CEO Diary
Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy-Sthapathi
CEO Diary
Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy-Sthapathi
The Hidden Chatra of a Buddhist Stupa
During one of my visits to Krishna district, I heard an intriguing tale at a local tea stall near Gudivada. A retired teacher in Siddantam village was said to have a peculiar circular limestone slab resembling an umbrella. Intrigued, I set out to meet him.
The teacher warmly welcomed our team and unveiled the slab. To our amazement, it was a Chatra (canopy) of a Buddhist stupa, adorned with a 3rd Century CE Brahmi inscription! This artefact, steeped in history, spoke of the area’s rich Buddhist heritage.
After explaining its significance and role in early Buddhist architecture, the teacher graciously entrusted it to us. The Chatra now rests in the site museum at Ghantasala, a Buddhist site preserved under the care of the ASI, continuing its silent narrative of a bygone era.
