10 months ago
Karnataka's Sannati Set to Become Global Buddhist Heritage Hub
Imagine a very old place in India called Sannati, near a river.
It has very ancient things from before kings like Ashoka even lived, all the way to times when important rulers called the Shatavahanas were in charge.
There's a special stone with writing from King Ashoka, and another nearby place called Kanaganahalli has a giant ancient dome called a stupa.
This stupa was broken a long time ago, maybe by an earthquake, and people didn't know what it was for years!
Now, a leader named Priyank Kharge wants to fix up these special places.
He wants to tell everyone the amazing stories these old sites hold.
The plan is to make Sannati a famous place for people from all over the world who follow Buddhism to visit and share their traditions.
This could make Sannati a very important spot for learning about history and Buddhism, like a special religious destination.
Sannati and Kanaganahalli, rich in history from prehistoric to Mauryan/Shatavahana periods, are slated for global recognition.
A comprehensive master plan for conservation and development is underway, initiated by MLA Priyank Kharge.
Sannati features an Ashokan edict, while Kanaganahalli boasts a grand Mahastupa with intricately carved panels.
Excavations have revealed Neolithic tools, Mauryan artifacts, Shatavahana coins, and evidence of trade with the Roman Empire and Persia.
The initiative aims to transform Sannati into a global Buddhist hub and a major pilgrimage and heritage destination.
- Who
- Chittapur MLA and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge, Kalaburagi MP Radhakrishna, Tourism and Archaeology officials, ASI archaeologist T.M. Keshava, State Archaeology Department under H.T. Talwar.
- What
- A comprehensive master plan is being developed to conserve, interpret, and develop Sannati and Kanaganahalli as a global Buddhist heritage hub and tourist destination.
- Where
- Sannati and Kanaganahalli, located on the banks of the Bhima River in Karnataka.
- When
- The DPR will be completed within two months, and Phase I will begin soon after.
- Why
- To give long-overdue global recognition to the rich historical and Buddhist heritage sites, and to transform them into a major pilgrimage and heritage destination.
Key facts
- Location
- Sannati and Kanaganahalli on the banks of the Bhima River, Karnataka
- Key Sites
- Sannati (Ashokan edict), Kanaganahalli (Mahastupa)
- Historical Periods Represented
- Prehistoric, Neolithic, Paleolithic, Mauryan, Shatavahana
- Notable Discoveries
- Ashokan edict, carved stupa panels, Ashoka and Queen Devi Samivati portrait, Northern Black Polished Ware, ivory stupa replicas, Shatavahana coins, Roman and Persian artifacts
- Current Initiative
- Comprehensive master plan for conservation, interpretation, and development led by MLA Priyank Kharge
- Phase I Goal
- Completion of DPR within two months, followed by project commencement
- Vision
- Transform Sannati into a global Buddhist hub showcasing diverse Buddhist traditions
Quotes
Priyank Kharge
Chittapur MLA and IT-BT Minister
“The master plan for conservation, interpretation and development is ready. The DPR will be completed within two months, and Phase I will begin soon after.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Curation. We have to tell the full story of this place to the people.”
deccanchronicle.com
