An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s10.2

v1.c19.s10.2

Of the *ghāts* at NĀGĀRJUNAKOṆḌA, all of the 3rd century, the most imposing was the one in front of the Puṣpabhadrasvāmin temple. This massive structure, built of brick in lime mortar, was cased entirely with Cuddapah slabs. The gradient was divided into at least ten spacious treads, each one interconnected by three or four flights of steps at regular intervals. A long flight of steps descended down into the water of the river from the centre of the lowest tread. When the water receded during lean seasons, extension with only four treads could be used, as it was built in still lower gradients. Apart from this bathing *ghāt*, there were at least two more *ghāts* on the river-bank: one of them, close to what has been identified as the burning *ghāt*, was an improvised structure in which limestone pillars, one containing an inscription of the Sātavāhana king Gautamīputra Vijaya Sātakarṇi, was used as steps and banisters. The other example, a small flight of steps, beautifully paved with stones was at the back of the Sarvadeva temple, which was located close to a huge masonry tank having continuous flights of steps but not edged with stones on all the sides.