Phanigiri artefacts

About Phanigiri artefacts:

• The Phanigiri Buddhist site is considered one of the most important finds in Buddhist iconography in this millennium.
• Phanigiri (meaning hillock of snake hood) is a small village in the state of Telangana.
• Key findings
  • The thoranas discovered at Phanigiri are very important as they are among the first found south of Sanchi.
  • The same thorana has a panel that shows both Mahayana and Hinayana school of thought. 
  • There is evidence from Phanigiri that shows the deification of Buddha, and we can date this change. From a historical and spiritual identity there is a transition to canonisation and ritual.
  • The monograph of the event has the image of the Buddha, wearing what looks like a Roman toga with folds, carved in limestone.

Q1) What are toranas?

It is a decorative and symbolic gateway or archway that is often found at the entrance to Buddhist stupas, temples, monasteries, or important religious sites. Thoranas are common in various Buddhist traditions.

Source: A New York spotlight for Buddhist artefacts from Telangana’s Phanigiri