Bangal Ka Aadi Dharm

SR No.: 007285
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Prabodhchandra Sen, Hiralal Duggad
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publication Year: 1958
Total Pages: 104
Language: Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 11 MB

Page 96

JAINA ANTIQUITIES IN MANBHUM
It is now almost forgotten that the district of Manbhum Il in Chotanagpur Division of Bihar had once been a great centre of Jainism. Probably in no other district in India :could be found more ancient Jaina": antiquities lying in neglect than in Manbhum, Manbhum was the district through which one had to pass while going from Bengal or Bihar to Utkal or Orissa.
It will be remembered that Jainism as a creed had once a very great hold on Orissa. The antiquities in Khandagiri Caves in Orissa are unique specimens of Jaina antiquities. The famous Jaina King Kharavela of Utkal or Orissa came upto Barabar Hills in Gaya where he had left his impress. Manbhum was the via media through which the contacts between Bihar and Orissa were maintained. This may be one of the reasons why there are so many Jaina antiquities scattered all over the district of Manbhum..
Hiven Tsang, the Chinese traveller in India in the 7th Century A. D., mentions that he came across a zah c
a ng, The Chinese traveller in India in the wprovince which he called "Safa”. General Cunningham mentioned that Bara Bazar of the Barabhnm Pargana was the headquarters of this “Safa' province. Mr. Hibert, how, ever, identifies Dalmi, which is near Patkumas the capital of 'Safa” Province. There are some ancient remains which are clearly of Jaina origin at Dalmi hills. Sra vakas or lay Jainas in this part of the district were a great factor at one time. The Srawak'as occupied importảnt areas in Man'bhum district and were predecessors to the Bhumij population in Manbhum. They were mostly engaged in some sort of trade. The district of Manbhum was very important for the inter-district and inter-province trade routes connecting Benaras, Jagannathpuri and Tamralipta, an important port in Bengal. Even now there are a large number of Jainas scattered all over the district of Manbhum. For our purposes we have included the present sub-district of Dhanbad as a part of Manbhum. There is no doubt that Dhanbad will very soon attain the status of a full district.