An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s8.11

v1.c17.s8.11

The main *stūpa* at Bhattiprolu, Dt Guntur, was particularly rich in its yield of relic caskets (Rea, 1894). In the course of the denudation of the *stūpa* was found a crystal reliquary containing some ashes, a few bits of gold leaf and a pearl; this reliquary was inside a soapstone casket enclosed by an earthen vessel. Later, in 1892, were discovered three inscribed stone receptacles at different depths, all near the hole that ran through the centre of the *stūpa*. Inside the topmost receptacle were found a globular black-stone casket, a copper ring and bits, two pearls, beads, a metal casket made of two hemispherical cups, an inscribed hexagonal crystal bead, gold flowers and gold *tri-ratnas*. The globular stone casket contained in its turn 24 silver coins, gold and copper flowers, beads, pearls and a crystal reliquary bearing a piece of bone of Buddha as attested by one of the inscriptions (*c.* 200-100 B.C.) on the receptacle. The crystal reliquary is roughly cylindrical in shape, moulded on the sides and flat on the top and bottom. The second receptacle produced a crystal casket and other precious objects including 164 gold flowers and an inscribed strip of silver. The casket simulates the form of a double *ghaṭa*, the upper one having a conical pinnacle. The lowest receptacle yielded a crystal casket, similar to the preceding, a tiny beryl relic casket roughly octagonal on plan and having a domical top, containing three pieces of bone and other objects like beads, pearls, gold flowers, etc.