Sannati
Sannati Buddhist Site · Sannathi · Chandralamba Temple Mound
Mauryan 3rd c BCE → Satavahana 1st c BCE–3rd c CE·Mauryan–Satavahana Deccan Buddhist (Bhima valley)·🇮🇳 Karnataka, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) District, Chitapur Taluk, Sannati on south bank of Bhima River 26 km SE of Gulbarga, India
About
About Sannati
Sannati — major Early Historic Buddhist stupa complex (3rd c BCE–3rd c CE) on Bhima River at Sannati, Kalaburagi district, excavated 1986–2002 by A. Sundara (ASI Dharwad) and later Karnataka Dept. Sannati stupa 42 m diameter with limestone drum, carved limestone panels, Ashokan edict (Brahmi Prakrit) of Ashoka naming Adavi, and Satavahana inscription of Gautamiputra. Limestone reliefs with Buddha life scenes, yakshis, and Satavahana royal portraits. Adjacent Chandralamba temple. Type-site for Satavahana Deccan Buddhist art contemporary with Amaravati but northern Karnataka style.
Why it mattersOnly Ashokan edict site in Karnataka with Satavahana stupa — Deccan Buddhist art type-site with limestone reliefs
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why Ashoka placed Adavi edict at Bhima bend?
Theories
- 01Sannati as Deccan Buddhist gateway linking Sanchi to Amaravati
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.3rd c BCE Mauryan Ashokan edict; stupa 1st c BCE–1st c CE Satavahana
- Period
- Mauryan 3rd c BCE → Satavahana 1st c BCE–3rd c CE
- Culture
- Mauryan–Satavahana Deccan Buddhist (Bhima valley)
- Builders
- Mauryan Ashoka and Satavahana artisans
- Purpose
- Buddhist pilgrimage stupa centre with Ashokan edict and Satavahana monastic complex
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
3rd c BCE
Ashokan Brahmi edict at Sannati
1st c BCE–1st c CE
Satavahana stupa with limestone drum built
1986
Collapse of Chandralamba roof reveals limestone reliefs
On the ground
Structures & features
16.8290° N · 76.9060° E · 420 m · 2 mapped features
Great Stupa and Limestone Drum
stupa42-m brick stupa with limestone drum and carved panels
16.8300° N · 76.9052° EAshokan Edict Slab and Satavahana Inscription
inscriptionBrahmi Prakrit edict and Gautamiputra Satavahana inscription slabs
16.8275° N · 76.9071° E
Gallery