Phanigiri, a 2,100-year-old Buddhist heritage site nestled in the heart of Telangana, India, is on the brink of gaining global recognition as a significant Buddhist site in South Asia. Once a hill shrouded in wild vegetation, Phanigiri is now emerging as a vital link to the region’s ancient cultural history, offering a window into the spread of Buddhism across southern India.
The site, which dates back to the first century BCE through the fourth century CE, boasts a wealth of historical structures including a Mahastupa, viharas, apsidal chaitya-grihas, and stone-pillared congregation halls. Inscriptions and other relics unearthed at Phanigiri are seen as crucial to piecing together the cultural and religious history of the region. Experts believe that with proper conservation, Phanigiri has the potential to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status.
The journey of Phanigiri from obscurity to historical prominence has been remarkable. According to local farmer Uppala Somasekhar, 41, who grew up in the nearby village, the site was once an unprotected playground for local children. “There was no protection wall or any restrictions,” he recalled, noting that small pieces of green limestone—remnants of the ancient site—were often found scattered around. However, the site also attracted treasure hunters, leading to significant damage and even a theft in 2003, when a valuable Buddhist panel was stolen, though later recovered by the police.
Phanigiri, derived from the Sanskrit words phana (serpent’s hood) and giri (hill), shares a connection with other major Buddhist sites like Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Situated about 140 kilometers from Hyderabad, Telangana’s capital, the hill rises to a height of 46 meters and has been a focal point for archaeological exploration for decades.
The site first came to light during explorations by the Department of Archaeology between 1941 and 1944. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that major excavations began, revealing a treasure trove of artifacts, including 3,750 lead coins from the Ikshvaku period (300–400 CE) and a rare Roman gold coin from the reign of Emperor Nerva Caesar Augustus (96–98 CE).
Buddhist scholar E Shiva Nagi Reddy underscored the significance of Phanigiri in the context of Buddhism’s early spread in Andhra Pradesh. He pointed out that Buddhism may have reached the region during the Buddha’s lifetime, with the conversion of the ruler of Assakajanapata in southern Telangana playing a crucial role in its propagation.
One of Phanigiri’s most prized discoveries is a series of vertical panel sculptures carved in green limestone, often hailed as the “jewel of Phanigiri” for their exquisite craftsmanship and storytelling. Four of these panels, previously loaned to prestigious museums in New York and South Korea, have recently been returned to India, further enhancing the site’s historical allure.
The increasing interest in Phanigiri is evident from the growing number of visitors, including scholars, students, and tourists from countries like China, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Security guard Phanigiri Veeraiah noted the steady rise in footfall, reflecting the site’s burgeoning global reputation.
Bharati Hollikeri, Director of the Department of Archaeology, emphasized Phanigiri’s strong case for UNESCO World Heritage status but acknowledged the lengthy process involved. “We have to send a dossier for inclusion in the tentative list, and there are already 57 sites from India on that list. Surely, this site has potential,” she said. Hollikeri also outlined plans for a larger, modern museum near Phanigiri to house its artifacts, with a focus now shifting from excavation to conservation and the development of visitor amenities.
Heritage activist Sreeramoju Haragopal echoed the need for scientific preservation of Phanigiri’s artifacts and called for a comprehensive book documenting the site’s findings. He stressed the importance of conserving the chaitya-grihas and viharas, which are integral to Phanigiri’s historical narrative.
As conservation efforts continue, Phanigiri stands on the cusp of becoming a prominent heritage site, contributing significantly to the understanding of Buddhism’s spread and influence in the region. Its recognition as a key Buddhist site in South Asia could soon elevate Phanigiri to the global stage, drawing even more attention to its rich historical legacy.
