With reference to the archaeological site of Phanigiri in Telangana, consider the following statements:
1. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site known for its association with the Ikshvaku dynasty.
2. Excavations at Phanigiri have revealed Buddhist structures like Mahastupa and Chaitya Grihas.
3. Inscriptions in Brahmi script from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods have been found at the site.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question

With reference to the archaeological site of Phanigiri in Telangana, consider the following statements:
1. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site known for its association with the Ikshvaku dynasty.
2. Excavations at Phanigiri have revealed Buddhist structures like Mahastupa and Chaitya Grihas.
3. Inscriptions in Brahmi script from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods have been found at the site.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Context: The Department of Archaeology and Museums, Telangana, recently unearthed a hoard of coins at the Phanigiri site in Suryapet district, Telangana. These coins have been dated to the Ikshvaku period (roughly 2nd&ndash;3rd century A.D.), adding significant evidence to the site's historical importance.

Statement 1 is not correct: Phanigiri is not a Hindu pilgrimage site, it is a Buddhist site. While the site has connections to the Ikshvaku dynasty, its religious affiliation is Buddhist, not Hindu.

Statement 2 is correct: Archaeological findings include Mahastupa, Chaitya Grihas, viharas, and even life-size stucco sculptures of Bodhisattvas. These are all typical of Buddhist religious architecture, confirming this statement as true.

Statement 3 is correct: Brahmi inscriptions dating to the Satavahana (1st century BCE &ndash; 2nd century CE) and Ikshvaku (2nd&ndash;3rd century CE) periods have indeed been found during excavations.

Min. Time: 111 S Max Time: 111 S
M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to the archaeological site of Phanigiri in Telangana, consider the following statements: 1. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site known for its association with the Ikshvaku dynasty. 2. Excavations at Phanigiri have revealed Buddhist structures like Mahastupa and Chaitya Grihas. 3. Inscriptions in Brahmi script from the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods have been found at the site. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Phanigiri in Telangana

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