Some Reflections on Jainism in Ancient Bengal

Summary

S.C. Mukherjee’s article “Some Reflections on Jainism in Ancient Bengal” traces the history and spread of Jainism in eastern India. He notes that Jainism originated in the eastern part of the subcontinent; Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, was born near Vaiśālī and conducted his preaching tours in Magadha and Champā. The 23rd Tirthankara Pārśvanātha is also associated with Champā, suggesting strong early links between Jainism and Bengal. The author highlights that north Bengal and the Chotanagpur plateau were strongholds of Jainism, with major centres at Pāreshnāth Hill and Sametasīkhara. The article discusses the Godāsagaṇa school founded by Godāsa, a disciple of Bhadrabāhu; this school later divided into four branches—Puṇḍravaṛdhanīya, Koṭivarṣīya, Tāmraliptika and Dāsī‑Kharvaṭikā—which operated in different regions of Bengal. Mukherjee uses epigraphic evidence to demonstrate Jainism’s early presence. Copper‑plate inscriptions from the first centuries BCE–CE record the dedication of lands and shrines to Jaina deities, including epigraphs from the reigns of Kuṃāragupta I and Buddhagupta that describe Brahmin households donating land for Jaina worship. The article summarises inscriptions such as the Jagadishpur copper‑plate (128 G.Y., c.447–48 CE) and the Pāhāḍpur copper‑plate (159 G.Y., c.479–80 CE) which document Jaina establishments in Puṇḍravaṛdan and other Bengal towns. Mukherjee highlights the presence of numerous Jaina images, sculptures and temples across Bengal. Sites like Pāreshnāth Hill (also called Sametasīkhara) remain major pilgrimage destinations, and stray finds of Jaina images in West Bengal and Bangladesh indicate a wider distribution of the faith. He also describes how Jainism influenced local art, iconography and social customs. The article notes that after the early medieval period, Jainism declined in Bengal as Brahmanical Hinduism and Buddhism gained prominence, yet many Jaina shrines survived and were assimilated into Hindu worship. Mukherjee concludes that Bengal played a crucial role in the early history of Jainism; the region produced sectarian schools, preserved relics and contributed to the spread of Jaina values such as ahimsa and asceticism. The article’s examination of inscriptions and archaeological evidence demonstrates the depth of Jaina heritage in Bengal and underscores the need for further research on localised traditions and sectarian networks.