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CHAPTER 7
EAST INDIA In the absence of definite evidence, it is difficult to determine whether the object enshrined in the circular sanctum was a stūpa, an auspicious symbol or the image of a Tirthankara. The third alternative does not recommend itself in view of the total absence of the figures of Tirtharkaras in the original reliefs on the caves. On the other hand, we find the worship of the sacred tree (plate 27) depicted on the facades of Cave 3 (Ananta-gumpha) of the Khandagiri hill and Cave 5 (Jaya-Vijaya-gumpha) of the Udayagiri hill. Again, on the back wall of Cave 3 of the Khandagiri hill is carved a nandipada on a pedestal flanked on either side by three symbols—a triangle-headed one, $rivatsa and svastika-all of which are found on the dyaga-patas of Mathura. The cult-object (plate 24) in worship by a royal family depicted on the façade of Cave 9 (Maficapuri) of Udayagiri is not certainly an image of a Tirthankara, though it cannot be correctly identified on account of defacement. Over the defaced object (somewhat cylindrical in form), which rests on a high, possibly circular, platform, is perhaps an umbrella.
In the light of these facts and also in view of the circular plan of the sanctum, the object of worship within might have been either a stupa or a sacred emblem on a circular pedestal. A noteworthy feature, though inexplicable for want of evidence, was a fragment of coarse rock, roughly in the centre of the circular structure, with a squarish scooping with chisel-marks on it. Whether the socket originally contained relics, the base of the post of an umbrella or the tenon of the sacred emblem is now a matter of mere conjecture.
That the object in the circular structure was of high sanctity and attracted pilgrims is proved by the arrangement in front of the Hathi-gumphã. As already noted, the top of Udayagiri is narrow. In fact, the apsidal structure practically covers the entire top of this particular portion of the hill, the vacant space not being extensive enough to accommodate any large assemblage. To make necessary accommodation for the occasional gathering, an artificial terrace was raised in front of the Hathi-gumph with the necessary filling retained by walls running towards Cave 9 and Cave 17. Approach to this terrace was provided by laying an imposing ramp (plate 35) rising gradually from the foot of the hill and reaching the terrace. Supported on either side by retaining-walls and flagged with laterite slabs, the ramp was wide enough to allow easy passage even to a chariot.
The débris edging the retaiming-walls of the terrace near the steps giving access to Cave 17 yielded a few fragments of carved railings and the upper part of a female figure (plate 36) sculptured in the round, all of sandstone and of the first century BC.
