The Jaina Background of 24-Parganas
By Gourisankar De
Summary
Gourisankar De investigates the historical presence of Jainism in the Bengal district of 24‑Parganas. He argues that this area, one of the oldest parts of Bengal, was a meeting ground of diverse faiths where Jainism once flourished. The article draws on archaeological discoveries of Jain images from both the northern and southern parts of the district and suggests that Jain vihāras may also have existed there. The author begins with Candraketugarh in north 24‑Parganas, a site of national importance. He recounts how a terracotta seal depicting a stūpa and toraṇa with a seated peacock, published by D. K. Chakrabarti of the State Archaeological Gallery, West Bengal, could not be confidently linked to Jainism because no Jain objects were previously known from the region. However, De reports that recent discoveries, including a sandstone torso of a Jina unearthed in 1971, confirm that Candraketugarh was indeed a centre of Jainism. He describes the torso—13 cm tall, nude, bearing the śrīvatsa mark and auspicious signs on the arms—and notes its significance as early evidence of Jain presence. De then surveys other finds: a weathered image from an old tank at Ghateswar representing a standing Tīrthaṅkara flanked by twelve miniature Jinas on each side and attendants on lotuses; a two‑and‑a‑half‑foot high ‘Digambara’ image of Pārśvanātha discovered by fishermen in the Raidhigi River and now worshipped under a tamarind tree; a miniature stone image of Naminātha and a standing image of Pārśvanātha found in various villages. He provides detailed iconographic descriptions, including the presence of multiple snake hoods, attendants, drums, serpents and vanamālā. These examples demonstrate that Jainism had a strong foothold in 24‑Parganas and that its iconography displayed regional variations. By compiling and interpreting these archaeological reports, De shows that the Jaina heritage of Bengal is deeper and more widespread than previously thought. His work calls for further systematic exploration and preservation of Jain artefacts in the region.
Conclusion
De concludes that numerous archaeological finds across 24‑Parganas attest to a vibrant Jain presence in Bengal’s past. From Candraketugarh to Ghateswar and surrounding villages, sculptures and images reveal sustained worship and regional artistic styles. Recognizing and preserving this heritage will not only enrich our understanding of Jain history in eastern India but also contribute to a more inclusive narrative of Bengal’s cultural landscape.