Various civil society groups, including Pancha-Sheel, Uttrandhra Journalists’ Front, Uttrandhra Abhivriddhi Vedika and other organisations, asked the State government to take up a detailed research project to establish the rich heritage and culture of Kalingandhra which had historical links with Indonesia and other South-East Asian countries. The associations felt that Satavahana kingdom would now come under the jurisdiction of Telangana region and Kalinga dynasty’s study would turn as authentic history of Andhra Pradesh.
Dravidian University former Vice-Chancellor K.S. Chalam, Andhra Pradesh Working Journalists’ Association State President Nalli Dharma Rao, Uttrandhra Journalists’ Front representatives M.R.N. Varma, Kurra Vijaykumar and N. Nageswara Rao, and professors of various universities visited Kalingapatnam, Dantapuri, Salihundam and other Buddhist sites and enquired about the historical importance of ‘Bali’ yatra which is celebrated on the auspicious day of Karthika Pournami.
The locals said that traders of Srikakulam, Simhapuri (Singupuram) and other places used to go to Bali of Indonesia to sell spices and other materials.
According to them, the women used to pray to the God for the Bali voyage to go off peacefully and the safe return of traders.
Professor Chalam, who also heads Pancha-Sheel Foundation, said that Buddhism got importance all along Srikakulam coast. He said that many people of Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam got settled in Indonesia and other countries with the historical tie up wit those countries. “Kalingandhra got a lot of importance during the period of Mauryan King Ashoka. His edicts could be found here,” he added.
Mr.Varma said that a team of Pancha Sheel would visit Indonesia to collect evidences to establish the historical bondage with Kalingandhra region and South-East Asian countries.
Mr. Dharma Rao said that the government should take steps for recollection of historical facts and protection of Buddhist sites.
Uttrandhra Abhivriddhi Vedika representative V.G.K. Murty said that protection of historical sites would develop tourism in backward districts.
Civil society groups study ‘Bali yatra’ in Srikakulam
