Jainism in Bihar

Author(s): P C Roy Choudhary
Publisher: P C Roy Choudhary Patna

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CHAPTER VI JAIN ANTIQUITIES IN MANBHUM It is now almost forgotten that the district of Manbhum 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 Jain 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 Kbandagiri Caves in Orissa are unique specimens of Jain antiquities. The famous Jain King Kharavela of Utkal or Orissa came upto Barabar bills in Gaya where he had left his impress. Manbhum was the via media through which the contacts between Bibar and Orissa were maintained. This may be one of the reasons why there are so many Jain antiquities scattered all over the district of Manbhum.
Hiueo Tsang, the Chinese traveller in India in the 7th century A. D., mentions that he came across a province whicb be called “Safa." General Cunningham mentioned that Bara Bazar of the Barabhum Pargana in Manbhum district was the headquarters of this “Safa” province. Mr. Hibert, however, identifies Dalmi, which is near Patkum as the capital of “Safa" province. There are some ancient remains which are clearly of Jaio origio at Dalmi hills. Srawakas or lay Jains in this part of the district was a great factor at one time. The Srawakas occupied important areas in Manbhum district and were predocensors to the Bhumij population in Manbhum. They were mostly engaged in some sort of trade. The district of Manbhum was very
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