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@article{205021,
        author = {Dr. RAJAIAH. K},
        title = {BUDDHIST SITES OF TELANGANA: A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL STUDY},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {4867-4871},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205021},
        abstract = {Telangana occupies a distinguished place in the history of Buddhism in South India. Archaeological excavations, literary references, inscriptions, and material remain reveal that Buddhism flourished in this region for nearly two millennia. The Godavari and Krishna river valleys served as important corridors for the spread of Buddhist teachings, monastic institutions, trade networks, and cultural exchanges. Sites such as Dhulikatta, Kotilingala, Kondapur, Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, Gazulabanda, Chaitanyapuri, and Pasigam preserve valuable evidence of Buddhist activity from the Early Historic Period to the early medieval era. These centres functioned not only as religious establishments but also as hubs of education, commerce, art, and social interaction. The present study examines the historical development of Buddhism in Telangana and evaluates the significance of major Buddhist sites in understanding the region's cultural heritage. The paper also highlights the contribution of Buddhist institutions to architecture, sculpture, trade, and social transformation in the Deccan. Through a historical and archaeological approach, the study demonstrates that Telangana played a crucial role in the growth and dissemination of Buddhism in peninsular India.},
        keywords = {Buddhism, Telangana, Stupas, Monasteries, Satavahanas, Archaeology, Phanigiri, Dhulikatta, Cultural Heritage.},
        month = {June},
        }