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were accidentally found. The collection in Patna Museum of the images of the Jaina Tirthankaras that were found in Chandankiari makes one of the finest collections of Jaina antiquities in India. Most of these images have been identified by the clear Chinhas or special emblems of the Tirthankars. Some of the figures are exquisite from the artistic point of view. The worksmanship is delicate and superb. They are all of the Ilth Century AD. There are two other villages within five miles of Chandankiari, namely, Kumhri and Kumardagga, where also there are some old Jaina images. At both these villages inscriptions have been found one of which has been removed by a local gentleman.
Among the other old Jaina remains in Manbhum district, particular mention need be made about the Jaina temples and sculptures at the small village of Pakbira, twenty miles north-east of Bara Bazar or 32 miles by Purulia-Puncha Road in Manbhum (Purulia) district. They had attracted the attention of the Archaeological Department. J. D. Beglar in the Archaeological Survey of India, Vol. VIII, mentioned about the remains at Pakbira.
Image of Shri Bahuhalji
A mela is held at Pakbira in the month of Chaitra where animal sacrifices used to be held. Since the last few years animal sacrifices are not being offered owing to persuasion by the Jainas. An attempt is being made by some of the leading Jainas of Purulia and Ranchi to build a temple at Paktira and to preserve the Jaina antiquities. There are now three temples in ruil.s and about 20 images lying collected at three places. The temples are buried and the Shikhars (tops) of the temples are to be seen. A number of images are also lying half-buried One of the images is 5 cubits high and of Shri Bahubal ji. Unfortunately this image of Shri Bahubal ji bas developed a crack. This image is worshipped at present by the villagers as Bhaironath. There are arrangements to give a bath to the image of Shri
