Jaina Temples Of West Bengal - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "Jaina Temples of West Bengal" by D. R. Das:

Introduction and Historical Context:

The text establishes that Jainism, or the Nirgrantha-darśana, had a presence in Bengal as early as the time of Mahāvīra, although his mission may not have been highly successful there initially. Traditions suggest the religion's introduction before the 2nd century BCE. Vestiges of Jainism, in the form of images and ruined monuments, are found across Bengal, with a particularly strong presence noted in the Chotanagpur tract of West Bengal, covering districts like Purulia, Bankura, Midnapore, and parts of Burdwan. Early archaeological reports by Beglar noted these monuments, but subsequent visits by Bloch and McCutchion revealed significant decay and loss of these structures, with many now on the verge of collapse.

Key Archaeological Sites and Their Temples:

The book details several sites with significant Jaina temple remains:

Pakbirra (Purulia District): This site is highlighted as having a substantial number of Jaina temples and sculptures. Beglar reported 17 temples (12 stone, 5 brick), but many were already in ruins. Subsequent surveys indicated further deterioration. The Jaina affiliation is confirmed by numerous Jaina images found in the vicinity. The text provides architectural descriptions of several standing stone temples (Temples 1, 2, and 3) and details the likely original features of a now-vanished brick temple, based on Beglar's accounts and photographs. Architectural elements like the bada (wall), pabhaga (base moldings), jangha (vertical wall section), baranda (cornice), gandi (superstructure), and mastaka (crowning elements) are analyzed.
Deoli (Bankura District): Beglar identified a pañcayatana (five-shrined) temple complex here. The main temple, though largely buried, is identified as a rekha deula (curvilinear superstructure) on a pañcaratha plan. The presence of a Śāntinātha image confirms its Jaina affiliation. The text describes the temple's bada, jangha with niches, baranda, gandi, and mastaka, as well as the interior features like the garbhagrha (sanctum) and the gamā above the passageway. The subsidiary shrines are also discussed.
Charra (Purulia District): This village once had multiple temples, with two standing at the time of Hunter's visit. Now, only one stone temple remains. The presence of Jaina images strongly suggests its original Jaina purpose. The surviving temple is described in terms of its triratha plan, bada, buried pabhaga, plain jangha, baranda, and a gandi with six bhumis (horizontal divisions).
Ambikānagar (Bankura District): A half-ruined sandstone temple here faces east and enshrines a linga, likely a modern installation. An image of Rsabhanātha was found nearby, suggesting the temple's dedication. The temple has a triratha plan and a tri-anga bada. Architectural details of its pabhaga, jangha with pilasters, baranda, and the remaining gandi are provided.
Harmashra (Bankura District): A small laterite temple, facing east, is described. Its mukhasala (fore-hall) is only indicated by its foundation. The temple has a triratha plan with simulated pañcaratha features. Architectural elements like the bada, jangha, baranda, and gandi are detailed.
Deulbhira (Bankura District): A laterite temple facing east, with a triratha plan simulated to be pañcaratha, is present. While the installed image is missing, Jaina images found nearby confirm its affiliation. The bada with a plain jangha, a niche on the raha, and a baranda composed of khura, pata, and kanti are noted. The gandi is curvilinear, and the mastaka is missing.
Balihati (Midnapore District): A desolate, recently discovered temple made of laterite faces east. Jaina sculptures from a nearby village, Jinsar, suggest its Jaina connection. This temple is described as being of the sandhara type (with a circumambulatory passage). Its pañcaratha plan, bada with pabhaga and jangha, corbelled arch, and the ambulatory are discussed. This temple is considered unique and possibly the latest in the series.

Other Sites and General Architectural Features:

The text also briefly mentions other sites with Jaina temple remains in Purulia and Bankura districts, including Gholamara, Balarampur, Palma, Pabanpur, Arsha, Anai-Jambad, Kendua, Barkola, and Pareshnath.

It is noted that the religious affiliation of these temples is not strictly defined by unique architectural features; they largely conform to the rekha type described in Orissan texts. Common architectural elements across these temples include:

Triratha or pañcaratha plans.
A bada divided into pabhaga, jangha, and baranda.
The pabhaga featuring mouldings like khura, kumbha, and pata, or a plain dado.
The jangha often having a niche on the raha and sometimes pilasters on the kanika.
A curvilinear gandi, sometimes with bhumi divisions.
A mastaka typically featuring a beki and a large amalaka.
Interior garbhagrha with double ceilings (garbhagrha and ratnamuda) and a gamā on the passageway.

Chronological Considerations:

Dating these temples is challenging, but McCutchion suggests a post-12th century AD timeframe based on the "stiff rudimentary mouldings and cursory chiselling." However, the text argues for an earlier dating for some stone temples at Pakbirra (around the 10th century AD) based on stylistic similarities with Orissan temples and epigraphic evidence from Jaina images. The Charra temple is also placed around or after the 10th century. The temples at Deoli, Harmashra, and Deulbhira are grouped and dated after the 11th century due to specific architectural features and material usage. Balihati is considered the latest, possibly dating to the 14th century or later.

Decline of Jainism and Preservation:

The text concludes by challenging the notion that Jainism became a "spent force" in Bengal by the 8th century. It argues that the Chotanagpur belt remained a stronghold for Jainas well beyond that period, and Jaina divinities were found in other parts of Bengal up to the 12th century. The decline of Jainism in Bengal is attributed to the rise of Caitanyite Vaishnavism, leading to the desertion of Jaina centers and the subsequent disintegration of their temples. The author stresses the urgent need for conservation to prevent the further loss of these surviving architectural heritage sites.

Postscript Additions:

The postscript includes updates on new discoveries:

A hitherto unnoticed stone temple at Puchra (Burdwan District) possibly dedicated to Rsabhanātha.
An abandoned brick temple at Sat Deuliya (Burdwan District), identified as Jaina, exhibiting early features but also post-tenth-century characteristics.
The Siddheśvara temple at Bahulara (Bankura District) is suggested to be originally Jaina, possibly dating to the 13th century.
Further details on the Pakbirra temples after site clearance and restoration, suggesting a date not earlier than the 12th century.
A clarification on the mouldings of the Charra temple.

In essence, "Jaina Temples of West Bengal" is a scholarly exploration of the historical presence and architectural remnants of Jainism in the region, highlighting the architectural styles, significant sites, and the ongoing challenges of preservation and dating.