A Single-hole stone anchor from Kottapatnam: Early historic port site of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Archaeological, epigraphical, numismatic and other sources confirm that ports of Andhra Pradesh had played a significant role in spreading Indian culture to distant countries. Along with other ports Kottapatnam has contributed considerably to the maritime trade of India. Kottapatnam is situated in Vakadu Mandal of Nellore district. Earlier explorations at Kottapatnam had brought to light various types of pottery namely Celadon, Indian, Southeast Asian pottery, Chinese coin of later period and a broken piece of polished stone celt in addition to other findings. The recent explorations brought to light a Vijayanagar period coin, pottery and a single hole stone anchor. The finding of the stone anchor throws light on the maritime activities of Kottapatnam and this is the first stone anchor reported from Andhra coast. In this paper the single hole stone anchor has been detailed along with its probable period and the trade contacts of Kottapatnam as a port