Question

Why did the stupa of Amaravati get destroyed?

Hint:

The decline of Buddhism and the neglect by both local rulers and colonial authorities led to the destruction of the Amaravati stupa over time.

Answer 1

The Amaravati Stupa, originally a large Buddhist monument built in the 2nd century BCE, is located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of the stupa can be attributed to multiple factors, including invasions by the Deccan Sultanates during the medieval period, when many Buddhist structures were targeted for destruction. Furthermore, the decline of Buddhism in India and the rise of Hinduism led to the neglect and eventual ruin of many Buddhist sites, including Amaravati. During the British colonial era, the stupa was further damaged due to excavation and lack of preservation efforts, leading to the loss of many of its sculptures.