Sannathi and Emperor Ashoka (Eng)

Sannathi The History

Kanaganahalli village is the place located near Sannathi village, where the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, had left his mark here several centuries ago The remains of a Buddhist stupa were excavated almost 27 years ago here by the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), and is known as Sannati or Sannathi  located on the banks of the Bhima River in Chitapur taluka of Gulbarga District of Northern Karnataka.

It is believed that the king sent his son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra as his emissaries to spread Buddhism in this region.

 

It is said that in 1986, when the roof of the Kali temple in Chandralamba temple complex collapsed, it destroyed the idol. However it revealed four Ashokan edicts on the floor and foundation stone of the temple. These edicts were written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script and one of them was used as foundation of the pedestal for Kali idol. During subsequent excavations by Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) and the State Archaeology Department, tablets, sculptures, and other terracotta items were found, and most importantly numerous limestone panels of sculptures of the ruined 'Maha Stupa' or Adholoka Maha Chaitya (the Great Stupa of the Netherworld) were found. The excavation work carried out . Archaeologists believe that Ranamandal was a fortified area, spread over 86 hectares(210 acres; 0.33 sq mi), out of which only 2 acres has been excavated by 2009. Clay pendants of Roman origin, black polished pottery, Shatavahana and pre-Shatavahana coins, ornaments made of copper, ivory and iron, a township with paved pathways, houses, and limestone flooring have been found. Many excavated items were later shifted to Gulbarga Museum.

Government has asked to Archaeological Survey of India to take up further exploration of the Ranamandal area to know the history of the region and its connection with Buddhism.

One of the stones - the only known example of its type - is of Emperor Asoka (r.274–232 BC) seated on his throne. It is probably the only surviving image of Emperor Asoka. In 2010, ASI along with Sannati Development Authority deputed Manipal Institute of Technology to prepared blueprint for restoration and reconstruction of the stupas

Sannati can be reached by Rail via Nalwar Station or Wadi Junction. Some trains do not stop at Nalwar. All trains stop at Wadi Junction. Wadi to Nalwar fare by Bus is Rs.15/- Nalwar to Sannati is about Rs.20/- by bus, and Rs.25 by sharing autos. Whole auto can be hired at Rs.300/- max. Sannati can also be reached via Shahapur - by car, auto etc.

The edict placed right at the entrance in Sannathi. Prakrit language edict speaks about religious tolerance. Looking around you will find many panels of sculptures, carved in limestone, strewn around the place. The sun’s rays fall directly on the drums and the larger-than-life panels are arranged circularly around.
The maha stupa, it says, was referred to as ‘Adholoka Maha Chaitya’ or the ‘Great Stupa of the Netherworlds’ and was dated anywhere between the third century BC and third century AD.

It is fascinating to hear from these historians about how the story unfolded here. Professor Kailash Rao tells that the discovery of the edict led to further inscriptions that were found in the area, which eventually got the ASI to excavate the mounds here. The site is a treasure trove and the most priceless treasure belongs to Ashoka himself.

Slightly far away from the main stupa under the shelter of a tree. Is said that is the very first inscribed panel of King Ashoka to be discovered in India. (I don’t think so) “We wouldn’t know if there were any before, but this is the first when we saw something with an inscription that says Ashoka,” says the Professor adding that this would probably help them discover more of his portraits.
Cities and stupas like Varanasi and Sanchi are carved in both the drum and dome panels made of limestone. Kailash Rao says it was like a jigsaw puzzle, putting them altogether, as more than hundred such slabs were discovered in pieces. Halkatti tells several life-size statues of Buddha were discovered, including the four that are normally placed on ayaka platforms and represent the cardinal directions. However, even here, you can see symbolic images such as the Bodhi tree, his feet and an empty throne.

The original stupa, says Halkatti, would have probably been built during the Ashokan period as some pottery shards were discovered here as well. It is said that during his time, stupas were normally built as earthern domes. Some parts of the Ashokan stupa are still intact, while the architecture of the later Shatavahana period stands out distinctly. The Professor explains that the stupa is the missing link connecting all the other stupas, especially with respect to the iconography.

Heaps of discoveries there is more to this ancient site than just Ashoka. Professor Kailash Rao says that there were several discoveries here dating back to prehistoric times. Besides the stupa, bangles, beads, pottery, bricks, tiles, stone heads and earthen vessels were found here.

Empirical evidence has been collected to understand the way the stupa would have originally been created. “Now we have drafted a conservation policy which we will discuss with scholars, conservationists and historians,” says Halakatti. The peaceful face of a Buddha statue lying in the rubble, wonder how many more Buddhas are lying under our earth in various parts of the country waiting to be discovered.