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In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1 (Andhra). Dhanyakataka, also known as Dharanikota, was a major political and religious hub located in the Andhra region, specifically in the Guntur district on the banks of the Krishna River.
It served as an important capital for the Satavahana dynasty and later thrived as a preeminent Buddhist site under the patronage of the Mahasanghikas (and their local schools like the Caityakas). The site is world-renowned for the Great Stupa of Amaravati, which represents the pinnacle of early Indian Buddhist art.
- Gandhara: Located in the northwest (modern Pakistan/Afghanistan), famous for Graeco-Buddhist art.
- Kalinga: Modern-day Odisha, known for sites like Dhauli but not the seat of Dhanyakataka.
- Magadha: Located in present-day Bihar, the heartland of early Buddhism, but geographically distinct from the Krishna valley.
Thus, historical and archaeological evidence confirms Dhanyakataka's location in the Andhra region.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Ancient Name vs Modern Name' question disguised with a sectarian detail (Mahasanghikas). While it looks obscure, Dhanyakataka is simply the ancient name for Amaravati. If you study the Amaravati School of Art, the first fact is usually its location and ancient name.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Identifies Dhanyakataka with Amaravati and gives its modern location.
- Explicitly states Dhanyakataka flourished as a major Buddhist hub under the Mahasanghikas.
- States that Andhradesa (Andhra) became a stronghold of the Mahasanghikas.
- Directly references Dhanyakataka in the context of these Andhra-based Buddhist groups.
- Affirms that Buddhism was popular throughout Andhradesa (Andhra).
- Lists Dhanyakataka alongside Amaravati as a Buddhist establishment in Andhradesa.
States that the Krishna and Godavari delta of Andhra had many important Buddhist centres and lists Amaravathi and Nagarjunakonda as archaeological examples.
A student could check a map of the Krishna–Godavari delta (Andhra region) to see whether Dhanyakataka lies within that delta and thus assess the regional claim.
Notes that monasteries were located in the region of Kanchi and the valleys of the Krishna and the Godavari rivers, identifying these valleys as key loci of Buddhist activity in South India.
One could use the rule that major Buddhist centres clustered along Krishna/Godavari valleys to test if Dhanyakataka is geographically in one of those valleys.
Describes Buddhist presence in southern ports like Kaveripattinam and mentions archaeological evidence (fourth century CE Buddhist complex) in the Deccan, indicating southern India/Deccan as an area of Buddhist establishments.
A student might compare known southern Buddhist sites and Deccan trade centres on a map to see whether Dhanyakataka fits this southern/Deccan distribution pattern.
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