Why in News?

• Historians and biologists are campaigning to protect the ancient Buddhist site of Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam.

About Thotlakonda

• Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is situated on a hill near Bheemunipatnam about 15 kilometres from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
• The excavations established the existence of a Hinayana Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago.
• The excavations revealed Satavahana dynasty coins and Roman silver coins indicating foreign trade; terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces,  miniature stupa models in stone, and Buddha footprints were also found, inscribed Chhatra pieces, terracotta and glass beads, bangles, and stone sculptural remains at the site.
• The excavations also yielded twelve inscriptions in the Brahmi script. Thotlakonda’s peak activity was between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE owing to brisk Roman trade and religious missions sent abroad.
• The site is also home to birds and raptors like the white-bellied sea eagle, Indian rock eagle, Indian spotted eagle, black-shouldered kite, and common kestrel.

 Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/a-campaign-to-save-visakhapatnams-2000-year-old-buddhist-site-of-thotlakonda/article34368632.ece