Recent Jain Discoveries In Tamilnadu - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Recent Jain Discoveries in Tamil Nadu" by Dr. A. Ekambaranathan:

This book details recent archaeological findings related to Jainism in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the rich and extensive history of Jain presence in the region from pre-Christian eras to modern times. These discoveries include cave shelters, rock-cut temples, structural edifices, sculptures, inscriptions, and paintings, providing significant insights into the religious and cultural landscape of Jainism in South India.

The text outlines several key discoveries:

Attiralat Siddharmalai, Madurai District: This site, identified as an early hill resort, features a large cavern with five stone beds. Brahmi inscriptions on these beds indicate their use by Jaina recluses in the 2nd century BCE. A more recent discovery of an archaic Brahmi record reveals that the monk Attirai of Madurai resided here, with a stone bed commissioned by Udayana. This inscription, palaeographically dated to the 3rd century BCE, is considered perhaps the earliest Jaina epigraph found in Tamil Nadu.
Tondur Adhishthanam, South Arcot District: Located near Gingee, Tondur became a significant Jaina center by the 1st century CE. A cave here contains three stone beds, with a Brahmi inscription stating they were made by Aramõsi of Agalur at the behest of the monk Senkayāpan. The inscription refers to these stone beds as "adhisthanam" and notably indicates their number with three horizontal strokes, a rare feature. Tondur remained a prominent Jaina center until the 10th century CE, with a relief sculpture of Parsvanatha and land grants for its worship, known as 'VALVA MOLIPPERUMPALLI' (monastery of monks who expounded faultless Jaina dharma).
Sekkanti's Abode at Neganūrpaṭṭi, Gingee: This hamlet near Gingee features a natural cavern modified into an ascetic abode with stone beds. A Brahmi inscription from the 3rd century CE records that the nun Sekkanti Anni-Tāyāru, mother of Sekkanthi, also a nun, established this monastic dwelling. It is suggested this might be the earliest nunnery in Tamil Nadu, from where these nuns disseminated Jaina teachings.
The Paraiyanpattu Sidika, Gingee Area: Near Paraiyanpattu, a cavern contains a single stone bed. An inscription in Vatteluttu from the 5th century CE states that Aratan, a disciple of Vajranandiācharya of Bananādu, observed Sallekana (fast unto death) here, and the stone bed serves as his "nisidika" (memorial). Vajranandiācharya is believed to be the same figure who founded the Dravida Sangha in Madurai around 470 CE. This inscription is one of the few early lithic records mentioning Sallekana.
Fragmentary Inscriptions from Sittannavāsal, Pudukkottai District: Sittannavāsal, a renowned Jaina center, has yielded new fragmentary records. Near a cave with mutilated stone beds, four Brahmi inscriptions from the 5th-6th century CE were found. A label inscription, 'kälāli,' might refer to steps leading to the cave. Other obliterated inscriptions mention 'katuan' and "Erukkatturu kattulan," potentially indicating a lay devotee from Erukkātjur, possibly in Sri Lanka, who donated stone beds. This highlights early connections between Jaina communities in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
The Uranīrtāngal Cave, South Arcot District: This cave near Gingee, with eighteen stone beds, features a fragmentary 5th-6th century CE label inscription mentioning the monk Parasēna, likely the head of the monastery who occupied a central platform.
The Sivanathapuram Cave, North Arcot District: Adjacent to Sivanathapuram, this cave with three aligned stone beds is tentatively dated to the 7th-8th century CE, though it lacks epigraphical evidence.
The Narayanapuram Cave, North Arcot District: On Pañchapāṇḍavar malai, a cave dating to the 7th-8th century CE housed seven polished stone beds. A 10th-century CE structural mandapa was added to accommodate a Tirthankara image, which, though mutilated, was recovered. Another Jaina cave with six stone beds was found nearby, also roughly dated to the 7th-8th century CE in the absence of specific dating evidence.
An Unfinished Rock-Cut Temple at Tirakkõl, North Arcot District: Tirakkõl, a significant Jaina center, has two Jaina caves, relief sculptures from the 9th century, and 10th-century lithic records. Recently, an unfinished miniature rock-cut temple, resembling early 7th-century Pallava style, was discovered. Its abandonment is attributed to animosity between Brahmanical and Jaina sects in the 7th century CE, though Jaina activities resumed later.
Ruined Temple on Kollihill, Salem District: Vestiges of a ruined Jaina temple were found on Kollihill, with a 10th-century CE sculpture of Mahavira recovered.
Ruined Temple at Mugapper, near Madras: A small temple dedicated to a Tirthankara at Mugapper was ruined, with the main deity's image buried. Recently, during canal digging, the sculpture was unearthed and reinstalled.
Jaina Paintings at Karantai, Kanchipuram: Karanta is a medieval Jaina center with a temple complex. Seventeen-century paintings have been recently discovered on the ceiling of the Yakshi shrine, depicting scenes from Ambika Yakshi's life, Tirthankaras, and even a Muslim Nawab, suggesting historical interactions and endowments. Efforts are underway to preserve these paintings, which have suffered from water seepage and fungal growth.

In summary, the book underscores the enduring legacy of Jainism in Tamil Nadu through a detailed presentation of recent archaeological findings, revealing the historical presence and cultural contributions of Jaina monks and lay followers across various periods and locations.