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Andhra Pradesh's history waits for care

The idol was first found in paddy fields long ago and the locals placed it on the road side unattended.

Vijayawada: An Ancient Buddha idol, belonging to the 11th Century is waiting for attention of the authorities at Nidamarru village of Mangalagiri mandal in Guntur district.

The idol was first found in paddy fields long ago and the locals placed it on the road side unattended. The Buddha idol was found to of Vengi Chalukya period, according to the archaeologists.

The idol is carved on the black granite stone and is found in peculiar style.
It has a flame like design on top of the head of Gautam Buddha in dhyana mudra. This style was peculiar to the Chola period and similar sculptures were found earlier at Pulicot island villages Kunturu, Damaragidda.

Though the Chola’s were ardent Shaivites, they also encouraged other religions.
The Chola Empire extended to present day Andhra Pradesh during Rajendra Chola, son of Raja Raja Chola. Kuluthonga Chola, the nephew of Rajendra Chola, ruled the region and during his rule various temples were built that belonged to Shaivites, Buddhists, Jains and Vaishnavas.

Later Vengi Chalukyas ruled the region, who acted as allies to Chola kings, according to archaeologist and expert in Buddhist studies, Dr E Sivanagi Reddy.
Another idol of Vaikuntanarayana belonging to Kakatiya period was also found at Nidamarru which was also in the neglected state.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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