Early Indian Buddhism's Three Gujarat Cities: Bhārukaccha, Dvāravatī, Sīhapura
By K. T. S. Sarao
Summary
The Pāli Tipiṭaka mentions three significant settlements in modern Gujarat: Bhārukaccha, Dvāravatī, and Sīhapura. Bhārukaccha, identified with modern Bhāruch, was a seaport, trading hub, and entrepôt in the Bharu kingdom, known for its strategic coastal location and maritime commerce with regions like Suppāraka and Suvaṇṇabhūmi. Archaeological evidence suggests occupation from the third century BCE, with three distinct periods of settlement. The city hosted monasteries and was linked to Buddhist figures like Vaḍḍha Thera and Malitavambha Thera. Dvāravatī, possibly Dvāraka, was the capital of King Sivi, situated between mountains and the sea, referenced in texts like the Apadāna and associated with the Kamboja kingdom. Sīhapura’s details are less explicit but tied to early Buddhist narratives. These cities played pivotal roles in trade, religious history, and legendary accounts, such as the Jātakas and the story of the ten Andhakaveṇhudāsaputtā brothers, who conquered Dvāravatī after overcoming its magical defenses. The regions’ significance in early Indian Buddhism and commerce is underscored by their mentions in Pāli literature and archaeological findings.
Conclusion
The document highlights Bhārukaccha (modern Bhāruch) as a pivotal seaport and trading hub in early Indian Buddhism, emphasizing its strategic location, maritime commerce, and cultural significance. Archaeological evidence reveals three occupation periods, with the earliest dating to the third century BCE, showcasing mud ramparts and ring-wells. The city’s prominence in Pāli texts, including Jātakas and commentaries, underscores its role in trade networks connecting Gujarat to Sri Lanka and the Deccan. The narrative of King Bharu’s downfall and the legend of Dvāravatī’s magical defenses further illustrates the region’s mythological and historical depth. These findings collectively position Bhārukaccha as a vital node in ancient Indian trade and Buddhist history, bridging archaeological data and textual traditions to reveal Gujarat’s enduring maritime legacy.