The Adhālaka-Mahācetiya at Kanaganahalli as a Political Monument

The discovery of the Adhālaka-Mahācetiya, whose name survives in various inscriptions from the site, is among the major archaeological finds in India during the 20th century. Numerous excellently preserved images and inscriptions have substantially broadened the knowledge of Buddhist art, and, perhaps more important, allow certain conclusions on the relationship of the Buddhist Saṃgha and the ruling Śātavāhana dynasty. When comparing the corpora of inscriptions within the world of images found at other previously known Buddhist sites such as Sāñcī or Nāgārjunakoṇḍa, Kanaganahalli emerges as a unique place where politics of both the Saṃgha and the Śātavāhanas are documented. The interpretation of some royal images with their inscriptions seems to allow a rare glimpse into Śātavāhana foreign policy, particularly into their relationship with their rivals, the Kṣatrapa rulers of western India. Lastly, some images such as those of Aśoka show that Mauryan rule was not forgotten at Kanaganahalli, which is very close to the site of nearby Sannati (a find spot of Aśokan edicts). At the same time these images and their very prominent position on the Adhālaka-Mahāceitya prove keen awareness and interest in events of the past by those who designed the program for decorating the monument

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