Veluri Venkata Krishna Sastry
Encyclopedia
Dr. Veluri Venkata Krishna Sastry is an archaeologist and historian of Andhra Pradesh
, India.
, Andhra Pradesh and got his Masters Degree from Osmania University
, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
He received his Ph. D degree from Karnataka University, Dharvar, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Krishna Sastry's name is synonymous with almost all the developments and achievements in the Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh that happened for over three decades during the seventies and nineties of the 20th Century. He is a great discoverer and credited with the identification of a large number of prehistoric, historic and Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Sastry is also an author of many research papers and books. He published more than hundred papers in various research journals and authored more than ten books.
A festschrift
in his honour was edited by P. Chenna Reddy.
, in 1959. 1961-68 he worked as Technical Assistant, State Department of Archaeology and Museums, Andhra Pradesh. 1968-79 Dr. S astry worked as Assistant Director Archaeological Excavations, Department of Archaeology and Museums and as Chief Technical Officer, Department of Archaeology and Museums, from 1979-81. From 1981-92 he worked as Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums. 1989-1991 he also officiated as Director of State Archives and Oriental Manuscripts Library.
It was Dr. Sastry who first unraveled the most important Buddhist sites at Chandavaram in Prakasam District
, Kesanapalli in Guntur District
, Dhulikatta
and Kotilingala in Karimnagar district. Dr. Sastry proved through his excavation that Keesaragutta in Medchal Taluq of Rangareddy District was the capital of Vishnukundins who ruled Andhradesa during the post-Satavahana
times of 4th –5th centuries AD. The Buddhist sites excavated by Dr. Sastry on the hilltops at Totlakonda and Bavikonda are now developed as tourist centers by Government.
Some of the outstanding group of ancient temples once situated in the submerged area of Srisailam project now reconstructed in the newly built villages Somasila, Erladinne, Siddheswaram, Bhujangeswaram, Kyatur now stand as testimonies to the planning and execution of Dr. Sastry.
Dr. Sastry's efforts in establishing museums resulted in the construction and opening up of District museums at Anantapur, Warangal, Nalgonda, Kurnool and the site museums at Chandavaram. The District museum of Nalgonda
built adjacent to Pachchala Someswara temple at Panugal has now grown to be an important tourist attraction.
2. Yeleswaram
, a Pre and Proto-Historic Megalithic and Early Historical and Medieval site (8th century BC to 13th century AD), 1961-65.
3. Kesanapally, an important Buddhist stupa datable to 2nd century BC., 1966.Discovered and excavated
4. Peddabankur, a major Satavahana site datable from 2nd century BC. Excavations revealed a number of structures and scores of minor antiquities, 1967-73.
5. Motupally, an ancient sea ports town of the Kakatiya and Chola periods corresponding to 11 to 13 centuries AD. 1972-74.
6. Kadambapur, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), 1973-74. Discovered and Excavated
7. Dhulikatta
, and extensive Satavahana fortification, habitation site and Buddhist Stupa (2nd century BC to 2nd century AD), 1974-77. Discovered and Excavated
8. Polakonda, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), 1975-76. Discovered and Excavated
9. Agiripalli
, a Megalithic Burial site (6th century to 4th century BC), 1976.
10. Kesaragutta, a Vishnukundin single period site, which revealed a large number a brick structures, coins, beads, stucco objects etc. (4th century AD), 1976-80. Excavated and established the site as a Capital of Vishnukundins
11. Kotilingala, an extensive Mauryan – Satavahana site (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD), 1979-84. Discovered the site containing Satavahana and Presatavahana Cultures including the Buddhist Stupa and Excavated
12. Peddamarur, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), 1978-79. Excavated
13. Chinnamarur, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), Excavated 1979-82.
14. Hulikal, a Proto-historic Chalolithic site (1200 BC to 1000 BC), Excavated 1978.
15. Bavikonda, an extensive Buddhist site datable from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD, 1983-87. Excavated
16. Thotlakonda
, a Buddhist site with several Buddhist stupas, viharas datable from 1st century BC to 5th century AD, 1988 (excavations are in progress), Excavated and published report
17. Nelakondapalli
, a Buddhist stupa and a very extensive early historical habitation site (3rd century to 5th century AD), 1984-90. Excavated
2. Neolithic sites near Togarrai, Kadambapur, Budigapalli, Kolakonda, Devaruppula, and Polakonda in Karimnagar District
3. Megalithic burial sites near Kadambapur, Valigonda in Nalgonda District, Kolakonda in Warangal District, Chinna Torruru, Bommera, Ramunipatla, Timmannapalli, Chilpur, Sirisapalli, Mandapalli, Palamakula, Pullur, and Vargas in Medak District
4. Buddhist Stupas at Kesanapalli in Guntur District, Chandavaram in Prakasam District, Dhulikatta, Kotilingala, Poshigoan in Karimnagar District
5. Prehistoric rocks art sites at Regonda in Karimnagar District, Edithanur in Medak District, Durgam and Bollaram in Mahbubnagar District, Gargeyapuram in Kurnool District???.
The fourteen temple group of Somasila
was dismantled bit by bit and reconstructed at the newly built Somasila village that it now stands aloft in the new Somasila village due to the unceasing efforts of Dr. Sastry.
held at Kolkatta. He was Sectional President and later General President for Andhra Pradesh History Congress. He was General President for the South Indian Numismatic Conference held at Cochin.
He is a Member on the Salarjung Museum Board, Member of the Heritage Conservation Committee of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority
, Chief Compiler in the Telugu Encyclopedia Revision committee of the Telugu University. He is also the President of the Historical Society of Hyderabad.
He was awarded the Title of "Esasvi" by the Helapuri Fort Group Eluru, West Godavary, Andhra Pradesh.
His book in Telugu entitled "Bharatiya Samskruti Puratatva Parisodhanalu" written as a dialogue between grandfather and grandson described by a journal as the ‘Puratatvopanishad’ was received exceedingly well by the scholarly world.
2. Proto and Early Historical Cultures of Andhra Pradesh Published by the. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Released by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England (1983)
3. Select Monuments of Hyderabad (1983), a Guide Book.
4. Recent Sculptures of Andhra Amarvati (1981)
5. Roman Gold Coins Recent Discoveries
6. Three Grants of Pruthvisri Mula Raja from Kondavidu.
7. Totlakonda – A Buddhist Site in Andhra Pradesh
8. Vijayanagara Mahasaamrajyamu Published by National Book Trust
9. Bharatiya Samskruti Puratatvaparisodhanalu (Telugu)
10. Famine
s in India through the Ages
11. A Brief History of Andhra Pradesh
12. History Of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh
13. Status of Women in Vedic Times
2. Keesara, a capital of Vishnukundins, (1979) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 1 no. 1
3. The Ash mound excavation at Hulikallu (1979) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 1 no. 2
4. Recent archaeological discoveries of the Satavahana period in AP,) Satavahana Souvenir, Satavahana Seminar Special Issue. 1981
5. Ancient Andhra History @Archaeology (Sectional Presidential Address) Proceedings of the AP History Congress, 8th Session, Kakinada, 1984
6. Vandalism of Archaeological monuments in India – role of public in their preservation, (1985) preservation, (1985) Proceedings of All India Museums Conference, Bhuvaneswar.
7. Historical Mosques of Hyderabad (1987) Journal of Salar Jung Museum Annual Research Journal, 1983-84 Hyderabad.
8. Architectural affiliation of Andhra with rock-cut caves of Ellora, (1988) Proceedings of Indian Art History Seminar.
9. Kuchipudi dance – a historical sketch, (1988) Souvenir of the Kuchipudi Kalaniketan, Hyderabad.
10. Salient features of the Early Islamic architecture in A.P (1989) Souvenir of the Centenary celebrations of the Victoria Jubilee Museum, Vijayawada.
11. Seals and ceilings from Peddabankur, Epigraphia Andhrica, Vo.51989
12. Recent Trends in Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh, Sectional Presidential Address, 51 Session of Indian History Congress, Calcutta, 1990
13. Salvage archeological Operations under the Srisailam Project, (1990) Ithihas, and vol. 15 no.2. 1989
14. Artistic Innovations During the Vijayanagara Times, with Reference to AP, Itihas, Vol XV, 1989
15. Salient Features of Satavahana Material Culture, Dr. N.Ramesan Commemoration Volume, Satavahana Special, 1990
16. Early Saiva Vestiges at Keesaragatta, (1990) Itihas, Vol. 15 No. 2
17. A decade of Archaeology in Andhra Pradesh, (1983) Journal of Archaeology, University of Mysore
.
18. Early Islamic Architecture, Souvenir, Victoria Jubilee Museum Centenary Celebrations, 1987
19. Salient features of Satavahana Material Culture, (1990) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol.2 No.2.
20. Position and Status of Women during the Medieval Andhra, (1991) Itihas, Von. 16 No.1
21. Terracotta Art of Andhra Pradesh (1990), Gaurav.
22. Indo Roman Trading Centers in Andhra Pradesh Ex Moneta, in Honour of Dr. David W. Mac Dowall, Bapu, Nasik, 1995
23. Stucco As Decorative Art in Andhra Pradesh, Decorative Arts of India, Published by Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad, 1987.
24. Architectural Affiliation of Andhra with Rock -Cut Caves of Ellora, Ellora Caves: Sculptures and Architecture, Seminar on Art History at Ellora 1988.
25. Philosophy of Conservation. In Conservation, Preservation, @Restoration, Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, 1996.
26. Recent Trends in Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh, Sectional Presidential Address, 51 Session, Indian History Congress, Calcutta December, 1990.
27. Ramayana in Andhra Sculptural Art, Srinagabhinandana, Bangalore, 1995
28. Three Copper Plate Grants of Pruthvisrimula Raja from Kondavidu, Journal of the Epigraphical Society of India, Vol 16, 1990
29. Roman Coin Finds in the Karimnagar Region of Andhra, Foreign Coins found in the Indian Subcontinent, 4th International Colloquium, Indian Institute of Research in Numismatics, Nasik, 1995
30. Kshtrapa Coin Hoard from Ghantasala, in Numismatic Panorama, S.M.Shukla Commemoration Vol.1996
31. Ramadasa_A Great Ramabhakta of Bhdrachalam, The Kalyana Kalpataru, Vol. XLII, December, 1996
32. Bliss in Stillness, (Splendor of Andhra Temples) Maa Telugu Talli, Special Issue on Andhra Pradesh, Nagarjuna group,1998
33. Recent Progress of Archaeology in Andhra Pradesh, Proceedings of the Colloquiium on South Indian Archaeology, Bacri, Hyderabad,2000
34. Buddhism in Andhra, Andhra Sangita Saamskutika Mahotsavava special Issue, September, 2001
35. The Enigma of Acharya Nagarjuna, Deccan Studies, Vol.1, No.1, Jan-June, 2002
36. Early Tantric Goddesses, Special Issue of the National Seminar on Tantrism, Birla Archeological and Cultural Research Institute, Hyderabad, 2002
37. Megalithic Cultures- The Iron Age, Pre and Proto Historic Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Dravidian University
, 2003
38. A Historical Sketch Of Acharya Nagarjuna, Proceedings of the National Seminar, Salar Jung Museum, 2003.
39. Nalgonda Region - An Archaeological Paradise, in Udayini, Special Issue of Panugallu Utsavam, 2001
40. Maha Ganapati, Proceedings of the Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Narasapur,2001
41. Dr, R.Subrahmanyam, a Guide of My Destiny, Subrahmanyam Commemoration Volume, Editors, Dr. I.K.Sarma, B.Vidyadhara Rao, 2003
42. The Symbolism of Lotus and Lajja Gouri, in Glimpses of our Past and Historical Researches, Felicitation Vol to Prof M.Radha Krishna Sarma, Dept. of History Osmania University, 2004.
43. Historical Geography of Andhra Pradesh, General Presidential Address, 28th Session of Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Vijayavada, 2004.
44. Tummanayeru Grant of Pulakesi 11. Brahmasri, P.V.Parabrahma Sastry Felicitation Vol., 2004
45. Sects of Buddhism in Andhra, Kevala_Bodhi, Buddhist and Jaina History of Deccan, 2004
46. Freedom Movement in (Coastal) Andhra, Krishna Pushkaram Celebrations, Special Issue, 2004
2. Nagarjunkonda – Oka Bouddha Kshetram, (1987), Telugu Samacharam.
3. Amaravathi, (1987), Telugu Samacharam.
4. Bavikonda – Bouddharamam, (1988) Telugu Samacharam.
5. Nelakondapalli (1988) Telugu Samacharam.
6. Srisailam Project loni puratana kattadala parikshana charyalu, (1989) Telugu Vignanam.
7. Charitrika Chihnalu, MaaTelugu Talliki Mallepooladanda, A special issue brought out by Andhra Jyothi.1989.
8. Praachinaandhra Samskuti, Special Issue, Andhra Saaraswata Parishad Diamond Jubilee ,2003
9. Praachina Naanemulu-Moosi Charitra Parisodhana Telugu, B.Nsastry Commemoration Volume,
10. Tarataraala Telugu Samskruti, Moosi, November-December 2000.
11. Brihatsilayuga Samskrutulu-Inupayugam, Andhra Pradesh Samagra Charitra Samskruti, Vol 1. Andhra Pradesh History Congress, 2003
P.Chenna Reddy (Dr.) (Ed.)
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, India.
Early life
Dr. Krishna Sastry was born on October 23, 1934, Chirivada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India to Veluri Partha Sarathi and Veluri Anasuya. He was graduated from Gudivada College in Krishna DistrictKrishna district
Krishna District is a district of India's Andhra Pradesh state. It is named after the Krishna River, the third longest river that flows within India, flows through the district and joins Bay of Bengal here in this district. It has a population of 4,529,009 of which 32.08% is urban as of...
, Andhra Pradesh and got his Masters Degree from Osmania University
Osmania University
Osmania University , , since 1918, is a public university located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was established and named after the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. It is one of the oldest modern universities in India. It is the first Indian University to have Urdu and...
, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
He received his Ph. D degree from Karnataka University, Dharvar, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Krishna Sastry's name is synonymous with almost all the developments and achievements in the Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh that happened for over three decades during the seventies and nineties of the 20th Century. He is a great discoverer and credited with the identification of a large number of prehistoric, historic and Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Sastry is also an author of many research papers and books. He published more than hundred papers in various research journals and authored more than ten books.
A festschrift
Festschrift
In academia, a Festschrift , is a book honoring a respected person, especially an academic, and presented during his or her lifetime. The term, borrowed from German, could be translated as celebration publication or celebratory writing...
in his honour was edited by P. Chenna Reddy.
Career as an Archaeologist
Dr. Sastry started his career as a Scholar Trainee, Nagarjunkonda, Archaeological Survey of IndiaArchaeological Survey of India
The Archaeological Survey of India is a department of the Government of India, attached to the Ministry of Culture . The ASI is responsible for archaeological studies and the preservation of archaeological heritage of the country in accordance with the various acts of the Indian Parliament...
, in 1959. 1961-68 he worked as Technical Assistant, State Department of Archaeology and Museums, Andhra Pradesh. 1968-79 Dr. S astry worked as Assistant Director Archaeological Excavations, Department of Archaeology and Museums and as Chief Technical Officer, Department of Archaeology and Museums, from 1979-81. From 1981-92 he worked as Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums. 1989-1991 he also officiated as Director of State Archives and Oriental Manuscripts Library.
It was Dr. Sastry who first unraveled the most important Buddhist sites at Chandavaram in Prakasam District
Prakasam district
Prakasam District is an administrative district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in India. The district headquarters is located at Ongole City...
, Kesanapalli in Guntur District
Guntur district
Guntur district is located in Andhra Pradesh along the east coast of Bay of Bengal. The district has a coastline of around 100 kilometers. Guntur City is the largest city in the district and administrative center of Guntur District. The district is a major center for learning.-Etymology:There are...
, Dhulikatta
Dhulikatta
Dhulikatta is a village in Eligaid Mandal in Karimnagar district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is 25 km away from the district center. The three day Satavahana festival is held there every year in January....
and Kotilingala in Karimnagar district. Dr. Sastry proved through his excavation that Keesaragutta in Medchal Taluq of Rangareddy District was the capital of Vishnukundins who ruled Andhradesa during the post-Satavahana
Satavahana
The Sātavāhana Empire or Andhra Empire, was a royal Indian dynasty based from Dharanikota and Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh as well as Junnar and Prathisthan in Maharashtra. The territory of the empire covered much of India from 230 BCE onward...
times of 4th –5th centuries AD. The Buddhist sites excavated by Dr. Sastry on the hilltops at Totlakonda and Bavikonda are now developed as tourist centers by Government.
Some of the outstanding group of ancient temples once situated in the submerged area of Srisailam project now reconstructed in the newly built villages Somasila, Erladinne, Siddheswaram, Bhujangeswaram, Kyatur now stand as testimonies to the planning and execution of Dr. Sastry.
Dr. Sastry's efforts in establishing museums resulted in the construction and opening up of District museums at Anantapur, Warangal, Nalgonda, Kurnool and the site museums at Chandavaram. The District museum of Nalgonda
Nalgonda
Nalgonda is a town and a municipality in Nalgonda district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Its name is derived from two Telugu words Nalla and Konda . Nalgonda in the past is referred to as Nilagiri. During the period of Bahamani kingdom, it had been renamed as Nallagonda...
built adjacent to Pachchala Someswara temple at Panugal has now grown to be an important tourist attraction.
Excavations participated or independently conducted
1. Nagarjunakonda, a site of multiple cultures starting from Prehistory to Medieval times. Primarily a major Buddhist Site (3rd Century AD), 1959-61. Joined as Trainee – Scholar2. Yeleswaram
Yeleswaram
Yel-eswaram or Elesvaram is a village and a Mandal in East Godavari district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.Great freedom fighter and Indian National Congress Leader called Chandaka Apparao belongs to this place.-Geography:...
, a Pre and Proto-Historic Megalithic and Early Historical and Medieval site (8th century BC to 13th century AD), 1961-65.
3. Kesanapally, an important Buddhist stupa datable to 2nd century BC., 1966.Discovered and excavated
4. Peddabankur, a major Satavahana site datable from 2nd century BC. Excavations revealed a number of structures and scores of minor antiquities, 1967-73.
5. Motupally, an ancient sea ports town of the Kakatiya and Chola periods corresponding to 11 to 13 centuries AD. 1972-74.
6. Kadambapur, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), 1973-74. Discovered and Excavated
7. Dhulikatta
Dhulikatta
Dhulikatta is a village in Eligaid Mandal in Karimnagar district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is 25 km away from the district center. The three day Satavahana festival is held there every year in January....
, and extensive Satavahana fortification, habitation site and Buddhist Stupa (2nd century BC to 2nd century AD), 1974-77. Discovered and Excavated
8. Polakonda, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), 1975-76. Discovered and Excavated
9. Agiripalli
Agiripalli
Agiripally or Aagiripalli is a village of 25,000 people in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Lord Shobanadeeswara temple is in this village.-Facilities:...
, a Megalithic Burial site (6th century to 4th century BC), 1976.
10. Kesaragutta, a Vishnukundin single period site, which revealed a large number a brick structures, coins, beads, stucco objects etc. (4th century AD), 1976-80. Excavated and established the site as a Capital of Vishnukundins
11. Kotilingala, an extensive Mauryan – Satavahana site (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD), 1979-84. Discovered the site containing Satavahana and Presatavahana Cultures including the Buddhist Stupa and Excavated
12. Peddamarur, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), 1978-79. Excavated
13. Chinnamarur, Iron Age burial site (8th century BC to 6th century BC), Excavated 1979-82.
14. Hulikal, a Proto-historic Chalolithic site (1200 BC to 1000 BC), Excavated 1978.
15. Bavikonda, an extensive Buddhist site datable from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD, 1983-87. Excavated
16. Thotlakonda
Thotlakonda
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex Lies about 15 km from Visakhapatnam city on the way to Bheemili town on a hill about 128 mts. Above Mean Sea Level overlooking the sea. The telugu name Thotlakonda derived from the presence of a number of a rock-cut throughs hewn in the bedrock of the hillock...
, a Buddhist site with several Buddhist stupas, viharas datable from 1st century BC to 5th century AD, 1988 (excavations are in progress), Excavated and published report
17. Nelakondapalli
Nelakondapalli
NelaKondapally is the headquarter of a mandal in Khammam district in Andhra Pradesh of India, located 21 km from Khammam.-HISTORY:Nelakondapally is a historic site encompassed by a mud fortification wall covering nearly...
, a Buddhist stupa and a very extensive early historical habitation site (3rd century to 5th century AD), 1984-90. Excavated
Discoveries
1. Discovered Stone Age Sites Early Stone Age site at Nagarjunakonda in Guntur District, Amarabad, Chandravagu, in Mehboobnagar District Several prehistoric sites near Ramagundam, Godavary Khani, Early, Middle and Late Stone age sites in Adilabad District near Wankhidi, Pochchara, Kerimeri etc., several Prehistoric sites in and around Yelleswaram in Nalgonda District2. Neolithic sites near Togarrai, Kadambapur, Budigapalli, Kolakonda, Devaruppula, and Polakonda in Karimnagar District
3. Megalithic burial sites near Kadambapur, Valigonda in Nalgonda District, Kolakonda in Warangal District, Chinna Torruru, Bommera, Ramunipatla, Timmannapalli, Chilpur, Sirisapalli, Mandapalli, Palamakula, Pullur, and Vargas in Medak District
4. Buddhist Stupas at Kesanapalli in Guntur District, Chandavaram in Prakasam District, Dhulikatta, Kotilingala, Poshigoan in Karimnagar District
5. Prehistoric rocks art sites at Regonda in Karimnagar District, Edithanur in Medak District, Durgam and Bollaram in Mahbubnagar District, Gargeyapuram in Kurnool District???.
Salvage Archaeology
Under Salvage archaeological operations in the submergible area of the Srisailam Project a large number of ancient temples have been dismantled and reconstructed at higher altitudes. The Somasila Group of Temples, the temples of Siddheswaram, Bhujangeswaram were transplanted and reconstructed.The fourteen temple group of Somasila
Somasila
Somasila is a small town in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is well known for the Shiva temple and the Somasila Water Project across the Penna River. The temple has a long history and is located next to the dam. The project was built in the tenure of Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao. It...
was dismantled bit by bit and reconstructed at the newly built Somasila village that it now stands aloft in the new Somasila village due to the unceasing efforts of Dr. Sastry.
Professional Achievements
Dr. Sastry retired as Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Andhra Pradesh, India. He was Sectional President for the Indian History CongressIndian History Congress
Indian History Congress is the largest professional and academic body of Indian historians with over 10,000 members. It was established in 1935. The name of any new applicant for membership needs to be proposed and seconded by existing Ordinary or Life Members....
held at Kolkatta. He was Sectional President and later General President for Andhra Pradesh History Congress. He was General President for the South Indian Numismatic Conference held at Cochin.
He is a Member on the Salarjung Museum Board, Member of the Heritage Conservation Committee of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority
Hyderabad Urban Development Authority
The Hyderabad Urban Development Authority was created in 1975, vide an act of the State Assembly of Andhra Pradesh. Its jurisdiction was expanded in 2008 by merging it with the surrounding mandals to form the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority....
, Chief Compiler in the Telugu Encyclopedia Revision committee of the Telugu University. He is also the President of the Historical Society of Hyderabad.
Awards
In 2002 Dr. Sastry received the Eminent Citizen Award as an "Outstanding Archaeologist" by the Sanatana Dharma Charitable Trust, Hyderabad.He was awarded the Title of "Esasvi" by the Helapuri Fort Group Eluru, West Godavary, Andhra Pradesh.
Publications
Dr. Sastry's book "Proto Historical Cultures of Andhra Pradesh" was released by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1982.His book in Telugu entitled "Bharatiya Samskruti Puratatva Parisodhanalu" written as a dialogue between grandfather and grandson described by a journal as the ‘Puratatvopanishad’ was received exceedingly well by the scholarly world.
Books
1. New Satavahana Sculptures from Andhra Amaravati, 19902. Proto and Early Historical Cultures of Andhra Pradesh Published by the. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Released by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England (1983)
3. Select Monuments of Hyderabad (1983), a Guide Book.
4. Recent Sculptures of Andhra Amarvati (1981)
5. Roman Gold Coins Recent Discoveries
6. Three Grants of Pruthvisri Mula Raja from Kondavidu.
7. Totlakonda – A Buddhist Site in Andhra Pradesh
8. Vijayanagara Mahasaamrajyamu Published by National Book Trust
National Book Trust
National Book Trust, is an Indian publishing house, founded in 1957 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education within the Government of India....
9. Bharatiya Samskruti Puratatvaparisodhanalu (Telugu)
10. Famine
Famine
A famine is a widespread scarcity of food, caused by several factors including crop failure, overpopulation, or government policies. This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic, and increased mortality. Every continent in the world has...
s in India through the Ages
11. A Brief History of Andhra Pradesh
12. History Of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh
13. Status of Women in Vedic Times
Research articles published
1. Terracotta's from Peddabankur and Dhulikatta, (1978) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol 1, and no.1.2. Keesara, a capital of Vishnukundins, (1979) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 1 no. 1
3. The Ash mound excavation at Hulikallu (1979) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 1 no. 2
4. Recent archaeological discoveries of the Satavahana period in AP,) Satavahana Souvenir, Satavahana Seminar Special Issue. 1981
5. Ancient Andhra History @Archaeology (Sectional Presidential Address) Proceedings of the AP History Congress, 8th Session, Kakinada, 1984
6. Vandalism of Archaeological monuments in India – role of public in their preservation, (1985) preservation, (1985) Proceedings of All India Museums Conference, Bhuvaneswar.
7. Historical Mosques of Hyderabad (1987) Journal of Salar Jung Museum Annual Research Journal, 1983-84 Hyderabad.
8. Architectural affiliation of Andhra with rock-cut caves of Ellora, (1988) Proceedings of Indian Art History Seminar.
9. Kuchipudi dance – a historical sketch, (1988) Souvenir of the Kuchipudi Kalaniketan, Hyderabad.
10. Salient features of the Early Islamic architecture in A.P (1989) Souvenir of the Centenary celebrations of the Victoria Jubilee Museum, Vijayawada.
11. Seals and ceilings from Peddabankur, Epigraphia Andhrica, Vo.51989
12. Recent Trends in Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh, Sectional Presidential Address, 51 Session of Indian History Congress, Calcutta, 1990
13. Salvage archeological Operations under the Srisailam Project, (1990) Ithihas, and vol. 15 no.2. 1989
14. Artistic Innovations During the Vijayanagara Times, with Reference to AP, Itihas, Vol XV, 1989
15. Salient Features of Satavahana Material Culture, Dr. N.Ramesan Commemoration Volume, Satavahana Special, 1990
16. Early Saiva Vestiges at Keesaragatta, (1990) Itihas, Vol. 15 No. 2
17. A decade of Archaeology in Andhra Pradesh, (1983) Journal of Archaeology, University of Mysore
University of Mysore
The University of Mysore , is a public university in India. The University founded during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore, and was conceptualized on the basis of a report on educational progress in the United States and Australia, submitted by Messrs Thomas Denham and...
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18. Early Islamic Architecture, Souvenir, Victoria Jubilee Museum Centenary Celebrations, 1987
19. Salient features of Satavahana Material Culture, (1990) Andhra Pradesh Journal of Archaeology, Vol.2 No.2.
20. Position and Status of Women during the Medieval Andhra, (1991) Itihas, Von. 16 No.1
21. Terracotta Art of Andhra Pradesh (1990), Gaurav.
22. Indo Roman Trading Centers in Andhra Pradesh Ex Moneta, in Honour of Dr. David W. Mac Dowall, Bapu, Nasik, 1995
23. Stucco As Decorative Art in Andhra Pradesh, Decorative Arts of India, Published by Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad, 1987.
24. Architectural Affiliation of Andhra with Rock -Cut Caves of Ellora, Ellora Caves: Sculptures and Architecture, Seminar on Art History at Ellora 1988.
25. Philosophy of Conservation. In Conservation, Preservation, @Restoration, Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, 1996.
26. Recent Trends in Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh, Sectional Presidential Address, 51 Session, Indian History Congress, Calcutta December, 1990.
27. Ramayana in Andhra Sculptural Art, Srinagabhinandana, Bangalore, 1995
28. Three Copper Plate Grants of Pruthvisrimula Raja from Kondavidu, Journal of the Epigraphical Society of India, Vol 16, 1990
29. Roman Coin Finds in the Karimnagar Region of Andhra, Foreign Coins found in the Indian Subcontinent, 4th International Colloquium, Indian Institute of Research in Numismatics, Nasik, 1995
30. Kshtrapa Coin Hoard from Ghantasala, in Numismatic Panorama, S.M.Shukla Commemoration Vol.1996
31. Ramadasa_A Great Ramabhakta of Bhdrachalam, The Kalyana Kalpataru, Vol. XLII, December, 1996
32. Bliss in Stillness, (Splendor of Andhra Temples) Maa Telugu Talli, Special Issue on Andhra Pradesh, Nagarjuna group,1998
33. Recent Progress of Archaeology in Andhra Pradesh, Proceedings of the Colloquiium on South Indian Archaeology, Bacri, Hyderabad,2000
34. Buddhism in Andhra, Andhra Sangita Saamskutika Mahotsavava special Issue, September, 2001
35. The Enigma of Acharya Nagarjuna, Deccan Studies, Vol.1, No.1, Jan-June, 2002
36. Early Tantric Goddesses, Special Issue of the National Seminar on Tantrism, Birla Archeological and Cultural Research Institute, Hyderabad, 2002
37. Megalithic Cultures- The Iron Age, Pre and Proto Historic Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Dravidian University
Dravidian University
The Dravidian University, Kuppam, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India was founded on October 20, 1997 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, with the initial support extended by the governments of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala for an integrated development of Dravidian...
, 2003
38. A Historical Sketch Of Acharya Nagarjuna, Proceedings of the National Seminar, Salar Jung Museum, 2003.
39. Nalgonda Region - An Archaeological Paradise, in Udayini, Special Issue of Panugallu Utsavam, 2001
40. Maha Ganapati, Proceedings of the Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Narasapur,2001
41. Dr, R.Subrahmanyam, a Guide of My Destiny, Subrahmanyam Commemoration Volume, Editors, Dr. I.K.Sarma, B.Vidyadhara Rao, 2003
42. The Symbolism of Lotus and Lajja Gouri, in Glimpses of our Past and Historical Researches, Felicitation Vol to Prof M.Radha Krishna Sarma, Dept. of History Osmania University, 2004.
43. Historical Geography of Andhra Pradesh, General Presidential Address, 28th Session of Andhra Pradesh History Congress, Vijayavada, 2004.
44. Tummanayeru Grant of Pulakesi 11. Brahmasri, P.V.Parabrahma Sastry Felicitation Vol., 2004
45. Sects of Buddhism in Andhra, Kevala_Bodhi, Buddhist and Jaina History of Deccan, 2004
46. Freedom Movement in (Coastal) Andhra, Krishna Pushkaram Celebrations, Special Issue, 2004
Research Articles Published in Telugu
1. Andhra Pradesh Raastram lo Puraatatva Parisodhanalu, Andhra Jyoti Special Issue, 19852. Nagarjunkonda – Oka Bouddha Kshetram, (1987), Telugu Samacharam.
3. Amaravathi, (1987), Telugu Samacharam.
4. Bavikonda – Bouddharamam, (1988) Telugu Samacharam.
5. Nelakondapalli (1988) Telugu Samacharam.
6. Srisailam Project loni puratana kattadala parikshana charyalu, (1989) Telugu Vignanam.
7. Charitrika Chihnalu, MaaTelugu Talliki Mallepooladanda, A special issue brought out by Andhra Jyothi.1989.
8. Praachinaandhra Samskuti, Special Issue, Andhra Saaraswata Parishad Diamond Jubilee ,2003
9. Praachina Naanemulu-Moosi Charitra Parisodhana Telugu, B.Nsastry Commemoration Volume,
10. Tarataraala Telugu Samskruti, Moosi, November-December 2000.
11. Brihatsilayuga Samskrutulu-Inupayugam, Andhra Pradesh Samagra Charitra Samskruti, Vol 1. Andhra Pradesh History Congress, 2003
External links
P.Chenna Reddy (Dr.) (Ed.)