Anyone exploring antique Buddha statues and the history of Buddha statues in India will sooner or later come across Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda. These two Buddhist cave complexes lie near the village of Sankaram in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Together, they tell a fascinating story of monks, art, and faith.
According to tradition, the caves were built between the 4th and 9th centuries AD. During this period, all three major schools of Buddhism flourished at Sankaram: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. From monolithic stupas to a Buddha statue carved into the rock, this site is a true treasure trove for anyone interested in Buddhist art and architecture.
Where Are Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda Located?
One Hill, Two Sides
Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda sit on the same hill, but on different sides:
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Bojjannakonda lies on the eastern side of the hill.
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Lingalakonda lies on the western side of the hill.
Together, they form one of the most remarkable Buddhist sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh.
A Hill Full of Shrines
The hill is home to an impressive collection of religious structures, including:
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monolithic stupas, carved from a single piece of rock;
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rock-cut caves;
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prayer halls, known as chaityas;
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monasteries, known as viharas.
Bojjannakonda: The Hill of the Buddha
The Origin of the Name
Around 2,000 years ago, Buddhist monks are believed to have worshipped on this hill. At the time, it was known as Buddhuni Konda, which literally means “the hill of the Buddha.” Over the centuries, the name gradually changed to Bojjannakonda.
The Stupas on the Eastern Side
On the eastern side of the hill stands a large group of monolithic stupas. They surround the Maha Stupa, the main stupa, whose dome is built of brick. Inside two of the brick stupas, stone relics were found in the form of miniature stupas.
The Rock-Cut Caves and the Buddha Statue in the Main Cave
This side of the hill has six rock-cut caves. Some of them contain sculpted panels depicting a seated Buddha surrounded by his attendants.
The main cave stands out in particular:
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It has sixteen pillars, five of which are broken.
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A monolithic stupa stands at its centre.
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Directly above it, an umbrella (chhatra) is carved into the ceiling. It was originally connected to the top of the stupa, but the connecting shaft has since been lost.
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Above the cave is an upper storey that also houses a Buddha statue.
The Goddess Hariti and the Excavations
According to records, an image of the goddess Hariti was built at the foot of the hill. The site was excavated in the early 20th century under the direction of archaeologist Alexander Rea.
What makes this site so special is that it features Buddhist art and architecture from all three phases of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Lingalakonda: Antique Buddha Statues and Relics on the Western Side
A Row of Rock-Cut Stupas
On the western side of the hill lies a series of caves known as the Lingalakonda caves. Their defining feature is the large number of small rock-cut stupas that together form the shape of a ridge.
What the Excavations Revealed
Excavations were also carried out here in the early 20th century under the direction of Alexander Rea. They uncovered a large number of antique Buddha statues and Buddhist relics. Other finds included:
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pottery;
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seals;
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inscribed terracotta tablets;
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terracotta beads;
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terracotta figurines.
Coins as the Key to Dating
The coins found during the excavations proved especially valuable:
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gold coins of Samudragupta of the Gupta dynasty;
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copper coins of the Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana, also known as Vishamasiddhi;
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lead coins.
Thanks to these finds, we know that the early Buddhist settlements in this area date from the 2nd to the 9th century AD.
Sankaram in the Wider Buddhist Landscape
Centres of Learning Around Visakhapatnam
As Buddhism grew in popularity in ancient times, it spread across more and more regions. In many places, centres of learning were established with one key purpose: to spread the teachings of the Buddha.
Such centres and monasteries for monks also emerged around Visakhapatnam, including at:
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Thotlakonda;
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Bavikonda;
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Pavurallakonda.
These sites flourished between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.
Why These Sites Remained Hidden for So Long
With the rise of Hinduism, the Buddhist centres gradually declined. As a result, many temples and caves fell into obscurity. Only through archaeological excavations were they rediscovered, allowing their significance to be understood once again.
Conclusion
Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda offer a rare glimpse into centuries of Buddhist history. A single hill brings together monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves, finely carved Buddha statues, and valuable archaeological finds. It is also one of the few places where art from the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana periods can be seen side by side.
For lovers of Buddhist art, these caves show just how deeply the tradition of Buddha statues is rooted in history. Would you like to bring that tradition into your own home? Explore the collection of statues and artworks in the 1stBuddha gallery.
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