Acknowledgements and Plates – Pakbirra Sculptures
By Unexhibited
Summary
Segment 1 covers the acknowledgements and plates associated with the April 1986 issue of the Jain Journal. The acknowledgements section thanks Dr. S.C. Mukherji, Superintendent of Archaeology, West Bengal, and N.C. Bhattacharyya, Conservation Assistant, for their guidance and suggestions. It also expresses gratitude to A.K. Karmakar and R. Sen for providing detailed information and high‑quality photographs. The remainder of the segment consists of a series of photographic plates that illustrate the archaeological remains of Pakbirra, a village in the Purulia District of West Bengal. These plates are organised sequentially and include views of temples before and after conservation, images of tri‑ratha shrines, miniature chaityas, and a wide range of sculptures. The photographic documentation captures numerous images of the Jinas in kayotsarga pose, caturmukha (four‑faced) figures, tutelary couples, Yakṣiṇīs such as Ambikā, fragmented pedestals and pillars, and intricately carved architectural elements. Many of the sculptures are heavily weathered, but the captions provide valuable contextual information, noting the approximate date (usually between the ninth and eleventh centuries), subject identification, and plate number. For example, one plate shows Temple No. 2 before conservation, while another displays a pedestal of a seated Jina image dated to the ninth or tenth century. Other plates depict fragmentary lower parts of Rsabhanātha images, miniature chaitya shrines, panels with rows of seated Jinas, and a pillar fragment bearing a band of 361 Tīrthankaras. The photographs also reveal how conservation work has stabilised several monuments and how reconstructed temples contrast with unrestored ruins. Collectively, the plates provide a visual record of the scope and variety of the Pakbirra site, highlighting both its architectural features and sculptural richness. They serve as a useful reference for the detailed descriptions and analysis that follow in later parts of the issue.
Conclusion
The first segment of the issue sets the tone for the study of Pakbirra by expressing gratitude to those who assisted with research and by presenting a comprehensive series of images. The acknowledgements remind readers that archaeological work is a collaborative effort involving scholars, conservationists and photographers. The plates offer visual evidence of Pakbirra’s temples and sculptures, documenting their condition and highlighting their artistic features. These photographs foreshadow the analytical discussion in subsequent sections and underscore the importance of preserving and studying this significant Jain site.