First century AD Buddhist cave explored at Gunadala

Vijayawada: A rock-cut Buddhist cave dated back to first century AD was explored at Gunadala here on Wednesday, said Buddhist archaeologist Dr E Sivanagi Reddy.He said that Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rama Mohan Rao, during his ‘gadapagadapaku Telugu Desam’ programme spotted the cave and informed him. On visiting the spot, he found the Buddhist cave.

Dr Reddy revealed that the rock-cut cave with an open verandah measuring 20x12 feet, mandapa (15x12 ft) with a cell (8x6 ft) for residence of the chief monk was meant for the rainy retreat (Vassavasa).

He said based on the plain nature of the rock-cut cave devoid of any ornamental motifs, it dates to the 1st century AD and attributed to the Satavahana period.

He also said that the Buddhist cave chiseled out from the live rock of Gunadala hill was appropriated by the Brahmanical faith during the 7th-8th centuries (Vengi Chalukyan period) when Buddhism was on decline. The cave was refashioned with octagonal pillars on either side of the cave and the walls were smoothed, said Reddy.

He said that the locals said that a small image of Kanaka Durga was installed recently and called it as Kanaka Durga cave.

Gadde Ramamohan Rao, MLA, appealed to the officials of the Department of Archaeology and Museums to declare it as a protected monument and develop it as a tourist spot by erecting a sign board and directional board on the road side in Gunadala.