Telangana's tallest Jain idol faces threat from quarrying activities

Hyderabad: Telangana's tallest Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Tirthankar stone sculpture stands is in peril due to ongoing quarrying activities at Nangunuru village in Siddipet district, according to noted archaeologist Dr E Sivanagi Reddy.

Acting on information provided by Sriramoju Haragopal, Convenor, and Ahobilam Karunakar, Member of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, Dr Reddy, who also serves as the CEO of Pleach Foundation, conducted an inspection of the endangered Jain sculpture on Wednesday.

The impressive artifact is erected on a low-lying hillock south of the village, where aggressive quarrying operations have encroached on its surroundings.

The magnificent granite sculpture stands 9 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide, depicting Mahavira in the stiff Kayotsarga posture. Currently, the statue is partially buried, with its lower portion sunken into the ground up to knee level. The sculpture represents the Digambara sect of Jainism, characterized by the absence of clothing on the figure's body. It features an ushnisha (cranial protuberance) on the head, which Dr Reddy identified as a distinctive characteristic of Tirthankara iconography. Based on its stylistic features, the archaeologist dates the sculpture to the 9th century CE, placing it within the Rashtrakuta period.

During his investigation, Dr Reddy discovered two additional Jain artifacts in the vicinity. One smaller sculpture of Mahavira carved on a stone slab lies neglected among bushes at the foot of the hillock, while another Jain sculpture was found within the premises of the local Anjaneya temple. These discoveries suggest that Nangunuru village was once a significant center of Jainism during the Rashtrakuta era.

"The presence of brick fragments and pottery shards near the gigantic Mahavira sculpture indicates that a Jaina basadi (monastery) once existed at this site," explained Dr Reddy. This archaeological evidence further emphasizes the historical importance of Nangunuru as a hub of Jain religious activities over a millennium ago.

The Rashtrakuta dynasty (753-982 CE) was known for its patronage of Jainism, alongside other religions. During their rule, numerous Jain temples and sculptures were constructed across their territory, which included parts of present-day Telangana. The sculpture at Nangunuru represents a remarkable example of the artistic and religious heritage from this period.

Concerned about the imminent threat to this invaluable cultural artifact, Dr Reddy conducted an awareness session for local villagers, highlighting the historical significance of the Jain sculpture. He urged the community to take immediate steps to halt the quarrying activities in the area and preserve this archaeological treasure for future generations.

The Pleach Foundation, under Dr Reddy's leadership, has been actively involved in identifying and protecting historical sites across the Telugu states.

Conservation experts recommend establishing a protected zone around the sculpture and potentially relocating it to a secure location where it can be properly displayed and preserved if in-situ protection proves challenging.