Jain Sculptures from the Rashtrakuta period discovered near Vikarabad

Hyderabad: A set of Jain sculptures dating back to the Rashtrakuta period are in a state of neglect in Kankal village, Pudur mandal, Vikarabad district, according to Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation. During an awareness initiative, Preserve Heritage for Posterity, Dr. Reddy identified over 50 sculptures scattered across the village, including a colossal Ganesa, three Nandis, four Sivalingas, 15 Naga Devatas, Saptamatrikas, Veerabhadra, 10 hero stones, Chandi, Chamundi, and numerous Jain sculptures.

Dr. Reddy noted that the sculptures date back to the 8th–12th centuries CE and represent the Badami Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Kalyani Chalukya, and Kakatiya art styles. Among the neglected artifacts, he highlighted black granite sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras Parswanatha and Mahavira, flanked by Yaksha and Yakshini figures. These artifacts, some of which lie near a mosque, along roadsides, and under tamarind trees, are in dire need of conservation due to their artistic and historical significance.

The image of Parswanatha in the Kayotsarga posture is damaged, with the serpent king Dharanendra's hoods broken. Dr. Reddy speculated that a colossal Mahavira sculpture might remain undiscovered in the village, given the presence of a large pedestal carved with lion motifs, a symbol associated with Mahavira.

Dr. Reddy documented the sculptures with assistance from heritage enthusiast Chakali Sampath Kumar, agriculturist S. Venkata Ramireddy, and local villagers. He also sensitized residents about the historical importance of the artifacts and their preservation.

Appealing to the local administration, Dr. Reddy proposed the establishment of a village museum at the Siva temple premises to house the sculptures. He suggested erecting them on pedestals with proper labels to ensure their protection and educational use for future generations. The initiative saw participation from villagers Gattupalli Mallesam, Nirati Ramulu, Chinni Krishna, and temple priest Mallesh.

𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐭𝐚 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝

Priceless Jain sculptures from the 8th–12th centuries CE lie neglected in Kankal village, Vikarabad. Archaeologist Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy identified over 50 artifacts,… pic.twitter.com/pyj9IgzH2w

— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) January 13, 2025