Researchers at Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam recently discovered a rare Jane sculpture depicting the “Sthapanacharya” in a village in the Siddipet area of the state.
The Sthapanacharya sculpture was found to be a stone pillar.
The sculpture depicts a Jane Saint who carries a book, sitting on Vyasapeetha (an elevated teaching platform), surrounded by disciples who follow and observe him. This configuration is a feature of the “Sthapanacharya”, which represents the educational centers of Ja-school such as Pustakagachha and Saraswathigachha. These centers are essential for the dissemination of Janata knowledge and philosophy.
Researchers have been before idolatry of Ja-chan Siddhachakra, Ashtamangalas, Triratna, Chaityavriksha, Nandeeshvaradweepam, Charanapadukas and Nishidhus.
They added that the Sthapanacharya sculpture represents this symbolic representation of tradition and is tangible in connection with the historical practice of Janata education.
Historian Sriramoju Haragopal confirmed its authenticity after examining the sculpture. Historian Dr. E Shivanagi Reddy further confirmed the date.
“Sthapanacharya sculptures were also found on Kolanapaka, Padmakshigutta and Bodhan. This may belong to the Rashtrakuta period (9th century AD). With this discovery, the occurrence of the Sthapanacharya sculptures in Nangunur, adding a site to the list of Telangana. Shivanagi Reddy said: “This concept of sthapanacharya has been forgotten.” ”
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Reddy said that when one convinced Jain to call Dekas or Flata to Salhana, he needed a teacher to guide him. “Sallekhana Vrata is fasting. Jana is the only religion that causes death. Sthapanacharya is related to the concept of Sallekhana,” he added.
According to Haragopal, the discovery of this Sthapanacharya sculpture was important in Nangunur. Sthapanacharya sculpture is not common, which makes it a valuable addition to the understanding of Jana’s art and iconography. The 9th century dating placed sculptures at a critical period in the development of the Jana church in the Deccan region.
The depiction of the teaching of the Holy Church highlights the importance of the Jana Education Center and the dissemination of knowledge. The discovery emphasizes the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Nangunur and the wider Telangana region.
Prior to this, the 9-foot sculptures of Mahavira and various other Jana idols were discovered in Nangunur, a famous Jana Center (CE) during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the 9th century.
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This discovery provides valuable insight into the historical existence and influence of Jana’s religion in Telangana and emphasizes the importance of retaining such cultural artifacts for future generations. Further research and preservation is recommended to fully document and protect this important Janata heritage and to add Haragopal.
