A Rare Jaina Icon from Sat Deuliya
Summary
P. C. Das Gupta discusses the discovery of a unique stele of black basalt from the ancient site of Sat Deuliya in the Burdwan district of West Bengal. The author argues that the stele represents an early artistic depiction of the Jaina concept of the Astapada-Tirtha, a symbolic eight-terraced mountain, and provides significant iconographic evidence for the presence of Jainism in Bengal. The stele, measuring 43 cms in height and 23 cms in breadth, is curvilinear at the top and dates to the latter half of the 10th century A.D. It depicts the first Tirthankara, Risabhanatha, seated in padmasana between two attendants holding fly-whisk, with his mount, the bull, and a three-tiered parasol above him. Below, the stone is carved with seven horizontal terraces or ledges containing a total of 148 Tirthankaras standing in the kayotsarga pose, with a small, linear kneeling devotee at the bottom. The author supports this interpretation by referencing the Jaina traditions discussed by Umakant P. Shah in his 1955 book, “Studies in Jaina Art,” which describe the first shrine erected by Bharata as an eight-terraced mountain. Furthermore, the stele is compared to the restored stele of Urnammu from ancient Ur to draw parallels with ziggurat architecture, a connection also explored by V. S. Agarwala in the Journal of the U.P. Historical Society. The author notes that the sculpture was acquired by the Directorate of Archaeology of West Bengal and presented to the State Archaeological Gallery by Sri Hridaysanjan Dutta of Ajhapur, who originally discovered it near an early medieval rekha order temple.
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Conclusion
The discovery of the unique black basalt stele from Sat Deuliya significantly advances the understanding of early medieval Jainism in Bengal and eastern India. Carved during the latter half of the 10th century A.D., this 43 cm high artifact depicts Risabhanatha atop an eight-terraced mountain structure, surrounded by 148 Tirthankaras. This representation serves as the earliest known artistic depiction of the Astapadagiri, the mythical eight-terraced mountain where the first Tirthankara attained nirvana. The stele’s iconography, which aligns with Jaina textual traditions regarding the first shrine erected by Bharata, suggests a deeper, localized presence of Jain religious practices in the region. Furthermore, its terraced design draws parallels with ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats, highlighting a potential cross-cultural architectural influence in early Indian religious monuments. Ultimately, this discovery not only illuminates the symbolic and artistic traditions of the Jinas but also underscores the historical importance of West Bengal as a site for future archaeological exploration.