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Hassan/Shanivarasanthe: Sulugodu village in Konanuru hobli of Arkalgud taluk, Hassan district, located close to Kodagu, witnessed an intriguing archaeological discovery when a sculpture of a Jain Tirthankara and a stone pillar were unearthed on land adjacent to the Basaveshwara Temple. The artefacts were uncovered on Monday, 20 January by farmers using a tractor for agricultural activities.
This is not the first time Jain sculptures have been found in the area. Sulugodu has a history of such discoveries, underscoring its archaeological significance. In 2015, two sculptures depicting young women holding a 'chamara' and a pillar were unearthed. Last year, a soapstone statue of Kalabhairava, along with stone lamps, a pillar, and a manuscript, were discovered. Additionally, a statue resembling Mahaveera was found and is now safeguarded near the Basaveshwara Temple by villagers.
Sulugodu residents, who relocated from the Hemavathi backwaters to the village in 1963, are unaware of its historical origins. They have urged authorities to conduct systematic excavations, given the frequent discoveries of Jain relics, to uncover and protect the village’s hidden history.
Meanwhile, Mulluru, a nearby village near Shanivarasanthe in Kodagu, has emerged as a significant Jain heritage site, often referred to as the "Jain Kashi" of Kodagu. This village is home to three Jain basadis (temples) built in honour of Jain Tirthankaras. These ancient structures, set amidst a serene mango grove, narrate centuries-old history and hold immense tourism potential.
To visit the Jain basadis, one can travel 6 km from Shanivarasanthe along Banavara Road. A slight left near the Mulluru bus stop leads to the trio of basadis, which await recognition as a major cultural and historical destination in the region.
In November 2024, a landmark archaeological discovery unearthed 69 stone slab inscriptions in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, some dating back to the 9th century.(Read full article on this discovery here)
The findings, led by B. P. Rekha, curator of the Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage Department, represent the most extensive discovery of inscriptions in the region since British archaeologist B. L. Rice’s pioneering work in 1886. Rekha’s survey, initiated in 2023, has culminated in this remarkable find—the largest in Kodagu in over a century.
Many of these inscriptions highlight the prominence of Jainism in the region. Among them is a notable ‘Nishidhi’ inscription at Kalthmadu in Virajpet, commissioned by a man named Kanakasenaiah in honour of his guru.
This discovery sheds new light on Kodagu’s rich historical and cultural heritage, offering valuable insights into the region’s ancient traditions and religious practices.
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