Unearthed Relic: Rare 11th Century Jain Sculpture Discovered in Telangana

A rare Jain sculpture depicting 'Sthapanacharya', originating from the 11th-12th centuries, has been discovered in Telangana's Siddipet district. Found in Nangunur village at a temple site, the sculpture was uncovered during temple renovations. It illustrates a Jain saint with a book, Vyasapeetha, and disciples.

A rare Jain sculpture known as 'Sthapanacharya', dating back to the 11th-12th centuries, has been found in Telangana's Siddipet district.

The sculpture, discovered in Nangunur village by historian Kolipaka Srinivas of 'Kotha Telangana Charitra Brindam', features a Jain saint holding a book, a Vyasapeetha, and his disciples, recognized as Jain educational centers like 'Pustakagachha' and 'Saraswathigachha'.

Rediscovered during a temple renovation, this significant artifact highlights early Jain symbol worship practices, with experts like Sriramoju Haragopal and Emani Shivanagi Reddy confirming its rarity and historical importance.