Jaina Antiquities at Khordha District (Introduction)

The District Khordha/Khurda (Lat. 19⁰ 55'' to 20⁰ 25'' N; Long. 84⁰ 55'' to 86⁰ 05'' E) has become a separate administrative division of the state of Odisha on 1^st April 1993, carved out of the old Puri district^[1]. In the year 2000, the district name was changed to Khordha. Khordha is the headquarters of the district of the same name and bounded by Cuttack district in north, Nayagarh district in west, Puri district in the east and Ganjam district in the south. The local name of the place was “Jajasringh” which originally was a small village probably the place was known as “KURADA” which means “Foul moouthed”. Khordha occupies a distinct place in the historical map of Odisha. It came into prominence with the first king of “Bhoi” dynasty Ramachandra Dev, who made it the capital of his kingdom during the last part of 16^th century CE. It acted as the capital of Odisha from 1568 to 1803 and is known for its fort i.e. Khordha-gada, often described as the “last independent fort” of Odisha^[2]. The district is known for its rich cultural heritage which is still preserved.

Jainism in this district starts from the first century BCE with the advent of Kharavela. He caused for excavating many rock-cut caves for the Jaina Arahats. It is clearly proved by his Hati-Gumpha inscription and the Jaina symbols depicted in the various caves. After Kharavela, the site continued to be inhabited under the Bhoumakaras and their successor, the Somavamsis. During the rule of Somavamsis king Udyotakesari few caves were excavated along with many images of Tirthankara and Sasanadevi on the cave walls and wells are cleaned for providing drinking water to the Jaina asceitics^[3]. The twin hill of Udayagiri and Khandagiri still maintain a continuous tradition of Jaina legacy till today. This tradition continues and a series of crude Tirthankara figures are carved on the inner wall of the Mahavira-Gumpha of Khandagiri. Very beautiful carving of 24^th Tirthankara images, nude chlorite image of Tirthankara and architectural fragment of votive temple are still seen there.