An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s2: 14.2 Amphitheatres

An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s2

Language: English

14.2 Amphitheatres

v1.c19.s2.1

Though there are detailed descriptions of theatres in Bharata's *Nāṭya-śāstra* and scholars have identified a few extant monuments like the Jogimara cave, Dt Sarguja, as a theatre, the only archaeological evidence of an open-air theatre or amphitheatre has come to light in the excavation at NAGARJUNAKONDA. It was a brick-built structure thoroughly encased with Cuddapah slabs and had at least 16 tiers arrayed on all the four sides. Some of the slabs bore masons' marks either in the form of *tri-ratna*, *ḍamaru* or 'bow-and arrow' accompanied by a circle (or *tha* or *tha* in the Brāhmī alphabet); interestingly one stone bench had the short inscription *Kāmasara*. A central flight of steps divided the gallery on the w. side into two halves, while the main entrance was from the w. The tiered gallery, with seating room for about 1000 spectators, enclosed a rectangular area of 16·46 × 13·72 m. A drain for letting out water was provided below the gallery towards the s.

v1.c19.s2.2

Ascribable to the 3rd century, it was perhaps built in the fashion of some Greek or Roman amphitheatre. The fact that it had some acoustic properties in that any sound produced in the pit could be heard elsewhere may indicate that it was meant for musical or dramatic performances. Yet as several sculptural representations of wrestling scenes occur in the art of Nagarjunakonda it could have been used for similar sports as well.

v1.c19.s2.3

Sarkar, H., and Misra, B.N., 1972, *Nagarjunakonda*, New Delhi.—H. SARKAR

Linked texts (2)

Nāṭyaśāstra — Bharata, Sanskrit
Nāgārjunakoṇḍa