An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.t3.26

v1.c9.s19.t3.26

Phase III: Veṅgī (Peddavegi in Dt W. Godavari), the capital of the E. Chalukya dynasty, has extensive ruins of fortifications, habitation sites and temples. With a much earlier beginning dating back to the Ikṣvāku period, a series of Śaiva centres came up during the period over the earlier Buddhist shrines. Mahāyāna Buddhism too flourished and many Tantric sects grew up at AMARAVATI, Ramathirtham and SALIHUNDAM. In the levels ascribable to the end of the 10th century sherds of the Celadon Ware [11.25] and Tantric icons are reported at AMARAVATI. Clay tablets containing the Buddhist creed [12.8] and Vajrayāna images are also found in good numbers at this place as well as at other centres like Guntupalli and Sankaram. At YELLESWARAM several pilgrim records and temple vestiges of the period have been laid bare.