The Phanigiri artefacts, dating back to 200 BCE-400 CE, hold immense historical significance and are now housed at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located in Telangana, the Phanigiri Buddhist site is a treasure trove of Buddhist iconography. Discovery includes thoranas, which are among the first of their kind found south of Sanchi. A particularly remarkable panel depicts both Mahayana and Hinayana schools of thought, shedding light on the evolution of Buddhist beliefs. Phanigiri also offers evidence of the deification of Buddha and the transition from a historical to a ritualistic identity. A unique image portrays Buddha in what appears to be a Roman toga, carved in limestone.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Thoranas: Thoranas are decorative gateways or arches commonly found in Buddhist architecture, often adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs. They symbolize the transition from the mundane world to the sacred space of a stupa or temple.
- Mahayana: Mahayana is one of the major branches of Buddhism, emphasizing the pursuit of enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is characterized by a more inclusive and universal approach to Buddhism, with reverence for bodhisattvas.
- Hinayana: Hinayana, also known as Theravada, is another major branch of Buddhism that follows a more conservative interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings. It focuses on individual liberation and is prevalent in Southeast Asia.
- Deification of Buddha: This concept refers to the transformation of Buddha from a historical figure into a divine or god-like being in certain Buddhist traditions, often associated with Mahayana Buddhism.
- Canonisation: In the context of Buddhism, canonization refers to the process of formally recognizing and accepting specific scriptures or texts as authoritative and sacred within a particular Buddhist tradition, such as the Pali Canon in Theravada Buddhism.
