PAVURALAKONDA ,VISAKHAPATNAM,ANDHRA PRADESH

• Pavuralakonda or 'the hill of the pigeons' is a hillock lying to the west of Bhimli, at about 24 km from Vizag,where a Buddist site identified.

•  During the course of exploration, nearly 14-16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns were found hewn into the bed rock used for collecting rainwater. Near the entrance of the tank were found Brahmini label inscriptions. 

• Trial excavations in the habitation revealed foundations of viharas, with cells and common verandah, circular chaityagruhas, votive stupas, halls etc. associated with the structures were found Satavahana coins, a Roman coin, inscribed pot shreds, besides black and red ware, black polished ware, beads etc. Based on the above cultural material and epigraphical source, the site can be dated between 3rd B.C. and 2nd A.D. 

• A dislodged small empty copper casket, in two parts, i.e. the upper lid and the lower container, was recovered while exposing the votive stupa No. 1 situated near the tank. 

• The river Gosthani which flows nearby Pavuralakonda served as navigation canal for inland trade in the early centuries of the Christian era.