In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located

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UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) Exam 2023, General Studies Paper I

Question

In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

(a) Andhra

(b) Gandhara

(d) Magadha

Table of Contents

1 Question
2 Answer with detailed explanation and sources
3 Related Question
4 Related Question Answer with detailed explanation and sources

Answer with detailed explanation and sources

Answer

(a) Andhra

Topic

Indian History / Ancient India

Explanation

Dhanyakataka, also known as Dharanikota and Dhanyakatakam is an ancient and historical city. It is presently located in the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh.

It was a prominent Buddhist center from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Satavahana dynasty founded the city in the 5th century BCE and made it their capital.

The Pali text refers to Amaravati as “The Place for Immortals.” Amaravati’s prehistoric name, Dhanyakatakam, refers to the place Dhanyakataka, where Shakyamuni Buddha instructed the Shambala Kings in the Heart Essence form of the Kalachakra Dharma.

Dhanyakataka was also the capital of the Kota Vamsa, which ruled during the medieval period until the mid-12th century in Andhra Pradesh.

In 1854, Walter Elliot, the commissioner of Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), visited Amaravati, collected several sculpture panels, and took them away to Madras. (These came to be called the Elliot marbles after him.) He also discovered the remains of the Western Gateway and concluded that the structure at Amaravati was one of the largest and most magnificent Buddhist stupas ever built.

Sources

NCERT Class 12, History, Chapter 4: Thinkers, beliefs and Buildings, page 98
https://ncert.nic.in/ textbook/pdf/lehs104.pdf

NCERT Class 12, History, Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns, page 43, map 3 provides the location of Dhanyakataka in Andhra Pradesh.
https://ncert.nic.in/ textbook/pdf/lehs102.pdf

Difficulty level

Moderate

Related Question Answer with detailed explanation and sources

Answer

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Topic

Indian History / Ancient India

Explanation

The Satavahanas who have been referred to as the Andhras in the Puranas, ruled in the Andhra Pradesh region from late 2nd century BCE to early 3rd century CE. The Satavahana kingdom mainly included the present-day Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. It extended to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Simuka was the first king in the dynasty of Satavahanas. he made his capital as Pratisthana or Paitahn, presently located in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra.

Later they made their capital as Amaravati. It was also known as Dhanyakatakam or Dharanikota. It was founded by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu.

Gautamiputra Satakarni was the most powerful ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.

Brijesh Singh

Brijesh Singh has been providing guidance to various aspirants for the last two decades across diverse forums and institutes. He has also authored four books for UPSC and State Civil Services aspirants. Among his authored works is the widely acclaimed "Comprehensive Modern Indian History" published by S. Chand. The book is highly recommended for aspirants and is readily available in online stores like Amazon, Flipkart, and various local bookstores. Brijesh holds diverse academic interests and is a postgraduate in History, Computers, and Management Certificate from IIM Indore. Apart from being UGC NET qualified, he has keen interest in writing articles and blogs.