Jain Basadi Remains Traced Near Jafargadh Fort
The remains were identified by Samudrala Raju, a member of the Kotha Telangana Charitrabrundam, in the Patigadda area below the fort: Reports
HYDERABAD: Carved stone remains near Jafargadh Fort at Velpugonda have led to the identification of a Jain Basadi, with inscriptions and sculptures pointing to a Rashtrakuta-era structure at the site.
The remains were identified by Samudrala Raju, a member of the Kotha Telangana Charitrabrundam, in the Patigadda area below the fort. Historical references from an inscription at Velpugonda, attributed to Shankaraganda Rasa, an administrator under Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha, indicated that a fort, a tank and a Jain Basadi once existed at this location.
Until now, only scattered Jain artefacts such as sculptures and a Manastambha had been found in nearby Malchagutta, with no clear structural evidence of a Basadi.
Among the newly identified remains is a large doorway fragment, with tall door jambs carved in the Pancha-shakha style. The structure includes floral designs with swan motifs and decorative panels. A carved lintel shows a seated image of Lord Mahavira in a meditative posture, with a detailed halo behind the head.
Sriramoju Haragopal, convener of the Kotha Telangana Charitrabrundam, said the lintel itself confirms the existence of a significant Jain structure and the Ialata bimbam is clear historical evidence that a grand Jain Basadi once stood at Jafargadh.
Other findings include a Chalukya-style mandapa pillar with an octagonal plaque and carvings, as well as two sculptures identified as Indrani and Brahmi from the Saptamatrika group, dating to the same period.
Members of the group said the site held potential for further findings if studied systematically. They urged the heritage department to take steps to protect the remains and carry out detailed exploration of the area.
