Gleanings: Treasure Trove of Jaina Art and Architecture

Summary

Bibhuti Mishra’s piece is a descriptive account of the archaeological and historical significance of the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khaṇḍagiri near Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. The article contextualises Jainism’s long presence in Orissa, noting that the religion flourished during the reign of King Khāravela in the first century BCE. Today, the rock‑cut caves of Udaygiri (‘Hill of Sunrise’) and Khaṇḍagiri (‘Broken Hill’), also known as Kumāra and Kumārī Parvata, are among the most important Jain sites in the region. Mishra cites historian Debala Mitra’s assessment that these hills occupy a supreme position in the fields of history, cave architecture and iconography. The author recounts the legend that Mahāvīra himself visited Udaygiri and that Khāravela declared Jainism the state religion; even after his dynasty waned, Jainism continued to flourish locally. The article describes the architecture of the caves, including the famous Ranigumpa (Queen’s Cave), a double‑storeyed structure with pillared verandas and cells for monks. Mishra notes that over 110 caves have been excavated at the hills over a span of 300–400 years, with 15 at Khaṇḍagiri and 18 at Udaygiri, reflecting centuries of artistic activity. He highlights the beautifully carved reliefs of parrot figures in the Toṭā cave and the presence of a pink Jain temple built on Khaṇḍagiri in the 18th century. The article also reports that an annual festival at the hills coincides with the Kumbha Mela and involves rituals such as keeping an eternal fire, bathing in the Gupta‑Gaṅgā tank and paying respects at monolithic shrines known as ‘Deva Sabhā’. Quoting a 1991 article from The Hindu, Mishra remarks on the continued veneration of these sites and the belief that the water of the Gupta‑Gaṅgā is linked to the holy Ganges. Through vivid descriptions, the piece celebrates the caves as a treasure trove of Jain art, architecture and history that continues to inspire pilgrims and tourists.