History of Amarāvatī-Dhānyakaṭaka (conclusion)

Enjoying the combined benefits of natural defence (forest-vanadūrga, riverjaladūrga), rich agricultural base, ample mineral resources, flourishing inland and foreigh trade and industry the region became a strategic centre for political control and commercial activities. Unfortunately except Dhānyakaṭaka all these factors rarely converged in a single adjacent contemporaneous archaeological site. Thus from pre-Christian time the history of Amarāvatī-Dhānyakaṭaka was closely interwoven with political developments where the leading dynasties and local rulers of Andhra chose Dhānyakaṭaka/Dharaṇikoṭa as a fitting metropolis and a megacity. The availability of resources and the convergence of trade routes increased the economic prosperity of the masses in general and the commercial social group in particular. This helped a lot in providing economic support to the religious establishment at Amarāvatī.

Situated in a extremely strategic position the stūpa site became the focal point of attraction for the pilgrims from various parts and various walks of life. In fact the stūpa site functioned as a rallying site where donors from various social groups converged and interacted. Such continuous participation and flow of funds helped in the maintenance and beautification of the religious complex. In this act the donor attained merit and the artist his livelihood. The obligation to support the monks and nuns on the part of the lay worshipper not only strengthened the saṅgha but led to the survival of the monument for a longer period of time.

It is undeniable that in the entire process of growth and development of the region the monastic establishment played a crucial part. The royal patronage to Buddhism, the dominant ideology of the region brought about a symbiotic relationship among the political rulers, the commercial groups and the Buddhist order. In fact the popularity of the stūpa not only satisfied the religious urge of the pilgrims but also paved the way for socio-cultural development and economic prosperity of the region. It can be surmised that in this act the Buddhist Sangha acted as a crucial link in acquiring funds from the patrons and providing it to the artist for the upkeep, maintenance and beautification of the Mahācaitya. This is essential for the survival of any religious monuments and Amarāvatī Mahācaitya definitely enjoyed such benefits. Unfortunately all the neighbouring Buddhist art centres lacked such advantages and hence, unlike Amarāvatī Mahācaitya, failed to retain its existence for a long period of time.