An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s2.1

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.