Jinamanjari 1996 04 No 13

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 90

palaeographically datable to approximately 300 to 100 B.C.E., as are the early Brahmi rock-cut inscriptions dedicated to King Samaka.
Again using the same archaeological repertoire as guide to stratigraphic interpretation, Sastri et al. have dated the occupation of the period II levels between 100 B.C.E. and 200 C.E. Some of the important artefacts of this period were the inscribed potsherds mentioning Bhoka Vadhaman pava te and carved Jaina symbols and motifs -- rather than Buddhist the railing fragments of the stupas: an indication, the authors reason, that Jains built and dedicated some of the structures of period II to the twenty-fourth Tirtankara, Vardhaman (Mahavira).
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Combined with the other in situ evidence of period I, the authors took the interpretation of this data one step further and suggested that Vaddamanu acted as a main centre for the establishment of Jainism going back to the period of Chandragupta Maurya. The stratigraphy of period II also included coins, some which contained inscriptions of the Sada family. If these inscribed names, the authors speculate, are related to the Sada kings who established rule over the Mahishaka region, this would place Siri ("the first Sada ruler") Sada's regime at approximately 100 B.C.E., suggesting a new historical context for this dynasty. The beginning of period III is indicated by the discovery of coins of the Ikshvaku dynasty (227 C.E.) and red ceramics with evolved rims, bowls and dishes. Only a few of the rouletted ceramic pieces which dominated the period II stratigraphy were found in period III. Period IV was based on the closing date of period III, the first half of the fourth century C.E., and ending by approximately 450 C.E. The authors note that some antiquities belonging to this period indicate some disturbances of these layers. Chapters eight to eleven are arranged typologically and provide a comprehensive study of the lithic and non-lithic finds such as coins, dies, moulds seals, art, sculptures and minor antiquities.
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