Itineraries of Mahavira in Southeastern India
By T. V. G. Sastri
Summary
Dr. T.V.G. Sastri examines the spread of Jainism into Southeastern India, especially Andhra Pradesh, through place names, archaeological evidence, and textual references. He explores how Mahavira’s travels, originally documented in Jain texts like the Bhagavati Sutra and Kalpasutra, are reflected in the geographical memory and nomenclature of the region. Key Points: 1. Etymology and Place Names i) Place names such as Vaddamanu, Vijayawada (Vanijjagama), Choragudi (Choreya Sannivesa), and Bhattiprolu (Bhaddiya/Pratipalapura) are argued to be linked with Mahavira’s journey or with early Jain missionary activity. ii) Many names resemble those mentioned in Mahavira’s travels across Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa. 2. Early Jain Vestiges i) The earliest known Jain site in the Krishna valley is from the 7th century A.D., but pottery and inscriptions at Vaddamanu suggest Jain presence as early as the 3rd–4th century B.C. ii) These finds challenge the assumption that Jainism arrived late in the south and demonstrate coexistence and competition with Buddhism. 3. Trade and Missionary Expansion i) Mahavira’s followers likely used trade routes along the Krishna and Godavari rivers to spread Jainism. ii) Names such as Bhogapura, Hathigama, Nandigama, and Ambagama in Andhra mirror those in north India, suggesting Jain merchant communities migrated south. 4. Cultural Layers and Jain-Buddhist Interactions i) Jain relics coexist or compete with Buddhist stupas, e.g., Bhattiprolu, suggesting early inter-religious dynamics. ii) Figures like King Dhanada reflect conversion narratives and religious rivalry between Jainism and Buddhism in Andhra. 5. Mahavira’s Travels i) Describes Mahavira’s 13-year journey through present-day Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa, with multiple rainy-season stays. ii) Place identification includes: Attiyagama (Burdwan), Kayangala (Kankajol), Savatthi (Sravasti), Alabhi (Aviwa), Bhaddiya (Bhattiprolu?), Vanijjagama (Vijayawada). 6. Significance of Mosali (Masulipatnam Region) i) Mosali (modern Masulipatnam) is proposed as a key Jain hub with fertile land, trade access, and dense settlements. ii) Villages like Vuyyuru, Kollur, Chiluvuru, and Pedana are linked via textual and archaeological data to Jain activity.
Conclusion
Dr. Sastri's research connects textual traditions, archaeological finds, and linguistic evidence to trace Mahavira's influence and Jainism’s expansion into Southeastern India. It shows that Jain missionary networks followed trade routes, and many present-day Andhra villages preserve the memory of ancient Jain settlements.