Dhanyakataka location (Mahasanghika centre) — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2023

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

The ancient Dhanyakataka in Andhra Pradesh was the capital of the later Satavahanas. It covers present-day Amaravati and Dharanikota. Buddhism had existed in this region even before the Mauryan period. The famous Buddhist sites of Amaravati and Dhanyakataka (Dharanikota) are associated with Buddha, as a birthplace of one of the previous births of Buddha & a preaching site of Buddha, respectively. During Emperor Ashoka’s reign, Buddhism in Dhanyakataka gained prominence. The Amaravati Stupa (Mahachaitya) dates back to the Mauryan period, as confirmed by an Ashokan edict found at the site. The region was a stronghold of the Mahasanghika school of Theravada Buddhism.
In the post-Mauryan period, Buddhism continued to thrive under the royal patronage of the Satavahanas and Ikshvakus. Under the Satavahanas, Dhanyakataka became the most important centre of Mahayana Buddhism, leading to the emergence of several Buddhist sites, including: Amaravati, Bhattiprolu, Chezrala, Goli (Guntur), Jaggayyapeta, Gudiwada, Ghantasala, Guntapalle, and Bezwada (Vijayawada). These sites contained stone-built stupas, chaityas and viharas. In the first century CE, the Satavahanas expanded their rule over coastal Andhra and shifted their capital to Dhanyakataka. This led to increased Roman trade, bringing prosperity to the region and further strengthening Buddhist establishments.

Gandhara: It is the present-day area of Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Kalinga: It is a historical region that encompassed modern-day Odisha.
Magadha: This region is located on the Indo-Gangetic plains in eastern India and spreads over the modern state of Bihar.

After the 2^nd Buddhist council, the Sangha split into the Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghika Schools.
- The 2nd Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali under the patronage of Kalasoka and was presided over by Sabakami.
The Sthaviravadins adhered to a strict monastic life and rigid disciplinary laws as originally prescribed. Sammatiyas, Vibhajyavadins and Vatsiputriyas are prominent offshoots of the Sthaviravadins school.
The Mahasanghikas group adopted modified disciplinary rules and was the first to attribute divinity to Buddha. Lokottaravadins, Ekavyavaharikas, Kaukkutikas and Caitika are prominent offshoots of the Mahasanghika school.