Jain Journal 1983 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 38

Jaina Torso, Candraketugarh
The Jaina Background
of
24-Parganas
GOURISANKAR DE
The present 24-Parganas represent one of the oldest parts of Bengal and was the meeting ground of different faiths1. A considerable number of Jaina images have been discovered from both the northern and southern parts of the district. It is probable that some Jaina vihāras also existed here in the past.
Candraketugarh in north 24-Parganas is not only one of the oldest sites of Bengal but of India. Brahmanism, Buddhism and Jainism flourished here side by side. Late D. K. Chakrabartty of the State Archaeological Gallery, West Bengal, referred to a terracotta-seal depicting a stupa and torana with a seated peacock upon it.2 He could not confidently associate the seal with Jainism as no definite Jaina objects were yet found from Candraketugarh or its neighbourhood. But, now there is no doubt that Candraketugarh was a centre of Jainism.
The present writer discovered a Jina image from Chandraketugarh in the year 1971.3 The sand stone torso is in the round. Its height is 13 cm. It is the torso of a nude figure with śrīvatsa mark on the chest and auspicious signs on the arms. Its nudity, the stiff straight
1 Barrackpur C.P. of Vijaysena', I.H.Q. XII, p. 67.
2 Garh Candraketur Katha, Ed'. D. Maite, p. 65. *Proceedings, the 35th Session, Indian History Congress, pp. 89-90.