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No. 11
Achrya Samsntabhadra and Patliputra
MUNIS Samadhisthanams or Nishadhis are at THIRUVANNAMALAI and THIRUKKOILUR, in South Arcot District. No doubt that there are prehistorical burial grounds spread all over the part in great number as compared to any other place in Tamilnadu. There are also ancient natural caverns and caves still in delapidated conditions at KALARAYAN HILLS This district specially was a great centre of the Jain and their religion quite at zenith from the very begining of the Christian Era, upto the times of King Mahendravarman I (6th Cent. A. D.)22
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From the above discussion the following facts are clear: -
(1) Pataliputra-the present Patna was at zenith and important place in the 2nd century A. D. when Acharya Samantabhadra is said to have lived. (2) Acharya Samantabhadra might have visited Pataliputra in Tamil land the ancient Thondaimandalam-South India, which is associated with other cities when Jain Religion and culture is attended the highest degree of importance
Therefore I have made an attempt to show in my humble way, I have nothing to say about other scholars who also must have based
cir ideas about Pataliputra-Patna, on some other records. I have given this only with a view that the scholars may again try to find the truth in the light of observations made by me on the subjeet
matter.
22. (a) Gazettier of the South Arcot District and archaeological reports of the Southern circle, Survey Office, Madras.
(b) Rao Bahadur Prof: A Chakravarti M. A.-preface to "Thiruvalluvar Kural" English Translation.
