A Rare Jaina Icon from Sat Deuliya

Summary

In this short article, an archaeologist reports the discovery of an unusual Jaina icon from the site of Sat Deuliya in the Panchmura region of Bankura district, West Bengal. The artefact, carved from a single block of black basalt, depicts the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, seated in padmasana on a high throne under a canopy. Surrounding him are twenty‑three small images of the other Tirthankaras arranged in rows, suggesting a representation of the celestial mountain Ashtapada where the twenty‑four Tirthankaras are believed to reside. Above the principal figure is a depiction of the triratna symbol and a row of seven hooded serpent kings, while below the pedestal are kneeling devotees. Stylistically, the sculpture shows a combination of Pala‑Sena and early mediaeval features: the faces are elongated with prominent eyes, the hair is matted, the throne is richly ornamented and the overall composition is balanced. The author notes that although multi‑Tirthankara panels are common in western and southern India, this example is rare in eastern India and reflects the spread of Jain art into Bengal. The icon’s iconography resembles that of Ashtapada panels described in Jain literature, but with regional variations, such as the absence of a central stupa. Inscriptions on the pedestal are illegible, but local tradition associates the sculpture with a ruined Jain temple complex in Sat Deuliya. The article briefly compares the find with other Jaina images from Deulghat and Purulia districts, arguing that the Sat Deuliya piece dates to the 10th–11th century CE. The discovery is significant for historians because it provides evidence of a flourishing Jain community in south‑western Bengal during the early medieval period and enriches our understanding of regional styles and religious iconography. The author calls for further exploration of the site to uncover more artefacts and urges preservation of this unique sculpture, which is at risk from weathering and theft.