Foundation Stone to Be Laid for Restoration of Phanigiri, Gajulabanda Buddhist Sites in Telangana’s Suryapet District

Hyderabad, June 20 (TNT): The Telangana Government will launch conservation and restoration works at the historic Buddhist heritage sites of Phanigiri and Gajulabanda in Suryapet district with a foundation stone laying ceremony on June 22.

The restoration works are being taken up by the Department of Heritage with financial assistance under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of TG GENCO (YTPS).

While ₹1.60 crore has been allocated for conservation works at Phanigiri, ₹23 lakh has been sanctioned for restoration and protection works at Gajulabanda, the Heritage Department said in a release here on Saturday..

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Archaeology Jupally Krishna Rao will inaugurate the programme and lay the foundation stone in the presence of local MLA Mandula Samuel.

Several ministers, public representatives and senior officials are expected to attend the event.

Located in Nagaram mandal of Suryapet district, Phanigiri is one of Telangana’s most significant Buddhist archaeological sites and is believed to have been a major centre of both Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist traditions.

Excavations carried out at the site over several decades have unearthed important remains, including a Mahastupa, Chaitya halls, monastic complexes, votive stupas, sculptural panels depicting the life of Gautama Buddha, Brahmi inscriptions, pottery, terracotta artefacts and coins belonging to the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods.

Among the notable discoveries at the site is a Roman coin associated with Emperor Augustus, reflecting Phanigiri’s historical links with international trade networks.

The Heritage Department said the restoration initiative aims to preserve the archaeological remains, promote cultural tourism and create livelihood opportunities while safeguarding Telangana’s Buddhist heritage for future generations.

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