Ancient Jaina Centres on the Banks of Kansai

Summary

Sudhin De reports on an archaeological survey along the Kansai River in Midnapur district, West Bengal, undertaken to identify remnants of ancient Jain settlements. Travelling by boat between the villages of Sijua, Nepura, Urlidanga, Balarampur‑Lacchipur and Daintikri, the team observed that the river’s shifting course has eroded many sites, but evidence of Jain heritage persists. On the north‑western bank they found ruined temples and standing nude sculptures, including a ninth–tenth‑century stone image of the twenty‑third Tīrthaṅkara Pārśvanātha in *kāyotsarga* posture. At Daintikri a fragmentary stone replica of a temple displays four Tīrthaṅkara figures facing the four cardinal directions; stylistic analysis suggests an eleventh‑century date. Villagers recount that other sculptures have been removed by collectors, hinting at a once‑flourishing centre of Jain worship. De describes the topography: meandering river channels create sandbanks and erode farmland, threatening remaining structures. The survey uncovered bricks, architectural fragments and broken statues scattered across fields, indicating the footprint of a substantial temple complex. At Lacchipur a brick mound known locally as Dhanyantari Danga may conceal a ruined shrine; pottery and sculptural debris there testify to medieval occupation. The author stresses the need for systematic excavation and conservation before erosion and looting destroy the artefacts. He advocates collaboration between local authorities and the Directorate of Archaeology to document the sculptures, rescue them from private hands and establish a site museum. De’s article thus highlights a neglected chapter of Bengal’s Jain heritage and calls for urgent action to preserve it.