Hyderabad: A tooth, said to be a relic of the Buddha himself, which was discovered in the Nagarjunakonda stupa continues to be locked in the vaults of the Archaeological Survey of India. It has been decades since the discovery was made, however, the tooth is still out of bounds for the common man and only those with “connections” get a chance to see the precious relic.
A reason behind this is said to be the lack of the right infrastructure at the museum in Amravati for displaying the tooth without worrying about it getting damaged or stolen.
An official from the archaeology department of Andhra Pradesh said, “What is the point of making such a discovery if its significance is not shared with the public? If the right infrastructure is provided along with the tools to spread its historic and archaeological significance then it will also act as a major tourist attraction.”
An official from the ASI said, “Keeping it out for public display all round the year is not a right way if its sanctity has to be maintained. However, an yearly event can be held to display it.”
The AP Tourism Development Corporation, however, has not taken any steps towards bringing the treasure out for the public.
