Bhattiprolu

Bhattiprolu is a village in Bapatla district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the headquarters of Bhattiprolu mandal in Tenali revenue division. The ''Buddhist stupa'' in the village is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance. One of the earliest evidence of Brahmi script in South India comes from Bhattiprolu. The script was written on an urn containing Buddha's relics. The script has been named Bhattiprolu script.

History

Among the renowned Buddhist centers in Andhra Pradesh, Bhattiprolu is one of the oldest, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. Originally known as Pratipalapura, this flourishing Buddhist town was part of the ancient Sala kingdom that predates the Andhra Satavahanas. Inscriptional evidence suggests that King Kuberaka ruled over Bhattiprolu around 230 BC, highlighting its significance during that era. Bhattiprolu is particularly famous for its Buddha stupa, known as ''Vikramarka Kota Dibba'', believed to have been constructed between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Excavations conducted at the site have revealed important linguistic evidence, showcasing the early use of the Telugu language dating back to the 3rd century BC. In 1870, three mounds were discovered in Bhattiprolu, leading to further explorations. Notably, in 1892, archaeologist Alexander Rea unearthed three inscribed stone relic caskets that contained crystal relics, the remains of the Buddha, and precious jewels. The stupa was identified as having a diameter of 148 feet, and has a dome of 132 feet.

One of the most significant findings was a crystal relic casket believed to contain the sarira dhatu (relics) of the Buddha, accompanied by an inscription referring to the Buddha as ''Sarerani Mahaniyani Sarmane'', upon which the Mahachaitya (great stupa) was built. Further excavations uncovered remnants of a large pillared hall and a group of ruined votive stupas, along with several images of the Buddha. Among the finds was a stone receptacle containing copper vessels that held a silver casket, which in turn contained a gold casket enclosing beads made of bone and crystal. Importantly, Bhattiprolu is home to one of the earliest examples of Brahmi script in South India, found on an urn that denotes it as containing Buddha's relics. This script has been referred to as the "Bhattiprolu alphabet", which historians believe played a crucial role in the evolution of the Telugu script. Additionally, the Jain literature known as "Dharmamrutham" refers to Pratipalapuram as a prominent Buddhist center in the ancient Ikshvaku empire, underscoring the significance of Bhattiprolu in the region's cultural and religious history.

The stupa and the script

Three mounds were discovered in Bhattiprolu in 1870. In 1892 when excavations were undertaken by Alexander Rea, three inscribed stone relic caskets containing crystal caskets, relics of Buddha and jewels were found. The stupa was found to be 40 meters in diameter with an additional basement of 2.4 meters wide running all around. The most significant discovery is the crystal relic casket of Sarira Dhatu of the Buddha from the central mass of the stupas. The Mahachaitya (great stupa) remains of a large pillared hall, a large group of ruined votive stupas with several images of Buddha, a stone receptacle containing copper vessel, which in turn, contained two more, a silver casket and within it, a gold casket enclosing beads of bone and crystal were found.

One of the earliest evidence of Brahmi script in South India comes from Bhattiprolu.Ananda Buddha Vihara
The script was written on an urn containing Buddha's relics. The script has been named Bhattiprolu script.

The Bhattiprolu script is related to the Telugu-Brahmi, and is found in nine early inscriptions on stupa relic caskets discovered at Bhattiprolu (Andhra Pradesh). According to Richard Salomon, the Bhattiprolu script reflects innovations in a Dravidian language context, rather than Indo-Aryan languages. Both the Bhattiprolu and Telugu Brahmi share common modifications to represent Dravidian languages. The Bhattiprolu was likely a provincial offshoot of early southern Brahmi script, states Salomon.

"A Manual of the Krishna District in the Presidency of Madras" (1883) mentions Public Works Department at that time having demolished beautiful marble pillars, central casket and used the remains in the sluice flowing 2 miles east of Bhattiprolu. Bhattiprolu Union Panchayat was established in 1892 under Madras local boards act.

Geography

It is spread over an area of .

Government and politics

Bhattiprolu gram panchayat is the local self-government of the village. The village forms a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region and is under the jurisdiction of APCRDA.

Transport

The village has connectivity with National Highway 216 (India) which passes through the village. APSRTC operates buses from Tenali and Repalle via Bhattiprolu. Bhattiprolu railway station is located on Tenali–Repalle branch line and administered under Guntur railway division of South Central Railway zone.

Education

As per the school information report for the academic year 2018–19, the village has a total of 14 schools. These include 4 MPP, one other type and 9 private schools and famous school is T.M.RAO HIGH SCHOOL

See also

* Bhattiprolu alphabet

References

{{Mandal headquarters in Guntur district

Villages in Guntur district
Mandal headquarters in Guntur district
Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh
Indian Buddhist sculpture
Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India
Tourist attractions in Guntur district
Archaeological sites in Andhra Pradesh
Ancient Indian cities
Hindu holy cities
Former capital cities in India