Terracotta Lamps Found at Buddhist Site

Hyderabad: A bulk of terracotta lamps has been unearthed during ongoing conservation works at the Nelakondapalli Buddhist site in Khammam district. The discovery, made inside a red‑ware pot, provides fresh evidence that lamps were part of Buddhist ritual practices.

Archaeologists noted that while single or paired lamps have been found in earlier excavations, this is the first time such a large quantity has been discovered together at one location.

The site, dating back to the Ikshvaku dynasty period of the 3rd century CE, was excavated in the 1980s and later covered with sand to protect its layers. Current conservation efforts are being carried out by the heritage department.