Insta
Life Size Sculpture Of Lord Vishnu, 2000 Year-Old Brick Structures Unearthed By ASI Through Excavation In Nellore
Swarajya Staff
Oct 31, 2019, 06:45 PM | Updated 06:45 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The 1st phase of excavation by an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh has revealed the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure being dated between 2nd-1st century BC or a little later.
The site of Gottiprolu (13° 56’ 48” N; 79° 59’ 14” E) lies on the right bank of a distributary of river Swarnamukhi about seventeen kilometres east of Naidupet and eighty kilometres from Tirupati and Nellore.
The excavation revealed the presence of brick-built structures in different sizes and forms. The available brick sizes (43 - 48 cms) are comparable with the Satavahana or Ikshvaku period structures in Krishna valley i.e. Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
Detailed topographical study and drone images have helped in identifying an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it.
Apart from the excavated remains, one of the most major find was the discovery of a buried Vishnu sculpture from the western part of the village. Subsequent excavations conducted around the image revealed it to be a life-size image of Vishnu measuring about 2 meters in height.
The image displays a 4-armed Vishnu standing over a pedestal carrying chakra and conch in his upper right and left hands. The lower right is in bestowing boon and the left hand in katihastha (resting on the hip) posture. pic.twitter.com/fwO6EjuXRo
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) October 31, 2019
It displays a four-armed Vishnu standing over a pedestal carrying chakra and conch in his upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right is in bestowing boon and the left hand in katihastha (resting on the hip) posture.
The iconographical feature like the elaborate headgear, thick holy thread and decorative drapery dates it to Pallava period (circa 8th century CE), the government press release reads.
Other major retrieved antiquities unearthed are copper and lead coins, iron spear head, stone celts, terracotta beads, ear stud in semi precious stone and hopscotches.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.