Gottiprolu Declared a National Monument

Nellore:A forgotten ancient settlement that once thrived as a fortified trading hub in south India has now earned the nation's highest heritage recognition.

The Union Ministry of Culture has officially declared the ancient mound and excavated remains at Gottiprolu (Kotadibba) in Tirupati district as a Monument of National Importance, bringing 24.22 acres of the archaeological site under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The notification, issued on July 2, follows the expiry of the statutory objection period during which no objection was received, paving the way for a permanent central protection of the site.

T Sreelakshmi, director, ASI, said the declaration crowns one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent years.

Excavations at Gottiprolu revealed a massive fortified settlement dating back to the Early Historic period, featuring a 130-metre-long elliptical brick fortification, sophisticated water management structures, planned civic architecture and evidence of advanced urban planning.

Among the remarkable discoveries are a 2.37-metre-tall Vishnu idol from the late Pallava period, Satavahana-era bricks, terracotta pipelines, a circular well, and a rich assemblage of pottery, including Rouletted Ware and amphora-like jars that point to flourishing maritime trade with the Roman world.

Archaeologists believe Gottiprolu occupied a strategic position between an ancient seaport and the historic Kasi–Rameswaram trade route, making it a vital commercial link between inland markets and overseas trade. The discoveries also lend weight to ancient accounts by Greek and Roman writers, including Megasthenes and Pliny, who described the Andhra region as home to numerous fortified cities.

The recognition also revives the historical importance of the greater Nellore region, which lay along the Grand Southern Trunk route connecting Tamil Nadu with Odisha and Bengal.

Historians note that the region yielded India's first Roman coin hoard and later served as an important centre under the Pallavas and Cholas, with thriving ports and mercantile settlements along the Swarnamukhi and Kalangi river systems.

With national protection now in place, Gottiprolu is expected to emerge as one of AP’s premier archaeological destinations, offering fresh insights into the rise of early urban civilization and long-distance trade in peninsular India.

Govindu Surendra, general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh History Congress and associate professor at SKR government college, Gudur, expressed his happiness and thanked ASI for the recognition it accorded to Gottiprolu.

He said this would bring many benefits to history researchers, students and locals of this region. If this area is developed as a tourist destination, it would develop greatly, he said.