A collection of Buddhist relics previously stashed away at the Archaeological Museum in Amaravati—including items believed to be remains of the Buddha—has been placed on public display as part of activities to mark the foundation ceremony for the proposed new capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, held on 22 October. The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone.

The proposed state capital, which sits on the southern bank of the Krishna River, was a renowned center of Buddhist learning from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The historic site is home to the Amaravati stupa, now in ruins, which was built during the reign of the Indian emperor Ashoka (r. c. 268­–232 BCE). Aiming to increase tourism in the region, the government of Andhra Pradesh plans to establish a “Monastery Boulevard” in Amaravati as an international hub of Buddhism where different Buddhist orders can build monasteries and temples, similar to Bodh Gaya in the northeastern Indian state of Bihar. Modi also hopes that Amaravati will become a model for the government’s initiative to develop 100 “smart cities” in India.

According to a museum official, the relics were originally discovered inside a stupa at Bhattiprolu, in the same (Guntur) district. R. Amarendra Kumar, executive director (projects) at Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corp., a state government agency, said that chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had wanted the relics to be showcased “since prime minister Narendra Modi and dignitaries from all across the country and abroad” would be attending the ceremony. (The Hindu)