | | area_footnotes = <ref name="census">{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book : Guntur (Part B) |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2817_PART_B_DCHB_GUNTUR.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh |access-date=2 June 2019 |pages=14,474 |date=2011}}</ref> | ||
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| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] | | postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] | ||
| postal_code = | | postal_code = 522256 | ||
| area_code_type = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) --> | | area_code_type = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) --> | ||
| area_code = +91– | | area_code = +91– | ||
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[[File:Holy relic sites map of Andhra Pradesh.jpg|thumb|255px|Bhattiprolu is one of the Holy relic sites of Andhra Pradesh]] | [[File:Holy relic sites map of Andhra Pradesh.jpg|thumb|255px|Bhattiprolu is one of the Holy relic sites of Andhra Pradesh]] | ||
'''Bhattiprolu''' is a village in [[Bapatla district]] of the [[ | '''Bhattiprolu''' is a village in [[Bapatla district]] of the [[Indian state]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is the headquarters of [[Bhattiprolu mandal]] in [[Repalle revenue division]].<ref name="village">{{cite web |title=District Census Handbook : Guntur (Part A) |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2817_PART_A_DCHB_GUNTUR.pdf |website=Census of India |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh |access-date=3 June 2019 |pages=5,782–783 |date=2011}}</ref> The ''Buddhist stupa'' in the village is one of the centrally protected [[Monuments of National Importance|monuments of national importance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Centrally Protected Monuments|url=http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html|website=Archeological Survey of India|access-date=27 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626104454/http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html|archive-date=2017-06-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the earliest evidence of [[Brāhmī script|Brahmi]] script in [[South India]] comes from Bhattiprolu.<ref name=":0" /> The script was written on an urn containing Shakyamuni Buddha's relics. The script has been named [[Bhattiprolu script]]. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Among the renowned Buddhist centers in Andhra Pradesh, Bhattiprolu is one of the oldest, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. Originally known as Pratipalapura, this flourishing Buddhist town was part of the ancient Sala kingdom that predates the Andhra [[Satavahanas]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=P. R. Ramachandra |title=The Splendour of Andhra Art |publisher=[[University of Michigan]] |year=2005 |location=Michigan |publication-date=8 December 2009 |pages=176 |language=English}}</ref> Inscriptional evidence suggests that King Kuberaka ruled over Bhattiprolu around 230 BC, highlighting its significance during that era.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chhabra |first=Bahadur Chand |title=Svasti Śrī |publisher=[[University of Michigan]] |date=13 March 2007 |location=Michigan |pages=65 }}</ref> Bhattiprolu is particularly famous for its Buddha stupa, known as ''Vikramarka Kota Dibba'', believed to have been constructed between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mandal |first=Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k2c9EAAAQBAJ |title=A Handbook of Sociology |date=14 August 2021 |publisher=K.K. Publications |pages=296 }}</ref> Excavations conducted at the site have revealed important linguistic evidence, showcasing the early use of the Telugu language dating back to the 3rd century BC. In 1870, three mounds were discovered in Bhattiprolu, leading to further explorations. Notably, in 1892, archaeologist [[Alexander Rea]] unearthed three inscribed stone relic caskets that contained crystal relics, the remains of the Buddha, and precious jewels. The stupa was identified as having a diameter of 148 feet, and has a dome of 132 feet.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rea |first=Alexander |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=42VBAQAAIAAJ&q=Alexander+Rea+Bhattiprolu |title=South Indian Buddhist Antiquities |publisher=Government Press, ASI |year=1894 |isbn=9788120605121 |edition=1st |location=Madras |pages=2}}</ref> | |||
One of the most significant findings was a crystal relic casket believed to contain the sarira dhatu (relics) of the Buddha, accompanied by an inscription referring to the Buddha as ''Sarerani Mahaniyani Sarmane'', upon which the Mahachaitya (great stupa) was built.<ref name="Dharmamrutham">{{Cite book| last1=Rao| first1=Dr. P. Purnachandra | title=Chronicle of Guntur District Tourism| year=2023| publisher=[[Acharya Nagarjuna University]]| edition= 1| location=Guntur| page=29}}</ref> Further excavations uncovered remnants of a large pillared hall and a group of ruined votive stupas, along with several images of the Buddha. Among the finds was a stone receptacle containing copper vessels that held a silver casket, which in turn contained a gold casket enclosing beads made of bone and crystal. Importantly, Bhattiprolu is home to one of the earliest examples of Brahmi script in South India, found on an urn that denotes it as containing Buddha's relics. This script has been referred to as the "Bhattiprolu alphabet", which historians believe played a crucial role in the evolution of the brahmi script. Additionally, the [[Jain literature]] known as "Dharmamrutham" refers to Pratipalapuram as a prominent Buddhist center in the ancient [[Solar dynasty|Ikshvaku empire]], underscoring the significance of Bhattiprolu in the region's cultural and religious history.<ref name="Dharmamrutham"/> | |||
=== The stupa and the script === | === The stupa and the script === | ||
| Line 70: | Line 72: | ||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
It is spread over an area of {{Convert|2515|ha|abbr=on}}.<ref name="census" /> | |||
== Government and politics == | == Government and politics == | ||
Bhattiprolu [[gram panchayat]] is the [[Local government in India|local self-government]] of the village.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gram Panchayat Identification Codes|url=http://saaksharbharat.nic.in/saaksharbharat/forms/gp_code.pdf|website=Saakshar Bharat Mission|access-date=5 July 2016|page=97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705114613/http://saaksharbharat.nic.in/saaksharbharat/forms/gp_code.pdf|archive-date=2016-07-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gunbhattibhattigp.appr.gov.in/|title=Bhattiprolu Village Panchayat|website=National Panchayat Portal|access-date=6 May 2016 | Bhattiprolu [[gram panchayat]] is the [[Local self-government in India|local self-government]] of the village.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gram Panchayat Identification Codes|url=http://saaksharbharat.nic.in/saaksharbharat/forms/gp_code.pdf|website=Saakshar Bharat Mission|access-date=5 July 2016|page=97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705114613/http://saaksharbharat.nic.in/saaksharbharat/forms/gp_code.pdf|archive-date=2016-07-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gunbhattibhattigp.appr.gov.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020083805/https://www.gunbhattibhattigp.appr.gov.in/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2020|title=Bhattiprolu Village Panchayat|website=National Panchayat Portal|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref> The village forms a part of [[Andhra Pradesh Capital Region]] and is under the jurisdiction of [[APCRDA]].<ref name="apcrda">{{cite web |title=Declaration of A.P. Capital Region |url=https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/GOSACTSRULES/CRDA/01~14002014MAUD_MS253.PDF |website=[[Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority]] |publisher=[[Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, Andhra Pradesh]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511092238/https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/GOSACTSRULES/CRDA/01~14002014MAUD_MS253.PDF |archive-date=11 May 2019 |page=5 |url-status=dead |date=30 December 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | ||
== Transport == | == Transport == | ||
The village has connectivity with [[National Highway | |||
The village has connectivity with [[National Highway 216 (India)]] which passes through the village. [[APSRTC]] operates buses from [[Tenali]] and [[Repalle]] via Bhattiprolu. Bhattiprolu railway station is located on [[Tenali–Repalle branch line]] and administered under [[Guntur railway division]] of [[South Central Railway zone]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Map of Bhattiprolu|url=http://indiarailinfo.com/station/map/3515?|publisher=Indiarailinfo|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> | |||
== Education == | == Education == | ||
As per the school information report for the academic year 2018–19, the village has a total of 14 schools. These include 4 [[Mandal Parishad Primary School|MPP]], one other type and 9 private schools.<ref>{{cite web |title=School Information |url=https://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls# |website=Commissionerate of School Education |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref> | |||
As per the school information report for the academic year 2018–19, the village has a total of 14 schools. These include 4 [[Mandal Parishad Primary School|MPP]], one other type and 9 private schools and famous school is T.M.RAO HIGH SCHOOL<ref>{{cite web |title=School Information |url=https://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls# |website=Commissionerate of School Education |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416174708/https://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
*[[Bhattiprolu alphabet]] | *[[Bhattiprolu alphabet]] | ||
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{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{ | {{Mandal headquarters in Guntur district}} | ||
[[Category:Villages in | [[Category:Villages in Guntur district]] | ||
[[Category:Mandal headquarters in | [[Category:Mandal headquarters in Guntur district]] | ||
[[Category:Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh]] | |||
[[Category:Indian Buddhist sculpture]] | |||
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]] | |||
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Guntur district]] | |||
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Andhra Pradesh]] | |||
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]] | |||
[[Category:Hindu holy cities]] | |||
[[Category:Former capitals in India]] | |||
[[Category:Articles expanded in Collaboration with ANU, Guntur]] | |||
Latest revision as of 04:23, 14 March 2026
Bhattiprolu | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Buddhist Maha Stupa at Bhattiprolu | |
  Bhattiprolu Location in Andhra Pradesh, India  Bhattiprolu Bhattiprolu (Andhra Pradesh) | |
| Coordinates: 16°06′09″N 80°46′51″E / 16.1026°N 80.7807°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Bapatla |
| Mandal | Bhattiprolu |
| Government | |
| • Type | Panchayati raj |
| • Body | Bhattiprolu Gram Panchayat |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2,515 ha (6,215 acres) |
| Population (2011)[3] | |
| • Total | 11,092 |
| • Density | 440/km2 (1,100/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 522256 |
| Area code | +91– |
| Vehicle registration | AP |
Bhattiprolu is a village in Bapatla district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the headquarters of Bhattiprolu mandal in Repalle revenue division.[4] The Buddhist stupa in the village is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.[5] One of the earliest evidence of Brahmi script in South India comes from Bhattiprolu.[6] The script was written on an urn containing Shakyamuni Buddha's relics. The script has been named Bhattiprolu script.
History[edit | edit source]
Among the renowned Buddhist centers in Andhra Pradesh, Bhattiprolu is one of the oldest, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. Originally known as Pratipalapura, this flourishing Buddhist town was part of the ancient Sala kingdom that predates the Andhra Satavahanas.[7] Inscriptional evidence suggests that King Kuberaka ruled over Bhattiprolu around 230 BC, highlighting its significance during that era.[8] Bhattiprolu is particularly famous for its Buddha stupa, known as Vikramarka Kota Dibba, believed to have been constructed between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.[9] Excavations conducted at the site have revealed important linguistic evidence, showcasing the early use of the Telugu language dating back to the 3rd century BC. In 1870, three mounds were discovered in Bhattiprolu, leading to further explorations. Notably, in 1892, archaeologist Alexander Rea unearthed three inscribed stone relic caskets that contained crystal relics, the remains of the Buddha, and precious jewels. The stupa was identified as having a diameter of 148 feet, and has a dome of 132 feet.[10]
One of the most significant findings was a crystal relic casket believed to contain the sarira dhatu (relics) of the Buddha, accompanied by an inscription referring to the Buddha as Sarerani Mahaniyani Sarmane, upon which the Mahachaitya (great stupa) was built.[11] Further excavations uncovered remnants of a large pillared hall and a group of ruined votive stupas, along with several images of the Buddha. Among the finds was a stone receptacle containing copper vessels that held a silver casket, which in turn contained a gold casket enclosing beads made of bone and crystal. Importantly, Bhattiprolu is home to one of the earliest examples of Brahmi script in South India, found on an urn that denotes it as containing Buddha's relics. This script has been referred to as the "Bhattiprolu alphabet", which historians believe played a crucial role in the evolution of the brahmi script. Additionally, the Jain literature known as "Dharmamrutham" refers to Pratipalapuram as a prominent Buddhist center in the ancient Ikshvaku empire, underscoring the significance of Bhattiprolu in the region's cultural and religious history.[11]
The stupa and the script[edit | edit source]
Three mounds were discovered in Bhattiprolu in 1870. In 1892 when excavations were undertaken by Alexander Rea, three inscribed stone relic caskets containing crystal caskets, relics of Buddha and jewels were found.[12] The stupa was found to be 40 meters in diameter with an additional basement of 2.4 meters wide running all around. The most significant discovery is the crystal relic casket of Sarira Dhatu of the Buddha from the central mass of the stupas. The Mahachaitya (great stupa) remains of a large pillared hall, a large group of ruined votive stupas with several images of Buddha, a stone receptacle containing copper vessel, which in turn, contained two more, a silver casket and within it, a gold casket enclosing beads of bone and crystal were found.
One of the earliest evidence of Brahmi script in South India comes from Bhattiprolu.[6] The script was written on an urn containing Buddha's relics. The script has been named Bhattiprolu script.
The Bhattiprolu script is related to the Tamil-Brahmi, and is found in nine early inscriptions on stupa relic caskets discovered at Bhattiprolu (Andhra Pradesh). According to Richard Salomon, the Bhattiprolu script reflects innovations in a Dravidian language context, rather than Indo-Aryan languages. Both the Bhattiprolu and Tamil Brahmi share common modifications to represent Dravidian languages. The Bhattiprolu was likely a provincial offshoot of early southern Brahmi script, states Salomon.
"A Manual of the Krishna District in the Presidency of Madras" (1883) mentions Public Works Department at that time having demolished beautiful marble pillars, central casket and used the remains in the sluice flowing 2 miles east of Bhattiprolu.[13] Bhattiprolu Union Panchayat was established in 1892 under Madras local boards act.[14]
Geography[edit | edit source]
It is spread over an area of 2,515 ha (6,210 acres).[2]
Government and politics[edit | edit source]
Bhattiprolu gram panchayat is the local self-government of the village.[15][16] The village forms a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region and is under the jurisdiction of APCRDA.[17]
Transport[edit | edit source]
The village has connectivity with National Highway 216 (India) which passes through the village. APSRTC operates buses from Tenali and Repalle via Bhattiprolu. Bhattiprolu railway station is located on Tenali–Repalle branch line and administered under Guntur railway division of South Central Railway zone.[18]
Education[edit | edit source]
As per the school information report for the academic year 2018–19, the village has a total of 14 schools. These include 4 MPP, one other type and 9 private schools and famous school is T.M.RAO HIGH SCHOOL[19]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Gram Panchayat Identification Codes" (PDF). Saakshar Bharat Mission. National Informatics Centre. p. 98. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "District Census Hand Book : Guntur (Part B)" (PDF). Census of India. Directorate of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh. 2011. pp. 14, 474. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
- ↑ "Population". Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
- ↑ "District Census Handbook : Guntur (Part A)" (PDF). Census of India. Directorate of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh. 2011. pp. 5, 782–783. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
- ↑ "Centrally Protected Monuments". Archeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Ananda Buddha Vihara Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Rao, P. R. Ramachandra (2005). The Splendour of Andhra Art. Michigan: University of Michigan (published 8 December 2009). p. 176.
- ↑ Chhabra, Bahadur Chand (13 March 2007). Svasti Śrī. Michigan: University of Michigan. p. 65.
- ↑ Mandal, Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad (14 August 2021). A Handbook of Sociology. K.K. Publications. p. 296.
- ↑ Rea, Alexander (1894). South Indian Buddhist Antiquities (1st ed.). Madras: Government Press, ASI. p. 2. ISBN 9788120605121.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Rao, Dr. P. Purnachandra (2023). Chronicle of Guntur District Tourism (1 ed.). Guntur: Acharya Nagarjuna University. p. 29.
- ↑ Sajnani, Manohar (2001). Encyclopaedia of tourism resources in India. New Delhi: Kalpaz Pub. p. 66. ISBN 978-81-7835-018-9. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
- ↑ Mackenzie, Gordon (1 January 1883). A Manual of the Kistna District in the Presidency of Madras. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 9788120605442.
- ↑ "Notification 1306". Fort St George Gazette. 1915.
- ↑ "Gram Panchayat Identification Codes" (PDF). Saakshar Bharat Mission. p. 97. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ↑ "Bhattiprolu Village Panchayat". National Panchayat Portal. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
- ↑ "Declaration of A.P. Capital Region" (PDF). Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, Andhra Pradesh. 30 December 2014. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ↑ "Map of Bhattiprolu". Indiarailinfo. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ↑ "School Information". Commissionerate of School Education. Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original on 16 April 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2019.