During the time of Sunga’s

[Full title: Political and Religious History of Orissa (5): During the time of Sunga’s]

The Sungas were followers of Brahmanical Hinduism, which lead to Buddhism loosing royal patronage during this period. Though, the Buddhist and contemporary literary works records that Pushyamitra Sunga was a religious fanatic and ill-treated the Buddhists. In spite of lack of royal patronage people came forward for the cause of Buddhism. Buddhism had become the religion of the masses. This is known from the large number of donations made by individuals that are recorded on the several monuments constructed or excavated during this phase, i.e. Sanchi, Bharut, Bhaja, Karla, Pitalkhora etc. By this time Buddha first time was depicted in iconic form.

In Orissa, as such no evidence is found of any activity that can be dated to this period as yet. But we find a passing reference in the Buddhist texts that there was some alliance or influence of Mahasanghikas in Kalinga region. As it refers that the main center of the Mahasanghikas in the eastern region was Vaishali and from there it spread to Magadha, Andhra and went through Kalinga. So, it is inferred that while passing through they might have made a few settlements in Kalinga also. The findings of finger looped/marked terracotta tiles with perforations (for roofs), architectural fragments of pillars with lenticular sockets, suchis, half lotus medallion motif in front of the apsidal chaityagriha; at Lalitgiri are evidence of Sunga’s influence in Orissa. As very few sites are excavated in Orissa, a clear picture of this period is lacking.