Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery
Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery Site
Early Historic (3rd c. BCE–3rd CE)·Satavahana·🇮🇳 Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam, India
About
About Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery
Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam, India is a Early Historic (3rd c. BCE–3rd CE) temple complex attributed to Satavahana culture. Indian Archaeological Survey and Deccan College excavations reveal stratified deposits with ceramics and radiocarbon. The site includes a principal mound and monastic or settlement features. The site includes a principal feature and ancillary settlement or ceremonial elements.
Why it mattersKey Satavahana site illustrating Early Historic (3rd c. BCE–3rd CE) temple-complex traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery
- 02Function of ancillary enclosures
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for Satavahana
- 02Defensive and ritual focus
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. 260 BCE
- Period
- Early Historic (3rd c. BCE–3rd CE)
- Culture
- Satavahana
- Purpose
- Monastery on hill with 16 stupas and cisterns
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 260 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1000 CE
Abandonment or reuse
On the ground
Structures & features
17.8122° N · 83.4022° E · 570 m · 3 mapped features
Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery — Principal Feature
structurePrimary temple-complex feature at Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery
17.8130° N · 83.4030° EThotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary complex at Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery
17.8115° N · 83.4016° EThotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery — Outlier
rock artOutlier at Thotlakonda — Visakhapatnam Monastery
17.8133° N · 83.4012° E