Dantapuram village in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh is a significant historical spot of the country, which was the former capital of the Kalingas. Historians believe that the ancient region of Dantapuram is presently untraceable. It is said that one of the teeth belonging to Lord Buddha which was once existed in this Indian village was later shifted to Kandy in Sri Lanka. Innumerable travellers pay a visit to Kandy throughout the year in order to witness the legendary item. As per the Telugu language, the term `Danta` implies `tooth` and archaeological excavations conducted here had unearthed a tooth of Lord Buddha from this very site. Dantapuram bears a sharp resemblance to Dantavuram of the Buddhist chronicles.
A gigantic earthen wall is present at a distance of two miles from railway station located at Srikakulam Road and it extends for nearly one mile. The residents of Amudalavalasa and the neighbourhood close to Srikakulam Road railway station point are capable of catching sight of this historical wall.
There exists a great opening at the central part of this wall which is believed to be the part which contained the main doorway or the `simhadvara` which led to the fort. This area was known as `Dantavuram`. The Archaeological Survey of India or the ASI has carried out certain explorations at Dantapuram.
Excavations conducted here have revealed the existence of important archaeological remnants like jewelleries, semi-precious stone beads, stupas, terracotta beads, white stones and gems, stone items like muller, artefacts manufactured from bone which involve combs and stylus and a large variety of pottery -ware. The different types of pottery items found here are black polished ware, red polished ware, dull red ware, red ware, etc. Dantapuram is quite renowned as an important centre for the religion of Buddhism and also a unique archaeological site, which is referred to as `Boudha Gynana Danta Puri`. It was known by this name since the Arhat Kheru Terudu had presented the Boudha Gynana Dantha to the ruler of Kalinga named Brahmadatta. This ruler is said to have created a monument on Boudha Gyana Datha, which is the main reason behind such a naming of the place.
