[Solved] Dhanyakataka: Ancient Buddhist Centre Location

Dhanyakataka: Ancient Buddhist Centre Location

Dhanyakataka was located in the Andhra region, specifically near modern Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It was a major Buddhist center under the Mahasanghikas and the capital of the Satavahana dynasty.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part 1

Archived: 2023

Updated: 20 Feb 2026

In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

[UPSC CSE Pre 2023]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Dhanyakataka was a vital religious and political hub in ancient India, serving as a major seat for the Mahasanghikas, a school of early Buddhism.

Authentic Source Evidence

According to historical records, Dharanikota (near modern Amaravati) in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh is the site of ancient Dhanyakataka. It served as the capital of the Satavahana kingdom (Andhras) during the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Dhanyakataka is synonymous with Dharanikota in Andhra Pradesh. The region was a stronghold for the Mahasanghikas, who influenced the development of the Amaravati school of art.

Logic 2: Gandhara (Northwest), Kalinga (Odisha), and Magadha (Bihar) were important Buddhist regions but did not house the specific center of Dhanyakataka.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the political significance of Dhanyakataka?"

It served as a prominent capital city for the Satavahana dynasty, facilitating trade and the spread of Buddhism in the Deccan.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The location of Dhanyakataka in the Andhra region highlights the shift of Buddhist intellectual centers from the Gangetic plains to the Krishna-Godaveri delta."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Satavahanas 5Mahasanghikas 2