On Jainism in Eastern India
By Paresh Chandra Dasgupta
Summary
Paresh Chandra Dasgupta’s short article situates the Nirgrantha (Jaina) religion in the deep antiquity of the Indian sub‑continent. While later Tirthankaras like Parsvanatha are recognisable historical figures, the author stresses that Jainism’s spiritual lineage stretches back to a distant past, with legends linking Neminatha to the era of the Mahabharata. The discovery of a Mauryan‑period torso of a Tirthankara at Lohanipur in Bihar and attempts to identify Indus Valley sculptures as Tirthankaras illustrate this deep antiquity. Although Jainism spread across India, the faith developed a special popularity in the eastern provinces of Bihar, Orissa and Bengal. Important sects such as the Tamraliptiya, Kotivarsa and Pundravardhaniya are associated with different eastern regions, underlining the diversity of the tradition. In Eastern India the hallowed peak of Sammeta Sikhar (Mount Parasnath) holds an unrivalled position; tradition records that most of the Tirthankaras attained nirvāṇa on this mountain. Dasgupta notes that Jaina art evolved distinct regional traits between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. In the west Jaina sculptures show grace and physical beauty whereas in Bengal they emphasise mystic glory and elegance. Female divinities found at sites in Purulia convey a divine grace and sensitivity. He suggests that the terraced stupa at Paharpur in Bangladesh may reflect the plan of an earlier Jaina monument. The article closes by pointing out that Jaina influence can also be traced in the Buddhist art of Burma, highlighting cross‑fertilisation between religious traditions.
Conclusion
The article emphasises that Eastern India occupies a special place in Jaina history. Although the faith’s roots extend back to a remote past, its flourishing sects and unique artistic expressions in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa attest to sustained patronage. Sites such as Sammeta Sikhar and Paharpur illustrate both the sacred geography and cross‑cultural influence of Jainism. Even in a short note, Dasgupta reminds readers that the eastern Jaina tradition deserves greater scholarly attention and preservation.