The terrible bloodshed in the Kalinga War made Ashoka turn to Buddhism.
His decision has laid a strong foundation for Buddhism in and around Srikakulam.
Buddhism flourished during the rule of Gupta dynasty king Samudragupta, who subjugated Kalinga in 350 A.D, according to historical documents.
Excavations conducted at Salihundam, a Buddhist site, on the banks of Vamsadhara river revealed important Buddhist remains, basements and foundations of apsidal brick chaitya and stupas were excavated.
Although the Buddhist structures got damaged in Dantapuri near Amadalavalasa, Salihundam structure near Gara of Srikakulam Assembly constituency remained largely in good shape
Writer Gidugu Rama Murthy found this site in 1919 and it has four stupas, relic caskets, sculptures of Buddhist deities Mareechi and Tara.
All the remnants were believed to be built between 2nd century BC and 12th century AD.
It is believed that Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern countries from here
Buddhist sites at Salihundam and Dantapuri are located near other two important Jainism sites : Tangamayyakonda and Rottavalasa villages
There’s also 190-feet long and 80 feet deep neolithic era caves discovered at Nandi hills, Vennalavalasa village of Sarubujjili mandal of united Srikakulam district
Vijayabhaskar recently published a book titled ‘Veerakalingam’
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