Having identified several Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh, the state archaeology department will be launching efforts to discover other such dwellings believed to be lying in ruins in Rayalaseema region.

"The famed Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who toured the area in 7th century AD had mentioned in his writings that several Buddhist sites existed in the Choliya kingdom, which included parts of the present day Rayalaseema. Seven such sites have been found in the area so far," director of AP state archaeology and museums, P Chenna Reddy told PTI.

These are are spread across Kadapa district and parts of Chittoor and Nellore districts, and efforts will be made to trace the remaining Buddhist habitations, he said.

The sites that have been discovered so far in the Choliya kingdom include Adapur (locally known as Lanjakanumagutta), Tallapaka, Pedacheppali, Pedamudiyam, Kazipet and recently Konduru Tippa, both in Kadapa district.

All the sites in the region are believed to have existed between 3rd century BC and 5th century AD.

Also, the department would like to trace the footsteps of Xuanzang in Rayalaseema which has remained unknown so far, Reddy said.

The department discovered the Buddhist site on a hillock at Konduru Tippa a few days ago. The site extending to two acres consists of brick-built 'stupas' and 'viharas' dating to the period between the first century BC to 5th century AD.

The site belonging to 'seliya' sect of Buddhism, flourished on the hill for six centuries, Reddy said.

The earliest stupas belong to the Satavahana period; the stupas built on wheel-shape in the second phase belong to the Ikshvaku period, and the stupas of the last phase belong to the Vishnukundina period, he added.

As many as 600 Buddhist sites are believed to have existed in Andhra Pradesh as mentioned by Xuanzang out of which 200 have already surfaced.