1. INTRODUCTION:

In the culturally vibrant district of Bankura, West Bengal, the village of Lakshmisagar under Simlapal Police Station offers valuable insights into the religious and socio-cultural matrix of ancient Bengal. The archaeological findings primarily Jain sculptural fragments and architectural remnants point to the existence of a once-flourishing Jain community.

The region, part of the larger Damodar Valley Civilisation, has been historically influenced by Jain and Buddhist traditions, which were later absorbed and transformed within local folk cultures. This paper aims to study the geo-cultural significance of the Jain relics at Lakshmisagar, contextualising them within the broader framework of historical transformation, religious syncretism, and contemporary threats to cultural heritage.

2. Geographical and Cultural Setting:

Lakshmisagar (Map no 1) lies approximately 39 kilometers south of Bankura town and is bordered by rivers like the Shilabati, which have historically supported human settlement and religious activity. The region forms part of the uplands of the Bankura-Purulia plateau and is interspersed with woodlands and lateritic soil. These upland tracts have been home to indigenous groups such as the Bhumij and the Santals, who have often been in cultural interaction with Jain and later Hindu influences. The geographical location of Lakshmisagar, coupled with its woodland cover and water proximity, made it conducive for the establishment of secluded monastic communities such as those of the Jains.

Map no.1

3. Archaeological Findings at Lakshmisagar:

3.1 Sculptural and Architectural Remains:

The site contains scattered remains of sculptural fragments, many of which were found near a worship spot locally known as Rankinitala. Among these, an image of Ṛṣabhanatha—the first Jain Tirthankara—installed under a tree near the temple complex is particularly noteworthy. Other architectural fragments found in the vicinity, such as carved stone slabs, pillars, and broken idols, indicate the possible presence of a once-substantial temple structure (Chattopadhyay, 2010).

Plate 1: Sculptural and Architectural Remains, Lakshmisagar Village

3.2 Jain Iconography and Religious Artifacts:

Another prominent feature of the site is a stone idol worshipped as Vairab by local people. Though now considered part of Hindu folk tradition, the carving on the idol includes Jain iconography such as stylized postures and meditative poses of Tirthankaras. This dual religious attribution indicates a long process of religious transformation, where Jain idols were absorbed into the local pantheon. The involvement of the local Bhelaidiha royal family in maintaining the site further underscores its historical importance.

4. Historical and Religious Context:

4.1 Jainism in the Damodar Valley Civilisation:

The Damodar Valley, including districts like Bankura, Purulia, and adjacent parts of Jharkhand, has been an important cradle for Jainism and Buddhism. The Valley hosted numerous monastic centres during the Mauryan and Pala periods (8th–12th centuries), and many Jain sites were located along old pilgrim and trade routes passing through the Kangsabati river basins.

4.2 Religious Syncretism and Folk Integration:

In Lakshmisagar, the blending of Jain relics with local religious practices illustrates a deep-rooted cultural syncretism. Jain idols are venerated alongside Hindu deities, reflecting how religious boundaries have blurred over centuries. The local population, largely unaware of the Jain origins of many idols, continues to uphold worship traditions that have deep historical continuity.

5. Heritage under Threat:

Dam Construction and Mining:

The sacred landscapes of eastern India, particularly in the Damodar basin, have suffered extensive damage due to post-independence industrial development projects. The construction of dams such as Panchet, Maithon, and Chandil led to the submergence of over a hundred villages with ancient Jain and Buddhist temples (Mitra, 1969). Mining operations, especially in Dhanbad, Bokaro, and lower Damodar areas, have obliterated many archaeological sites without proper documentation or salvage efforts.

UNESCO and ICOMOS have documented the loss of such heritage in their Heritage at Risk reports (2001–2003), but local-level protection remains minimal. In this context, Lakshmisagar stands as one of the last surviving testimonies of Jain heritage in a region historically inundated and neglected.

6. Challenges and Research Opportunities:

6.1 Conservation Needs:

Lakshmisagar, although relatively well-preserved due to its remote setting, is not protected under any official heritage act. The site is vulnerable to both natural decay and unregulated tourism. A coordinated conservation initiative, possibly involving the Archaeological Survey of India and local heritage groups, is urgently needed.

6.2 Future Research Directions:

· Geo-Spatial Documentation: GIS and remote sensing tools should be employed to map the spatial distribution of relics and understand their landscape context.

· Ethno-Archaeological Studies: The interaction between tribal communities and ancient religious traditions provides rich material for anthropological exploration.

· Comparative Studies: Research comparing Lakshmisagar with similar Jain sites in Jharkhand (e.g., Dulmi, Ichagarh, and Chandil) would offer a holistic understanding of regional Jainism.

7. CONCLUSION:

Lakshmisagar is not merely an archaeological site it is a cultural palimpsest that encapsulates centuries of religious interaction, transformation, and survival. The Jain relics found here offer compelling evidence of the region's connection to early Jain traditions and their syncretic adaptation in local belief systems. In the face of rapid development and environmental degradation, Lakshmisagar serves as a reminder of the fragility of sacred landscapes and the urgent need for integrated geo-cultural heritage conservation. Preserving such sites is not just about protecting stones and sculptures, but about safeguarding the intangible spiritual and historical memory of a region.

8. REFERENCES:

1. Chattopadhyay, R.K. Bankura -A Study of its Archaeological Sources. Platinum Publishers. Kolkata. 2010

2. Chand, Krishanu. Rankini Devi and its Historical Myth Related to Jainism. Pratidhwani: The Echo, vol. XI, Special Issue, June 2023, pp. 168–170.

3. Majumder, Shubha. Jain Remains of Ancient Bengal. Wisdom Library, 2017.

4. Mitra, D. Archaeological Remains of Bankura: A Comprehensive Report. Bengal Historical Journal, 1969; 22(1): 45–58.

5. Sharma, R.C. Jainism in Ancient Bengal. Delhi: D.K. Printworld. 1999

6. UNESCO-ICOMOS. (2001–2003). Heritage at Risk Reports.

Received on 30.05.2025 Revised on 01.07.2025

Accepted on 24.07.2025 Published on 20.08.2025

Available online from September 02, 2025

Res. J. of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(3):231-233.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00038

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