Consider the following statements regarding Bavikonda Monastery:
1. Bavikonda is located near Visakhapatnam.
2. The site represents a Mahayana Buddhist complex.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation Context: Recent reports highlighted that due to budget constraints in recent years, Bavikonda maintenance and repairs at the site remain suboptimal.
Statement 1 is correct: Bavikonda is an ancient Buddhist site located about 15 km from Visakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh. The name Bavikonda means “hill of wells,” owing to the numerous wells historically found in the area used for collecting rainwater.
Statement 2 is not correct: Bavikonda is associated with Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhism, not Mahayana.
The archaeological remains at Bavikonda include Mahastupa, votive stupas, Viharas, Chaitya Griha, and Buddha Pada (footprint) platforms. These structures are typical of early Buddhist monastic settlements. The site is associated with the Theravada tradition of Buddhism.
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