Studies in Indian Art c12.s8.36

c12.s8.36

The discovery of a Buddhist pillar from the predominantly Jaina site of Kankali Tila requires some explanation. Unfortunately there is no record left of the excavations conducted by Dr. Führer in 1890-92, at this very important site, nor does it appear that the dig had any well-defined scientific purpose other than that of collecting mere stone antiquities. There is, however a very strong Jaina tradition which records that the Buddhists for some time entered into a dispute with the Jainas for the possession of the Stūpa at the Kankali site, and that after about six months of controversy during which time the Buddhists appear to have remained strong the issue was decided by the king in favour of the Jainas. This tradition is preserved in the Vyavahārasūtra Bhāshya (V. 27-28), Bṛihatkathākosha of Harisheṇa (931-32 A.D.), Yaśastilakachampū of Somadeva (959 A.D.) and the Vividhatirthakalpa of Jinaprabha Sūri (1325-1351 A.D.) of which the Mathurāpurikalpa gives a detailed account of the legendary history of the Jaina Stūpa. There is no doubt that originally the site was sanctified by the construction of a Jaina Stūpa. Subsequently when the sopt gained in importance the Buddhists who were powerful at Mathura during the first and second century A.D. seem to have appropriated a portion of the site for building a monument sacred to their own religion. This temporary trespass by the Buddhists on an avowedly Jaina site explains in some manner the discovery of some Buddhist sculptures, amongst which the Nandasundari pillar is one, from the site of the Kankali Tila.