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CEO Diary
Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy-Sthapathi
Chief Executive Officer
Buddhist Pillar: From the Foundations of Gopura at Tripurantakam
As an archaeologist, each journey holds the promise of discovery. Many such moments have been experienced during my explorations as a part of the Preserve Heritage for Posterity (PHP) – our Flagship programme. I would like to share my unique experiences here that connect so beautifully to our heritage sustenance at the grassroot levels.
Driving past the Tripurantakam temple in Prakasam district (28.11.2016 | 1st Cen. CE), I noticed a JCB excavating near the temple’s northern side, for a Gopura under construction. My curiosity was piqued, and I decided to investigate.
Approaching the site, I saw a pile of stones being removed and discarded. On closer inspection, something remarkable caught my eye, two limestone pillars, their surfaces adorned with inscriptions in Prakrit (Brahmi script) and Sanskrit (Devanagari script) from the 1st century CE.
These pillars were remnants of a Buddhist past, their presence – a silent testimony to the region’s early spiritual heritage. I immediately spoke to the temple authorities, explaining the historical importance of the discovery and urging them to safeguard these invaluable artifacts.
This unexpected find reminded me once again of the stories history holds beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered and preserved for future generations. It was a moment where the past met the present, underscoring our shared responsibility to protect our heritage.
