The recent excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Gottiprolu near Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sriramulu) district in Andhra Pradesh has unearthed a large settlement, shedding light on a rich past. These discoveries provide a captivating peak into the living and commercial practices of this once thriving community.
Location and Strategic Importance
The site of the uncovered settlement is positioned on the right bank of a distributary of river Swarnamukhi. Its strategic southern coastal location and proximity to the seacoast suggest that it likely served as an important base for maritime trade in the region during its time. Detailed topographical examinations have revealed an early historic settlement surrounded by fortification, indicating a potential moat encompassing it, thereby demonstrating a well-crafted defense system.
The Unearthed Artefacts
Among the many intriguing items discovered at the site, one of the most striking is a life-size sculpture of Vishnu. The four-armed figure is depicted standing on a pedestal, carrying a chakra and conch in his upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right hand is seen in a bestowing boon position while the left rests on the hip, a posture known as ‘Katihastha’. Features like the elaborate headgear, thick holy thread, and decorative drapery dates it back to the Pallava period around the 8th century AD.
Another significant find includes pottery items such as conical jars, considered to be imitations of Roman Amphorae jars, historically used by Greek and Roman civilizations for transporting liquid commodities.
Traces of Ancient Infrastructure
Broken pieces of terracotta pipes found fitted into one another at the site revealed the civil amenities and drainage system maintained by the inhabitants of the settlement. Additionally, the ceramic assemblage of the site consisted of fine quality black and redwares collected from the conical jars, russet coated ware, and more.
Brick-built structures of varying sizes and shapes like elliptical, circular, rectangular, and curvilinear were also discovered. The size of these bricks are comparable to those found in the structures from the Satavahana/Ikshvaku periods in the Krishna valley, specifically at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda, dating the site back to between the 2nd century and 1st century BC.
The presence of stone tools from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods suggests that this region was inhabited by prehistoric people, thus adding another fascinating layer to its historical significance.
The Historic Settlement’s Legacy
The fortified early historic settlement at Puduru, Sunbrahmanya temple at Mallam, unique rock-cut laterite stepped well at Yakasiri, Vishnu temple at Tirumuru: these prominent remnants all form part of the region’s rich historical, cultural, and archaeological legacy. This discovery at Gottiprolu helps in piecing together the intricate historical jigsaw puzzle that is India’s past, contributing to a broader understanding of our shared human heritage.
