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UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

Minor Research Project

Entitled

“SURVEY OF HISTORICAL SITES IN

ANCIENT BEED”

Submitted to

University Grants Commission

Western Regional Office

Ganeshkhind Pune-7

Submitted By,

Dr. V.S. Kandhare M.A., Ph.D.

Head & Asst. Prof.

Department of History

N.S.S.R‟s, Arts & Science College, Chousala,

Tq. & Dist. Beed-431126

Through

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada

University, Aurangabad.

June-2015

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CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Minor Project entitled “Survey of Historical

Sites in Ancient Beed” is a genuine research work done by Dr. Vishwas

Shamrao Kandhare in the faculty of Social Science, N.S.S.R’s, Arts &

Science College, Chousala, Tq. & Dist. Beed as per requirement of

University Grant Commission, New Delhi.

The Project has not formed, in whole or parts, the basis for the award

of any degree of this university or any other university.

Place : Chousala, Beed Principal

Date : : / / 2015

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that Project entitled “Survey of Historical Sites in

Ancient Beed” has been composed by me and submit the same as a

requirement for the Minor Project in History under the faculty of Social

Science, N.S.S.R‟s, Arts & Science College, Chousala, Tq. & Dist. Beed to

University Grant Commission, New Delhi.

I also declare that this project and part thereof has not been previously

submitted by me for any purpose of this university of any other university.

Place : Chousala, Beed Dr. V.S. Kandhare

Date : / / 2015

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CONTENTS

Sr. No. Particulars Page No.

* Certificate I

* Declaration II

* Contents III

CHAPTER-I The Concept 05-17

CHAPTER-II Research Design 18-22

CHAPTER-III Historical Sketch 23-50

CHAPTER-IV Archeological Profile of Bhir District :

Pre-History & Pro-History

51-55

CHAPTER-V Archeology of Historical Sites 56-76

CHAPTER-VI Critical Study 77-80

CHAPTER-VII Conclusion 81-84

* Historical Sites in Beed 85-99

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CHAPTER- I

THE CONCEPT

1.1. Introduction 1.2. The study of place name 1,3, Cultural geography approach 1.4. Cultural geographical background of Beed 1.5. Changes in place of Beed in ancient period 1.6. Dynamics of culture around Beed. 1.7. Summary

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CHAPTER- I

THE CONCEPT

1.1. Introduction:

Archeology is a source, which focus light on ancient past. India is rich

in past cultural heritage such as stone-age tools, caves temples, mountains

and forts. The sources of history are just like sun and moon and they can be

described and studied on regional as well as local level. Marathwada region

is rich in historical tradition. Godavari valley was a cradle of civilization and

art, architecture as well as literature founded in the region. According to

Romila Thaper regional approach helps as a great deal to understand the

facts which re active on regional matrix.1

According to R.C. Mujumdar social milieu and culture effects can be

extended by the study of rich historical tradition. In this project ancient Beed

and its historical sites will be studied systematically.2

The study of art, culture and heritage in Beed can be very well

conducted here for the study of rebuild cultural history on local level.

The study of historical sites can be certified on the basis of authentic

sources. The decantation of these sources is needed because sources are just

like sun and moon historical science torch light to come out from darkness to

light. The documentation of these sources can help us to throw light on the

local history. Hence the study of important sites of ancient period has been

placed here. The study of ancient sights in Beed can be very much useful for

the enrichment of local history in a systematic manner.

The region Marathwada is known as Adi-Manava. The study of local

history of the ancient period is a neglected aspect.

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Hence the study of such sites remains a challenging area. The study of

historical sites in ancient Beed is conduced here because such a study is not

conducted earlier by any scholar on local level.

1.2. The Study of Place Name:

The study of place name Beed must be conducted here with prior to

the understanding of important sites.

According to tradition, Beed was called Durgavati during the time of

the Pandavas and the Kururs, and its name was subsequently changed to

Balni, hut Champavati, Vikramaditya‟s sister after capturing it, named it

Champavatinagar. There are yet two more Versions as to how the present

name came to be given to the town. The first of these tells that a Yavana

ruler finding water at a very low depth in the town named it Bhir which in

Persian means water, The second one state that as the district is situated at

the foot of the Balaghat range it looks as if it is in a hole and hence the name

Bil (meaning hole in Marathi) was given to it which in course of time

corrupted into Bid. So much for the origin of the name of the town.3

However, all different ideas and opinions on Beed as a place name can

be surveyed and analyzed here.

The history of Bid could be traced from epic to the ancient and

mediaeval time. It must have been included successively in the kingdoms of

the Andhras, the Calukyas. The Rastrakutas and the Yadava‟s of Devagiri,

the ruling dynasties of that region, and from whom it passed on the Muslim

invaders from the north. A mention of Bid could be found in the Puranas

which tell us that when sita was being forcibly carried away by Ravan, the

demon king of Lanka (Ceylon), the bird Jatayu tried to intercept him at this

place. Jatau, however, was crippled by Ravan by cutting off one of his

wings. 4

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The study of Jatau runs like in an interesting manner. This study can

be very well documented and carefully studied to highlight the traditions

behind the temple

Helplessly he feels down and kept waiting in agony for the arrival of

Ram. It was only after narrating the story of Sita‟s abduction to Ram that he

breathed his last. The temple of Jatashankar, located in the centre of the

town, is said to have been built on the spot where Jatau fell dead. The temple

architecture indicates that it is the product of Yadava period.5

Number of historical and cultural sites of Satavahanas, Chalukyas,

Rastrakutas, as well as Yadavas period, all are available in the surroundings

of Beed city.

In the Chalukya period the daughter of Chalukya known as

Champavati was married to Tilakchand. History has recorded that about the

year 1326 Muhammad-bin-Tughlug changed the name of Champavati to

Beed.6 The study of cultural geography of Beed can help to throw light on

the ancient period in an interesting manner. In this work entire Beed city has

been surveyed and documented properly.

1.3. Cultural Geography Approach:

Culture has defined as way of life. It includes customs, beliefs and art

traditions.7 The cultural sites in Beed and its surroundings have a significant

value because these monuments and sites illustrate the rich past having

deeply rooted ethnic traditions. Hence ethno cultural processes must be

examined here.

Cultural geography and ethnic studies are very important in a new age.

They provide a background for the understanding of various dimensions of

cultural history in the right perspective of cultural geography. The study of a

place name is a significant branch in cultural history. Beed, the present name

of Bhir has been evolved through various historical traditions. Tarkteerth

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Laxmanshastri Joshi has observed that efforts of human being to establish

cohesion with nature can be a part of cultural study. 8

The study of Beed and its surroundings can help us to look at the

cultural history in a positive angle. The regional, local forces can be

researched here in the context of Beed.

Marathwada in general and Beed in particular is not exception to this

phenomenon. According to A.L. Basham human relation was an important

character of Indian society and these relations were swapped on the

principles of humanity. 9

In order to understand these principles of human relations there is a

need to correlate past and present effectively. The study of man and his past

must be the epi center of all these aspects. The cultural ethnography of the

Beed and its surroundings in Godavari Valley can help to illustrate different

dimensions together in a new sociological perspective.

1.4. Cultural Geographical Background of Beed:

Beed is located on the bank of river Bindusara, a tributary of Godavari

River. The other rivers flowing in the Beed are known as Manjara,

Sindphana and Wan. The other minor streams or revers are Talwar, Kanhli,

Ruti and Mehkani. In summer these rivers become dry. These rivers have

provided agricultural base for the Beed district. The socio economic

development is depended on these rivers and availability of water.

Beed District is situated at the Central West of the Aurangabad. It is

between 18.28 and 19.28 longitudinally and between 74.54 and 76.57

longitudinally. It is surrounded by Aurangabad and Jalna in the North,

Parbhani and Latur in the East, Ahmednagar and Osmanabad in the South

and Ahmednagar in the West. Godavari is the most significant river that

flows on the borderline of Georai and Majalgaon Tehsils.

Beed is situated in the Deecan black basalt stone, ranges of Balaghat

that constitutes main range from Ahmednagar in the west, to the border of

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district Beed in the East. This range divides the district into two parts. The

plain area in the North is called as Gangathadi (bank of Ganga-Godavari)

and the higher part is called as Ghat at Balaghat. Many hills exceed 2500

feet mark from the sea-level Balaghat range is between heights of 2000 and

2200 feet, whereas the plains called Gangathadi have the heights between

1200 and 1500 feet from the sea-level. The heights of Ashti Tehsil are

between 1750 and 2000 feet from the sea-level. The slope of Ashti Tehsil is

in the Southern direction.10

The geographical location of Beed has made its people more hard

working and sincere. The history of Beed has been studied on the

background of historical past. The study of historical sites can be very well

conducted by narrating the cultural geography of the region, which can help

to know about the historical processes in a systematic manner.

About cultural geography, the regional variations have close

connectivity due to language linkages. S.K. Chatterji has observed that

“Indian culture has an organic unity, and this has been largely brought about

language movements, shaped and molded by Sanskrit language. Sanskrit,

had its unique status and unfailing vitality, has been the most powerful

formative agency form the very beginning of Indian history and civilization,

giving them their special Indian Character.” 11

All these aspects have been neatly documented here. The all major

historical sites of Beed are located on the surroundings of Bindusara River.

Beed the ancient name of Beed was champavati nagar. This histrocial city is

situated on the bank of the Bindusara River. This city is surrounded by

various historical places. In the south east there is an old historical temple of

“Lord Shiva” which is known as Papneshwar. This ancient temple is deep in

the ground having Shivpind. The water falls constantly on Shivpind. By the

side of the temple there are square shaped well which is full of water. 12

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In the East of the city Beed there is an ancient temple of Lord

Mahadeo, Named Kankaleshwar. It is the master piece of sculpture. It

attacks the superlative praise from sculpture. This historical temple is

surrounded by water. It looks magnificent.

The Khandoba temple rises on the hill in front of Khandeshwari

temple. It is constructed in hemadpanthi style. In front of the temple are a

couple of very high structures called “Deep Malas” about 100 to 200 ft. high

and visible from 5 to 10 kilometers distance. They attract the attention of

visitors. There is Hanuman temple beside Kandeshwari temple. In the same

area there are three famous as well as historical wells known as Baravas.13

Even today people drink water from these wells. In the East of

khandoba temple there is another well known as mother in law and daughter-

in-law Barava. The wonder is the water tests salty in mother as water tests

salty in mother in laws section though there is no wall separating the water.

Jata Shankar temple is situated in the heart of the town. It is said that

when Prabhu Ramchandra was helplessly wandering in search of sits. He

found Jatau bird in wounded condition. The bird tried to release Sita from

the custody of Lankapati Ravana who fatally wounded the bird. The bird told

Rama story of Sita‟s Kidapping and the bird died at the feet of Rama. Then

Prabhu Ramachandra did funeral and established Jata Shankar near Jata

Shankar temple there is famous Ganesh temple. In peth Beed area there is

omnipotent Shani Dev temple Shahenshahwali Darga, Khajana Bavadi,

Bendusura Project, Yuva Shanty Van, Bendsura Project (Manjari) Swami

Samarth temple. 14

The study of all these remains revealed that these sites have close

historical commonality which reveal people‟s faith and religious affinity. All

these important temples and sites have a rich tradition of past. Right from the

epic period to the rise of Yadavas period, these cultural developments have a

chronology.

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Beed is located on Dakshinpath. On this basis the linguistic roots of

Daxinapath can be traced. In the ancient period the area around Godavari

River was known as Ashmak area in the Vaidic period.15

The Vedic period was also significant in Beed region because the

Saint Agasthi was first Rishi to climb the Vindhya Mountain and he stepped

in Beed area for the first time.

In the epic age of Ramayana and Mahabharata, the place was known

as Durgavati. It is also evident from the text Mms Navgan Mahatmya that

Saint Agusthi who crossed Vindya Mountain and reached Daxinapth had

stayed for long time in Beed area. His two Ashrama are shown at

Rakshasbhuwan and Navgan Rajuri (Tq. & Dist.Beed). The Mms also refers

to visit of Agasthi and Rama in the hilly area of Balaghat. There are also

some interesting stories of Rama‟s miracles spread at different places at

Dharur, Manjarsumbha and Georai, which is an evidence of epic period.16

In the Ramayana period, the bird Jatau who gave a massage of

kidnapping of Sita to Rama and ended his life with his last breath. The

ancient temple of Jatashankar in Beed is a testimony of the fact.

All these literary and archeological evidences show that the rich past

of Beed had continuously from past to present. The epic age and Vedic age

remains, many a times overlap each other. There is a need to set chronology

of evidences.

1.5. Changes in the Place of Beed in Ancient Period:

Bose has rightly observed that “The Buddha too practiced his

austerities in a forest; Tyaga, Tapasya and Tapovana have always gone hand

in hand in Indian culture.”17

The Godavari Valley was also known as

Tapovan, sacred land of Tapa of various rishis like agasthi, Gautam and

Kapilmuni. The area was sacred due to two causes, one due to Tapa of rishis

and other due to its safe residence of divine powers.

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The Godavari River and the Balaghat ranges have thus played a vital

role in building cultural history of Deccan.

The history of Beed is interesting enough and the traditions of pleatue

can be researched again to arrive at a sharp focus.

In the ancient period the city was known as Bilini, which means in

Sankrit languages, a tunnel or hole naturally created due to river Bindusara.

The references of the word Bilini also occur in the Satvahana period, which

was first glorious phase of Beed area.

The important places and their past nomenclature were also evident to

provide impetus to the past history. These factors can be very well correlated

here. The temples, archeological sites and various monuments which have

been established a rural Beed and its past.

According to legendary stories Hindu Gods were getting asylum in

these tunnels, when they were attacked by demons. All these remains have a

clear-cut evidence of the past. The study of these remains showed that due to

this safe and secure and secular place, many monuments and temples were

constructed in the area surrounded by natural beauty. The illustrations of

these remains showed that the cultural history of Beed thus became rich and

inspiring.

In the epic age of Mahabharata the city was known as Durgavati. The

sister of Kalyani Chalukya king Vikramadhitya, who was known as

Champavati was married to noble man known as Tilakchand who was son of

Gopichand at Beed and the city was named after her as Champavatinagari.

The cultural contribution of Beed in the Chalukya period seems very

rich because the period was mostly significant enough to reveal true

traditions. The Chalukya period had a tremendous continuity of these

traditions. The temples, tanks and stones were sacred and significant in the

Chalukya period.

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In Rastrakuta period Dharur have almost attained status of sub capital.

For some times during the Rashtrakuta period the city was known as

srivardhan. This has been referred to in Vratakhand written by Hemadri and

also refers to in another book Ratnamla strot. During the Culchuri period city

was capital of King Bijjal.

The Rastrakuta period was a boon for the political and cultural

development in the Beed and its surroundings. But further the Yadavas

period was a turning point.

In the Chalukya period many cities like Dharmapuri flourished due to

the royal support of Chalukyas. In Yadava period several glorious places in

Beed district in which cities like Ambajogai and Pirushttampuri had

flourished.

The study of these cities has been conducted by Dr. A. Pathak in one

of his article on ancient Ambajogai in Yadava period.

The famous mathematician of Yadav period, Bhaskaracharya was

originally hailed from Bijjal Beed city. His origin home was from Beed city

and this has been referred to in his classical material text Siddhant

shiromani. Some people even show the old residential place of Bhaskarchaya

who must be credited for discovery of cipher of zero in mathematics.

Beed has provided many saints and prophets as well as scholars and

scholars like Bhaskaracharya in the period.

All these evidences are significant enough to study the rich cultural

heritage of Deccan in general and Beed in particular.

After Allauddin Khilji‟s evasion in 1294 and later on the complete

defeat in 1326 shows that the area was known as Beed and was included in

Subha of the Mohammod Tughalaq rule. The word “Bhir” in Persian

language means water and this has been connected to the availability of

ample water in the region.

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Thus the glorious epoch of the Beed evolved in 13th

century and the

darkness in the medieval age began which evidenced the rich traditions and

turned the wheel of time. Now on this background the cultural dynamics can

be studied.

1.6. Dynamics of Culture Around Beed:

Cultural geography of Maharashtra has been documented first by V.K.

Rajwade. “But later on H.D. Sankliya continued the tradition.” V.K.

Rajwade discovered chronicle Radhamadhavvilascampu and had highlighted

many neglected aspects of the region.

The cultural cycle of Beed can be further studied on the basis of many

neglected archeological and literary sources. These have a close relevance to

the past tradition of Beed. Few more sources are also significant enough

which can be recorded here.

In the history of Beed the history of place name begins with

Durgavati, Bilini and Champavati and it. R. Srinivasan has included various

aspects of culture such as art, music and dance. The temple of Beed like

Kankaleshwar exemplifies all these aspects. E.H. Car Toynbi‟s approach of

cultural history was circular and it helps to understand cultural

development.18

These aspects help us to cover many neglected elements of ancient

history. The study of all these remains can help us to arrive at a sharp focus.

The archeology of Beed had thus close history with past and it helps to

look at the past effectively.

1.7. Summary:

According to Bose “The lure of the forest has always been great and

deep for the Indian mind.” In Beed district there were many ancient Ashrams

of Agasthi, Gautam and Kapil Muni. Two places are shown as Agasthi

Ashrams one at Rakshasbhuwan and another at Navgan Rajuri. The legendry

story refers that Prabhu Ramchandra had met Agasthi Rishi at Rajuri. At

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Manjrath I Majalgaon taluka there were Ashrams of Gautam Muni and this

place is treated as South Kashi. This place is a confluence of three rivers

Godavari, and two local tributaries of Godavari named as Sindfana and

Saraswati.

Thus important religions and cultural places have been summarized

here. On the basis of River Godavari and its tributaries which provided

availability of water, the cultural centers had well developed in the

Satavahana period. At Kapildhar there was a third Ashram of Kapil Muni

where there is even today perennial source of water. In Balaghat there is a

sacred place “Pohicha Dev” a Mahanubhav cult. According to Bose “in the

Ramayana and Mahabharata and in later Sanskrit literature, all these

evidences showed that the Beed and its prosperity had rich past and

monuments as well as temples and lakes were able to develop in its

surroundings in the course of time.” All these aspects are significant enough

to reveal the past.

In Sanskrit literature, we came across descriptions of many Ashrams

of Vanaprastas and Rishis and of educational institutions. Along with these

Ashrams the remains of temples and structures are evidences of the cultural

dynamics in the region.

Thus it is clear that there was continuity in the cultural history of

Beed. Thus all these can help us to build the cultural geography of Beed

district. Thus in this chapter we have highlighted the proper background of

the cultural history of important sites surrounded in Beed district.

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References:

1. Thapaer Romila, “Early History of India” p-8

2. Mujumdar R.C. - The History of Cultural India, p-21

3. Beed District Gazetteer- p-1

4. Ibid., p-4

5. Ibid., p-2

6. Ibid., p-3

7. Oxford Dictionary, London, 2004- p-378

8. Joshi Tarkatirtha Laxman Shastri, “Marathi Vishwakosh” –p.39

9. Beed District Gazetteer

10. Basham A.L. – A Cultural History of India- p.127

11. Chatterji S.K. – Cultural Heritage of India- p.139

12. Beed District Gazetteer

13. Tarka Tirth Laxman Shastri Joshi “Marathi Vishwakosh”

14. Beed District Gazetteer

15. Ibid

16. Sankliya H.D. “Cultural Geography of Maharashtra”

17. Car E.H. “What is a History”

18. Beed District Gazetteer

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CHAPTER II

RESEARCH DESIGN

2.2. Introduction

2.2. Historical sociology

2.3. Descriptive research design

2.4. Primary and secondary sources

2.5. Summary

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CHAPTER II

RESEARCH DESIGN

2.1. Introduction:

In the historical research methodological devises are significant

because these sources play a vital role in the entire process of the

archeological literary sources. Karl Pearson has opined that “There is no

short cut to the truth no way to gain knowledge of the universe except

through the gateway of scientific method.” Further he has noted that

“Scientific method is one and the same in all branches and that method is the

method of all logically trained minds.” The subject like archeology and

history is also no exception to this.

The study of historical and ancient sites in Beed and its periphery can

be conducted by decoding various sources in a systematic manner. Along

with these archeological and literary sources. There are other sources like

folk media and local legends.

E.C.H. Car has defined history as unending dialogue between the

present and the past. “According to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru history means

the various events of the past given in the form of record during the present

period.” In order to study the historical background of Beed district we have

to understand how the people of Beed were correlating dialogue with the

past.

Hence in this chapter different dimensions of historical part have been

carefully examined and new light has been thrown on relevant material. All

these sources have a meaningful relevance about this research work and

these can be correlated and interpreted here in a relevant manner. The source

material used here has been rightly explained and properly interpreted here

in a systematic manner.

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2.2. Historical Sociology:

The study of ancient period can be conducted on the basis of historical

sociology. The sociology is a much younger discipline and which can be

developed on the basis of historical sociology. The two different aspects

such as social and cultural life can be examined on the basis of archeological

sources. Good and Hutt have observed that the discipline of sociology can

help to look at social aspects in a new angle. Car has also highlighted the

relevance of sociological science.

2.3. Descriptive Research Design:

In the historical research, descriptions of facts are very much

important. The archeological sources, monuments and temples can be

described here for highlighting different facts.

The entire subject is based on documentation and analysis of sources.

About descriptive design Bhandarkar and Wilkinson have noted that (three

footnotes Mhaske) Hence in this work useful source material has been

collected properly and presented here neatly.

2.4. Primary and Secondary Sources:

The historical studies are based on the primary and secondary sources.

These sources can be noted here. The visit to historical sites, their

photography and documentation is a primary source. The scholar has visited

25 sites and documented properly. Further the published material in various

books and journals have been documented. The websites of Maharashtra

state and other historical research boards have been documented here

properly. All these sources matter a great deal.

Important sources used:

The important historical sources used in this research work can be noted

below:

Exploration: The researcher has visited all the sites in the periphery of

Beed district.

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Documentation: The 12 temples around Beed city have been

photographed and surveyed in the surroundings and proper

documentation has been presented. Interview: In this work 10 scholars

in the region such as Dr. B.S. Deshpande, S.B. Deo, and G. B.

Degloorkar have been interviewed and their opinions on the

background of Beed were studied.

District Gazetteer: Beed district Gazetteer was published in 1971 and

the same has been recently recorded. The details available in this work

have been used here.

Historical research: S.B. Deo has written a book on temples in

Marathwada. Dr. G.B. Degloorkar has studied the temple architecture

in Marathwada. The works have benefitted the researcher.

Indian Archeology: The yearly publications by Archeological Survey

of India are significant document.

Epigraphic India: Indian Archeology as well as Epigraphic India is a

regular publication which includes the study of inscriptions. Here

recent manuscripts published earlier have also been used.

Books on Beed: Books on history of Beed have been published by

S.H.Salunke. These books have been used for the present research

work.

Articles in newspapers: Dr. V.L. Dharurkar has written an article on

city in special supplement of Marathwada daily.

Maharashtra annual: Maharashtra Annual number is published by

Santosh Dastane of Pune. There are regular entries about the historical

and geographical aspects. The review of these details has been

undertaken in this work. The annual number has also been published

by Tukaram Jadhav and its Unique Career Academy Pune. This has

also been used for this study.

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2.5. Summary:

Thus in this chapter a critical study of source material was conducted.

Both primary and secondary sources were discussed. The descriptive

research design was discussed properly and various sources were presented

neatly. The entire source material has been reviewed properly and new light

is thrown on various archeological and literary sources. In this chapter the

important steps in descriptive research design was also discussed and their

relevance in the present context was also discussed. The entire phenomenon

has been very well presented here. The important primary and secondary

sources were noted with special reference to the present research project.

The stags in archeological explorations and photographic documentation

were also noted. These facts have a greater relevance to this research work.

In this chapter an important sociological aspects of historical research

was neatly focused and the available source material was evaluated in this

context.

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CHAPTER III

HISTORICAL SKETCH

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Summary

24 |

CHAPTER III

HISTORICAL SKETCH

3.1. Introduction:

The history of Bhir district began from pre-historic period. Very

recently few explorations have been conducted and there is a continuous

history from early Stone Age to the end of Yadava period.

With the advent of the Aryans we get some light on the past history of

this region. It was then covered by a thick jungle, which extended from the

Central India to the Deccan and it was known as Dandakarniya.

On the basis of this fact it is clear that the region was known as

dankararniya. It was also referred as dakshinapath a paveway to Deccan.

There are many legendary stories. It has been noted that “Agastya was

the first Aryan who crossed the Vindhya and fixed his residence on the bank

of Godavari.

The reference to Agasthi and Prabhu Ramchandra‟s visit has appeared

in the Navagan Mahatmya a scripture of Navgan region.1

This memorable event is commemorated in the mythological story

which represents Vindhya as bending before his guru Agastya, when the

latter approached him.2 The sage asked the mountain to remain in that

condition until he returned from south, which he never did. Agasthi was

followed by several other sages who established the ir hermitages in

different regions of the south.

This shows that there were many Ashramas on the river Godavari.

These Ashramas were having a status of Gurukula. The other Rishis referred

in the mythological legends are Gautam Rrishi as well as Kapil Muni. At

Manrath, in the taluka Majalgaon and Kapildhar in Bhir taluka are evident of

the same.3 All these Rishis have enriched history of Bhir district. The cluster

25 |

of hermitages on the bank of the Godavari was called anasthana to

distinguish3

it from t he surrounding uninhabited forest country. The

sages were constantly harassed by the original inhabitants of the region who

are called Raksasas in the Ramayana.

Thus Bhir has a strong historical tradition of epic age.

These shapeless and ill-looking monsters testify to their

abominable c ha r a c t e r by various cruel a n d t e r r i f i c displays .

They implicate the hermits in impure practices a nd perform greatest

outrages. Changing their shapes and h id i n g i n t he t h i c k e t s adjoining

the hermitages, these frightful beings delight terrifying the devotees. They

cast away their sacrificial ladles and vessels; they pollute t he cooked

oblations, a n d u t t e r ly defile the offerings with blood. These faithless

creatures inject frightful sounds into the ears of the faithful a n d a us te re

hermits. At the time of the sacri f ice they snatch a w a y the jars, the

flowers and the fuel and the sacred grass of these sober-minded men."5

These epic stories are deeply rooted in public mind as mythus and legends.

These detaisl amply testify all these facts in a systematic manner. Saint

Aguasthi was a prominent figure who established the three Ashrams in the

surrounding of Bhir district.

In course of time a large kingdom was founded north of the

Godavari by Vidarbha, the son of Rsabhadeva.6 His capital was

Kundinapura in the Amravati district of the country which has since then

become known by his name. Agastya married his daughter Lopamudra.

Agastya is 'the Seer' of some hymns of the Rugveda. His wife, Lopamudra

is also mentioned in the Rgveda I.

Thus Agastya and his wife Lopamudra have contributed a great deal in

vedic literature. The country became well known in the age of Brahmanas

and the Upanisads in which it is frequently mentioned.7

26 |

Further it has been observed that the Ramayana in the Uttarakanda

states the story of king Danda in whose time Vidarbha was devastated by a

violent storm. Danda was a son of lksvaku and grandson of Manu. He

ruled over the country between the Vindhya and Saivala mountains from

his capital Madhumanta. He led a voluptuous life and, once upon a time

violated the daughter of the sage Bhargava. The sage then cursed the king

that his whole kingdom would be devastated by a terrible dust storm. The

whole country between the Vindhya and Saivala mountains extending over

a thousand yojanas was consequently turned into a great forest which since

then came to be known as Dandakaranya. It was in this forest that the

Sudra sage Sambuka was practising austerities. As this was an irreligious

act according to the notions of those days, Rama beheaded him and

revived the life of a Brahmana boy who had died prematurely. The place

where Sambuka was beheaded is still shown on the hill of Ramtek, about

27 miles from Nagpur'.8

The mythological stories of Ramayana are still prevailing in South

India on large scale. The central part of the Deccan was then divided into

several countries known by different names. Thus, the region to the north

of the Godavari now included in the Aurangabad district was known by the

name of Mulaka. This country together with its capital Pratisthana is

mentioned in Pali literature.9

Thus the area of Paithan was also an effeactive Buddhist center of

learning to the north of it laid the country of Rsika now called Khandes.10

Thus Bhir was also closer to Khandesh. To the cast of Rsika was

Vidarbha which has already been described. Along the southern bank of

the Godavari extended the country of Asmaka (Pali, Assaka), which

comprised the modern Ahmednagar and Bid districts. Later, this region

came to be included in the country of Kuntala, which extended far to the

south. It included what is now known as the Southern Maratha Country as

27 |

well as North Karnataka and the Simoga and Citaldurga districts of the old

Mysore State in an inscriptional passage.11

These referenes amply testify the reference of Bhir district. The upper

valley of the Krsna is said to be included in the Kuntala country. In the

Udayasundarikatha of Soddhala (11th

cen. A.D.) Pratisthana on the

Godavari is said to be the capital of the Kuntala country. In early times

Kuntala was probably included in the larger country called Maharastra.

The Aihole inscription (7th

cen. A.D.) speaks of three Maharastras

comprising 99,000 villages which probably comprised Vidarbha, Western

Maharagra and Kuntala. 12

The area of Bhir district was included in Kuntala region. In later times

Kuntala came to denote the predominantly Kanarese country now included

in the Mysore State. It is described as a seven-and-a-half-lakh province. The

Early Calukyas of Badami and the later Calukyas of Kalyani ruling over this

territory were known as Kuntalendras or lords of Kuntala. In earlier days,

however, the districts of Kolhapar, Satara, Solapar, Ahmadnagar and Bid,

which are now Marathl-speaking, were included in Kuntala. As we shall see

later, the early Rastrakutas, who were ruling over this territory was known as

Kuntalesvaras (rulers of Kuntala). 13

Thus the area of Bhir was included in Kuntala, an important republic

in South India. Coming to historical times, we find that all this territory was

included in the Empire of Asoka. No inscription of the great Emperor has yet

been found in this region as it has been discovered in Vidarbha. 14

Thus the areas of Bhir district were included under the empire of King

Ashoka in the Mauryan period. The influence of Buddhism was prominent in

the period. But his seventh and thirteenth rock edicts mention Rastrika-

Petenikas and Bhoja-Petenikas respectively. Many scholars rake Petenikas

mentioned in these edicts as refering to the residents of Pratisthana (modern

Paithan in the Aurangabad district). But D. R. Bhandarkar would prefer to

28 |

take the word to mean 'hereditary'. Be that as it may. Rastrikas were

undoubtedly the rulers of this region, who came to be known later as

Maharathis. Soon after the death of Ashoka, this region declared its

independence. A new dynasty which derived its name from its founder king

Satavahana rose to power with its capital at Pratisthana (modern Paithan). It

received support from the local rulers called Maharathis, with whom it

formed matrimonial alliances. This dynasty is called Andhra in the Purana. 15

Thus during the Satavahana period Bhir was a prominent post which

was prosperous and glorious region. The evidences speak a great deal about

Satavahana period. But it first rose to power in West ern Maharastra. This is

Indicative by its earliest inscriptions which are found in the caves at

Naneghat near Junnar and at Nasik. Its earliest coins issued by king

Satavahana have been found at Aurangabad and in Vidarbha. In later times it

extended its rule to Andhra as shown by its later inscriptions and coins found

in that region. The Puranas call it Andhra evidently because it was ruling in

that country when the Puranic account was compiled in the early centuries of

the Christian era. Though king Satavahana was the founder of this family, he

is not mentioned in the Puranas. The first king of the Andhra (i.e.

Satavahana) dynasty mentioned in the Puranas is Simuka (Srimukha). Who

is also known from a relievo statue of his in a Naneghat cave. We do not

know the extent of his kingdom, but it is surmised to have spread at least

from Junnar to Pratsthana (Paithan). When he ended his rule, his son

Satkarni was probably a minor and so his brother Krsna ascended the throne.

From; Sunmukha to Goutamiputra Satkarni more than 35 rulers ruled

Deccan for 350 years.16

He has left an inscription in a cave which he got excavated at Nasik

for the Buddhist Monks. 17

29 |

Thus the reference of these Budhust cave is significant here. The next

ruler of the dynasty was Satakarni I, who is also known from a relievo figure

now mutilated in a Naneghat cave. 18

He married Naganika, the daughter of the Maharathi Tranakayira, who

also was represented by a relievo statue in the same Nageghat cave,

Satakarni seems to have extended his rule over the whole of the Deccan and

even carried his arms north of the Narmada. King Kharavela of Kalinga who

was his contemporary is said to have sent an army to the west, not minding

Satakarni, who is probably this very ruler. When the army reached the river

Kanhabenna, it struck terror in the hearts of the people of Rsika. This river is

usually identified with the Krsna but the identification is not plausible, for

the Krsna flows not west but south-west of Kalinga (Orissa). It is more likely

to be the river Kanhan, which flows about 10 miles from Nagpur. Rsika is of

course, Khandes as already stated. There was no actual clash of arms on this

occasion, but two years later, Kharavela probably penetrated further west as

he claims to have received submission from a number of the Rathikas and

Bbojakas, who were probably Satavahana feudatories. Thus Bhir was a

influenctial region in the Satavahana period. Saakarni performed the

Rajasuya and Asvamedha sacrifices (the latter twice), which probably

commemorated his important victories or supremacy in the Deccan and, as

such, had political significance. He performed several other Srauta sacrifices

such as Agnyadheya, Aptoryama, Dasaratra, Trayodasaratra,

Anginirasatriratra, Satatiyatra and Gavamayana, all of; which were marked

by munificent gifts of horses, elephants, land and karsapanas. They are

recorded in a large but now sadly mutilated, inscription in a cave at

Naneghat. The Bid district was undoubtedly included in the dominion of

Satakarni E. Thus Bhir was part of Satavahana Empire. 19

Satakarni I left behind two sons, Vedisri and Saktisri who are

mentioned in the aforementioned Naneghat inscription. Vedisri, who

30 |

succeeded him, is described as a very brave prince whose army was always

victorious and who became the lord of Daksina-patha (Deccan'). 20

Thus the Satavahana period was glorious for Marathwada region in

geneal and Bhir in particular. He was succeeded by a number of rulers who

are named in the Puranic lists, but about whom they furnish little information

except their reign-periods which also vary in different Puranas and even in

the manuscripts of the same Puranas. But one name among them is

noteworthy. It is that of king Hala, the reputed author of the Gathasaptasali, a

unique collection of seven hundred Prakrt verses descriptive of the social,

religious and economic life of the period. Hala flourished in the first century

A.D. 21

In the Satavahana period there were more than 20 metro cities in the

region and Satavahana trade, commerce, amd art & architecture benefitted

Bhir district.

It has been rightly observed that some years after Hala‟s reign,

Maharastra was conquered by the Saka Ksatrapas. Nahapana, a Saka

Ksatrapa probably appointed by the contemporary Kusana Emperor, was

ruling over Konkan, Poona, Nasik and some other districts of Western

Maharastra as also some portions of Central India as far north as Ajmer. The

Bid district also was probably under his rule, though we have so far no

definite evidence of this. Vidarbha was under the rule of another Ksatrapa as

disclosed by a pillar inscription recently discovered in the Bhandarii

district.22

Thus the area of Bhir district was stable during the Satavahana period.

The Satavahanas were therefore obliged to leave Western Maharastra and

Vidarbha and repaired to the southern parts of their dominions, but soon

Gautamiputra Satakarni retrieved the fortunes of his family. He made a

daring dash into Vidarbha and occupied Benakata or the Wainganga district.

Thereafter, he invaded Western Maharastra and defeated Nahapana some

31 |

where in the Nasik district. This is shown by his inscription in one of the

Nasik caves wherein he is called Benakataka-swami or the lord of Benakata

(Wainganga district).23

Thus Satavahana inscriptions are testimony of their political and

cultural influence. It is true that he probably extended his rule to a large part

of the peninsula as his chargers are said to have drunk the waters of the three

oceans. The following provinces are specifically mentioned as comprised in

his dominion: Rsika (Khandes), Asmaka (Ahmadnagar and Bid distiicts),

Mulaka (Aurangabad district), Vidarbha, Akara and Avanti (Eastern and

Western Malva), Kukura (South-eastern Rajputana), Suratha (Kathiavad)

and Aparanta (Konkan). That his empire extended much further is shown by

the description that the mountains Setagiri (near Nagarjunikonda), Sristana

(Kurnul district) and Mahendra (between the Godavari and the Krsna) were

situated in his kingdom'. 24

After defeating Nahapana, Gautamiputra Satkarni called back the

silver coins of the Saka Ksatrapa Nahapana and restruck them. The

Jogalatembhi hoard contained more than 10.000 silver coins so counter-

struck. 25

Thus the success of Goutamiputra Satkarni was significant and it

turned the wheel of the time. It is rightly observed that He himself issued a

large number of potin coins with the figure of the Elephant on the obverse

and the Ujjain symbol on the reverse. In the hoard of potin coins found at

Tarhala in the Aokla district, out of 1,200 decipherable coins, as many as

573 were of Gautamiputra.'26

This Satkarni‟s period was ever raising Marathwada region. Further it

has been noted that Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by Vasistiputra

Pulumavi, who also ruled over an extensive kingdom, but seems to have lost

some northern provinces like Akaravanti to the Ksatrapas. He struck some

32 |

silver portrait coins which show that he had an aquiline nose and his features

indicated grim determination.27

Thus it is evident that these coins speak their glory. It has been

observed that he was succeeded by his brother Vasisthiputra Satakarni, who

married the daughter of the Saka Mahaksatrapa Rudradaman. Among his

successors the most noteworthy is Yajnasri Satakarni, whose inscriptions and

coins have been found over a large area. They show that he ruled over an

extensive kingdom stretching from Konkan in the west to Andhradesa in the

east. He issued among other types the ship-type potin coins indicative of his

rule over the maaritime province of the Coromandal coast.28

Thus it seems the Bhir district was under the influence of Satavahana

period. It has been noted that within about fifty years after Yajanasri

Satakarni, the rule of the Satavahanas came to an end in Circa A.D. 250.

Several small kingdoms arose in the extensive territory which was

previously under their rule. The Abniras rose to power in Western

Maharastra. An inscription of the Abhira king Isvarasena has been

discovered in a cave at Nisik. 29

Thus Satavahana period ended in this period. Bhir district was under

their influence. The Vakatakas established themselves firmly in Vidarbha. A

Saka family founded by Mana, which was previously subordinate to the

Satavahanas declared its independence and ruled in the southern parts of the

former Hyderabad State. 30

Thus Vakataka rule was powerful and part of Marathwada was also

under their influence. Pravarasena I, the second king in the Vakataka

dynasty, was a powerful and ambitious king. He performed one Rajasuva

and four Asvamedha sacrifices and extended his empire in all directions.

He may have conquered the northern part of Kuntala comprising Poona,

Ahmadnagar, Satara, Solapur, Bid and some other districts in the Deccan

though definite proof of this is lacking. He had four sons, who the Puranas

33 |

tell us all ruled over different kingdoms. Two of these are so far known - (1)

Gautamiputra, whose descendants ruled over north Vidarbha from their

capital Nandivardhana (Nandardhan near Nagpur) and (2) Sarvasena, who

ruled over south Vidarbha from Vatsagulma (modern Basim in the Akola

district). 31

Thus Vakataka period was effective and Bhir was also under the

period. Where the remaining two sons were ruling is not known. Perhaps,

one of them was ruling over north Kuntala including the Bid and other

districts. This branch has left us no records probably because it was soon

overthrown by the early Rastrakutas of Manapura to whose history we shall

now turn. 32

Thus the entire Bhir district was under the influence of Rasthtrakutas

which was a powerful dynasty. The history of this royal family has been

unfolded during the last few years. From three copper-plate grants which

have been discovered in Southern Maharastra we get the following

genealogy:-

Mananka

Devaraja

Mana alias Aridheya Bharisya

Vibhuraja Abhimanyu

Minanka, the progenitor of the family, flourished in Circa A.D. 400.

He founded Manapura, which he made his capital. He is described in one of

the grants as the ruler of the Kuntala country. As stated before, Kuntala was

the name of the upper Krsna valley in ancient times. The places mentioned in

one of the grants can be identified in the Satara district. These Early

Rastrakutas were, therefore, ruling over Kolhapur, Satara and Solapur

34 |

districts. Their capital Manapura is probably identical with Man, the

headquarters of the Man taluka of the Satara district.

These Rastrakutas sometimes came into conflict with the Vakatakas of

Vidarbha. The Pandarangapalli plates of Avidheya state that Mananka

defeated the rulers of Asmaka and Vidarbha. On the other hand an

inscription in Ajanra Cave XVI states that the Vakataka king Vindhyasena

(i.e. Vindhyasakti II) defeated the king of Kuntala, who was evidently of this

Early Rastrakuta family. 33

The Bhir district was under Rastrakuta rule. From certain passages in

the Kuntalesvaradautya, a Sanskrt work ascribed to Kalidasa, which have

been cited in the Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara, the Srngaraprakasa and the

Sarasvatikanthabharana of Bhoja and the Aucityavicaracarca of Ksemendra

we learn that the famous Gupta king Candragupta II-Vikramaditya sent

Kalidasa to the court of the lord of Kuntala. Kalidasa was not at first well

received there, but he gradually gained the Kuntalesa's favour ana stayed at

his court for some time. When he returned, he reported to Vikramaditya that

the lord of Kuntala was spending his time in enjoyment, throwing the

responsibility of governing the kingdom on him (i.e., Vikrama ditya). This

Kuntalesa was probably indentical with Devaraja, the son of Mananka.

Through the influence of Chandragupta II, the two royal families of the

South, viz., the Vakatakas and the early Rastrakutas were soon reconciled

with each other. Later, Harisena, the last known Vakataka king, raided

Kuntala and exacted a tribute from its king. It is noteworthy that in the story

of Visruta included ill the Dasakumaracarita, which seems to have had a

historical basis, the king of Kuntala appears as a feudatory of the Emperor of

Vidarbha. After the downfall of the Vakatakas, these early Rastrakutas

gained their independence. 34

The Rastrakuta peiod was effective for Bhir district. The Govind III‟s

Dharur coper plate has described donations of three villages Kanegaon,

35 |

Anegaon and Dhugaon to Bramhgaon who was running a Sanskrit School in

Balaji temple. 35

This is rich evidnce found in Bhir district. The Calukyas of

Badami rose to power in the first half of the sixth century A.D. The Badami

stone inscription of Pulakesin I, who is the first independent ruler of this

dynasty, is dated in A.D. 543. He made Vatapipuri (Badami) his capital and

performed the Asvamedha and several other Srauta sacrifices. He was

succeeded by his son Kirtivarman I. He made some conquests in South India

and is described as „the knight of destruction' to the Nalas (of the Baster

district) the Mauryas (of Konkan) and the Kadambas (of Vanavasi in North

Kanara).

When Kirtivarman I died, his son Pulakesin II was probably a minor.

So his younger brother Mangalesa succeeded him. He defeated Buddharaja,

the Kalacuri king, who was ruling in North. Maharastra, Konkan, Gujarat

and Malva, and also Svamiraja of the Calukya family, who was ruling over

the Revati-dvipa (modern Redi in Konkan) 36

Thus the area of Bhir district was under the Badami Chalukya‟s

influence. Champavati presses married to Bhir was known as

Champavatinagari. 37

Thus Bhir was a prominent part of Chalukya rule. The

city Dharmapuri was a temple city of Chalukya period. 38

Mangalesa‟s region ended in disaster and he lost his life in a civil war

with his nephew Pulakesin II. Just about that time the Calukya kingdom was

invaded from the north by one Govinda, who probably belonged to the

aforementioned Early Rastrakuta family. Pulakesin adopted conciliatory

measures in dealing with him as he was a powerful king. 39

Thus Chalukya period witnessed many changes and in this period Bhir

district was also ruled by Chalukya period. His descendants do not however,

seem to have held Southern Maharastra for a long time; for Pulakesin soon

annexed both the Southern and the Northern Maharastra and extended the

northern limit of his Empire to the bank of the Narnada. That he ousted the

36 |

Rastrakutas from Southern Maharastra is shown by the Satara plates of his

brother Visnuvardhana, which record the grant of a village on the southern

bank of the Bhima. 40

Thus Chalukya and Rastrakuta struggle was prominent in the

Maharashtra stae in those days. The Early Rastrakutas of Manapupa thus

disappear from history in the first quarter of the seventh century A.D. The

Asmaka country including the district of Bid was also annexed to the Empire

of Pulakesin II. Pulakesin II obtained a resounding victory over Harsa, the

lord paramount of North India. Thereafter he assumed the title Paramesvara

(Emperor). He defeated the rulers of several countries such as North Konkan,

Kosala (Chattisgad), Kalinga (Orissa), Pistapura (Pithapuram) and Kanci

(Canjeeverum). He made the Colas, the Keralas and the Pandyas his allies.

He became thus the undisputed lord of South India. 41

Pulkeshi‟s efforts were responsible for leading a strong empire and

Bhir was one of the districts of the Rashtrakuta period. During his rein the

Chinese pilgrim. Hiuen Tsang visited Maharastra. He has left us the

following graphic picture of the country and its people: “The soil is rich and

fertile. The climate is hot; the disposition of the people is honest and simple;

they are tall of stature and of a stern vindictive character. To their

benefactors they are grateful; to their enemies, relentless. If they are insulted,

they will risk their lives to avenge themselves. If they are asked to help one

in distress, they will forget themselves in their haste to render assistance. If

they are going to seek revenge, they first give their enemy a warning; then,

each being armed; they attack each other with spears. If a general loses a

battle, they do not inflict punishment, but present him with women's clothes,

and so he is driven to seek death for himself. Each time they are about to

engage in conflict, they intoxicate themselves with wine, and then one man

with a lance in hand will meet ten thousand and challenge them to fight.

Moreover, they inebriate many hundred heads of elephants, which rushing

37 |

forward in mass; trample everything down, so that no enemy can stand

before them. The king, in consequence of .possessing these men and

elephants, treats his neighbours with contempt. He is of the Ksatriya caste

and his name is Pulakesi." 42

Pulkeshi had established matrimonial relations with Bhir. Pulakefln

was killed in battle at Badami in Circa A.D. 642 by the Pallava king

Narasimhavarman, who conquered Vatapi (Badami) and assumed the title of

Vatapikonda. During the reign of Vikramaditya II, a descendant of Pulakesin

II, Gujarat was invaded by a formidable force of the Tajikas (Arabs). The

Navasari plates of Avanijanasraya Pulakesin, a prince of the Gujarat Calukya

family, give a graphic description of this battle. The Arabs had already

defeated the Saindhavas, the Kacchellas, the Cavotakas the Surastras, the

Mauryas and the Gurjaras and were attempting to penetrate into the

Daksinapatha, but Avanijansraya (Pulakesin) inflicted a crushing defeat on

the invaders. The Calukya Emperor then honoured Avanijanasraya with

several titles, one of which was Anivartaka-nivartayitr (the repellar of the

unrepellable). 43

Thus Chalukya‟s influence was on entire Deccan and Bhir was also

part of the empire. Kirtivarman II, the last of these Early Calukyas, was

defeated by the Rastrakuta prince Dantidurga some time before A.D. 754,

when he issued his Samangad plates. Kirtivarman continued to rule for a few

years more but he had lost the paramount position in the Deccan. Dantidurga

was the real founder of the Rastrakuta Imperial power. His Ellora Cave

inscription mentions five ancestors beginning with Dantivarman, but we

know nothing about their exploits. The family probably belonged to the

Aurangabad district where its earliest records have been found. The earlier

members of the family were probably feudatories of the Early Calukyas of

Badami. Dantivarman made extensive conquests. The Ellora cave inscription

records his victories over the rulers of Kanci, Kosala, Kalinga, Srisaila,

38 |

Malava, Tanka and Lata, but these do not all seem to have resulted in the

acquisition of new territory. His war elephants are said to have rent asunder

the banks of the Mahanadi, the Mahi and the Reva. Though there is much

exaggeration in the description of his conquests. There is no doubt that he

conquered Karnataka, Maharastra, Vidarbha and Gujarat. His capital was

Mayurakhandi which has not yet been definitely identified. Dantidurga was

succeeded. By his uncle Krsna I, who completed the former's conquests and

shattered completely the power of the Early Calukyas. He was not only a

great conqueror but also a great builder. He got the great Siva temple at

Ellora originally called Krsnesvara but now known as Kailasa cut out of

solid rock. It is one of the noblest monuments of India. A contemporary

inscription tells us that the great architect who excavated it was himself

surprised to see it and despaired of repeating the feat. 44

Thus in the Chalukya period Bhir enjoued important position. The

Rastrakuta family produced several great conquerors, which boldly invaded

north and south India and achieved memorable victories. Dhruva (A.D. 780-

793) was the first among them. He defeated both the Gurjara-Pratihara king

Vatsaraja and the Pala king Dharmapala who were contending for supremacy

in North India and pressed as far as the Doab. Since then the two sacred

rivers Ganga and Yamuna began to appear on the Rastrakuta banner.

Govinda Ill, the son and successor of Dhruva, proved to be a still greater

conqueror. After obtaining an easy victory over the Ganga king Muttarasa

ruling in Gangavadi, he led victorious campaigns in Central and Northern

India. He first defeated the Gurjara-Pratihara prince Nagabhata and his ally

Candragupta in Central India and then routed Dharmapala of Bengal, who

had espoused the cause of Cakrayudha of Kanauj. He marched victoriously

to the north until his horses drank and his elephants plunged themselves into

the spring waters of the Himalayas. He then returned to the Narmada and

marching along the bank of the river, he conquered the Malava, Kosala,

39 |

Kalinga, Vanga, Dahala and Odra countries. He then spent the rainy season

at Sribhavana (modern Sarbhon in Gujarat) and afterwards marched with his

forces to the bank of the Tungabhadra. Using Alampura (or Helapura) on the

bank of the river as his base, he led his campaigns against the Keralas, Colas,

Pandyas and Pallavas. Even the king of Lanka submitted to him, sending

statues one of himself and the other of his minister to his camp at Helapura.45

A copper-plate grant of Govinda III was found at Dharur in the Bid

district. It is dated in the Saka year 728 (AD. 806) and records the donation

of the village Anahe situated in the visaya (district) of Dharaura and bounded

by the villages of Aivaccha, Dhani, Vauji and Ananta. The villages can be

identified in Bid district. Dharaura is evidently Dharur and Anahe is

Aneganv about 14 miles south-cast of Dharur. Aivaccha, Dhani-grama,

Vauji-grama and Ananta-grama are respectively identical with Avasganv,

Dhaneganv Bavaci Kaij and Anandganv. Several other grants of Govinda III

have been found in Vidarbha.

Govinda III was succeeded by his son Sarva-Amoghavarsa I, who was

a man of peaceful disposition, but whose reign was full of troubles. He

shifted his capital to Manyakheta. He had to fight with the Eastern Calukyas

of Vengi, the Gangas of Gangavadi and his own relatives in Gujarat. He

loved and encouraged Science and literature, and treated all religions with

equal reverence. He voluntarily retired from public administration to engage

himself in religious pursuits. On one occasion he offered a finger of his hand

to the Goddess Mahalaksmi of Kolhapur to ward off a public calamity. Such

instances are rare in the history of any country. 46

Amoghavarsa was father of Jain religion and he was able to carve out

Ellora Jain caves. Another noteworthy king in the Rastrakuta family was

Indra III, the great-grandson of Amoghavarsa I. Like his illustrious ancestors

Dhruva and Govinda III, Indra also led victorious campaigns in North India.

He followed the route of Bhopal, Jhansi and Kalpi in the course of his

40 |

invasion of Kanauj, the Imperial capital of India for more than three hundred

years. At Kalpi his army was encamped in the court-yard of the temple of the

Sun-god Kalapriyanatha, well-known to Sanskrtists as the place where all

the plays of the Sanskrt dramatist Bhavabhuti were staged. His horses

crossed the Yamuna at Kalpi and then marched on Kanauj which he

completely devastated. The Gurjara-Pratihara king Mahipala fled to Mahoba

to seek the help of his Candella feudatory Harsa Indra III's northern

campaign was a memorable event unparalleled for its brilliance in the history

of the Rastrakutas. Recently a grant of Indra III, made on the occasion of his

coronation, has been found at Jambaganv in the Gangapur taluka of the

Aurangabad district. It is dated in the Saka year 836 (A.D. 915) and records

the donation of the village Khairondi near Pratisthana. It is identical with the

village Khirai near Paithan. The boundary villages Nandauraka and Pippala

can be identified in its vicinity. They are respectively identical with Agar

Nandur, and Pippalvadi. Indra III was succeeded by his son Amoghavarsa II,

but he died within a year and was followed by his younger brother Govinda

IV. The latter was known for his liberality and rightly had the biruda

Suvarnvarsa (the gold-rainer). On the occasion of his coronation he donated

six hundred agrahara villages and three lakhs of gold coins to Brahmanas

and eight villages, four lakhs of gold coins and thirty-two lakhs of silver

coins (drammas) to temples. Recently, another copper-plate grant of his,

dated in the Saka year 851 (AD. 929), has been discovered at the village

Andura in the Akola district of Vidarbha. It records the donation of the

village Elauri (modem Erali near the Nandur station on the Central Railway).

Most of the boundary villages can be identified in its vicinity. The

Rastrakutas of Manyakheta and the Kalacuris of Tripuri were matrimonially

connected and their relations were generally cordial. But in the reign of

Govinda IV they became strained. The Kalacuri king Yuvarajadeva I

41 |

espoused the cause of his son-in-law Baddiga-Amoghavarsa III, the uncle of

Govinda IV, and sent a large army to invade the Rastrakuta dominion.47

When it reached the Payosni (modern Purna), a pitched battle was

fought near Acalapura between the Kalacuri and Rastrakuta forces in which

the former became victorious. This event is commemorated in the. Sanskrt

play Viddhasalabhanjika of Rajasekhara, which was staged at Tripuri in

jubilation at this victory.48

Thus Rastrakuta period was effective in Western India. Bhir and

Dharur were parts of the Rastrakuta Empire in the Deccan in general and

Maharashtra in particular. The Rastrakuta feudatories who rose in rebellion

against Govinda IV deposed him and placed his uncle Baddiga-

Amoghavarsa III on the throne. He was a man of quiet nature and spiritual

temperament, who left the administration entirely to his ambitious and able

son Krsna IIL. Like some of his illustrious ancestors Krsna even as yuvaraja

led an expedition in North India and captured the forts of Kalanjara and

Citrakuta. He succeeded his father in A.D. 939. He then led an expedition

against the Colas and defeated them in a sanguinary battle at Takkolam in

the North Arcot district. He next led his victorious arms to Ramesvaram,

where he built two temples. Hearing of his resounding victories, the kings of

Kerala, Pandya and Ceylon submitted to him. He also placed his own

nominee on the throne of Vengi. He became thus the lord paramount of the

whole of South India. 49

The Rastrakuta were powerful in the entire Deccan and South India.

The Rastrakeita power became weak after the death of Krsna III. Within

eight years his large empire crumbled like a house of cards. Taila II, the

founder of the Later Calukya dynasty, who was a Mahasamanta of the

Rastrakutas, suddenly came into prominence. He defeated and killed in

battle Karka II, the last Rastrakuta king, and captured his capital

Manyakheta. He had to fight against the Colas, the Pandyas and the

42 |

Paramaras. The Paramara king Vakpati-Munja planned to invade the

Calukya dominion, but his wise minister Rudraditya advised him not to cross

the Godavari which was the boundary between the Calukya and Paramara

dominions. Munja did not heed his advice and was taken captive by Tailapa.

He was placed in a prison and was waited upon by Tailapa's sister

Marnalavati. He fell in love with her and foolishly disclosed to her the plan

of his escape. She communicated it to Tailapa, who is said to have made

him beg from door to door and then beheaded him. 50

Thus in the Rastrakuta period art, culture and literature also flourished

a great deal. Among the successors of Tailapa I, the most famous is

Vikramaditya VI, the founder of the Calukya-Vikrama Samvat. He ascended

the throne in A.D. 1076. He had to fight against the Colas, the Calukyas of

Gujarat and the Hoysalas and signally defeated them. He also led an

expedition against Vengi. Two inscription of his reign have been found in

Vidarbha. One of them called the Sitabaldi pillar inscription seems to have

originally belonged to the Vindhyasana hill at Bhandak in the Canda district.

It is dated in the Saka year 1008 (A.D. 1087) and registers the grant of some

nivartanas of land for the grazing of cattle, made by a dependant of a

feudatory called Dhadibhandaka. The other inscription was discovered at

Dongarganv in the Yavatmal district. It sheds interesting light on the history

of the Paramara dynasty. It shows that Jagaddeva, the youngest son of the

Paramara king Udayaditya, the brother of Bhoja, left Malva and sought

service with Vikrarmaditya VI, who welcomed him and placed him in charge

of some portion of Western Vidarbha. This inscription is dated in the Saka

year 1034 (A.D. 1112). Another inscription of this Paramara prince

Jagaddeva has come to notice at Jainad in the Adilabad district of Andhra

Pradesa. It records several victories of Jagaddeva in Andhra and

Dorasamudra and near the Arbuda Mountain and registers the construction

of a temple of Nimbaditya by his minister Lolarka. 51

43 |

These epigraphic evidences speak about glory of the period.

Vikramaditya's reign is renowned on account of some learned men who

flourished at his court. Bilhana, who was patronised by him, wrote the

Vikramankadevacarita, which is his poetical biography. Another famous

author who flourished at his court was Vijnanesvara, the author of the well-

known commentary Mitaksara on the Yajnavalkyasmrti. The decline of the

Calukya power commenced soon after the reign of Vikramaditya VI. Tailapa

III, the last Calukya king, was overthrown by the Kalacuri Bijjala, who was

his Commander-in-Chief, in A.D. 1157. The Kalacuri usurpation lasted for

about two decades. Bijjala's reign is noted for the rise of the Lingayat Sect.

In the last quarter of the twelfth century A.D. the Yadavas of Devagiri came

into prominence. They had been ruling over Seunadesa (Khandes) in an

earlier period as feudatories of the Later Calukyas, but Bhillama, the son of

Mallugi, declared his independence and soon made himself master of the

whole territory north of the Krsna. He then founded the city of Devagiri,

which he made his capital. His son Jaitrapala killed Rudradeva of the

Kakatiya dynasty on the field of battle and released his nephew Ganapati

whom he had put into prison. Under Jaitrapala‟s son Singhana, the power of

the family greatly increased. We get considerable information about him

from the four stone inscriptions of his general Kholesvara, found at

Ambejogai in the Bid district. Kholesvara was a native of Vidarbha, but was

residing at Ambe where he has left his inscriptions. Some more details are

furnished by a later copper-plate grant of Ramacandra found at

Purusottampuri in the Bid district. 52

Thus all these records are significant to throw light on history of Bhir.

Singhana achieved several victories. He defeated the Hoysala king Vira-

Ballala, the Kakatiya king Galiapati and Laksmideva, the lord of

Bhambhagiri, modern Bhamer in the Pimpalner of the Dhulia district. He

confined Bhoja II or the Silahara family on the hill of Pranala, i.e., Panhala;

44 |

a strong fort about 12 miles to the north-west of Kolhapur. Most of these

victories were won by his Brahman general Kholesvara. The latter

vanquished also Arjunavarmadeva, king of Malva, and even pressed as far

north as Varanasi, where he put Ramapala to flight. Kholesvara constructed

several temples in Vidarbha and also established agraharas on the banks of

the Payosni (modern Purna) and the Varada (modern Wardha). The former

agrahara still exists under the name of the village Kholapur in the Amravati

district. 53

Kholesvara belonged to Ambajogai and he had established this

glorious temple. 54

Singhana was succeeded by his grandson Krsna, who obtained

victories over the kings of Gurjara, Malava, Cola and Kosala. The Gurjara

king was Visaladeva and the Malava ruler was Jaitugideva. The

contemporary Cola king was Rajendra III (1246-79). The Kosala king was

evidently the contenfporary ruler of Ratanpur in Chattisgadh, who was

probably the successor of Jajalladeva defeated by Singhana but no records of

his reign have yet been recovered. An inscription of the reign of Krsna has

been found in the temple of Khandesvara on a hillock on the outskirts of the

village Nandganv in the Amravati district. It is dated in the Sata year 1177

(A.D. 1254-55) and records the donations of some gadyyanakas for the

offerings of flowers in the temple of Khandesvara. Krsna was succeeded by

his brother Mahadeva. From the recently discovered Kaleganv plates we

know the exact date of his coronation as 29th August A.D. 1261. The most

notable event of his reign is the annexation of North Konkan after defeating

Somesvara of the Silahara dynasty. He left the throne to his son Amana, but

the latter was soon deposed by Krsna's son Ramacandra, who captured the

impregnable fort of Devagiri by means of a coup d‟etat. He won several

victories mentioned in the Purusottampuri plates dated in the Saka year 1232

(A.D. 1310). He is said to have defeated with ease the ruler of Dahala (i.e.,

45 |

the Cedi country with the capital Tripuri), subjugated the ruler of

Bhandagara (modern Bhandara in Vidarbha), and dethroned the king of

Vijrakara (modern Vairagadh). He is further credited with a victory over the

Muhammedans, whom he drove out from Varanasi where he built a golden

temple dedicated to Sarangapani. His minister Purusottama received from

him the grant of four villages, which he formed into an agrahara and donated

to several Brahmanas on the holy clay of Kapilasasthi in the Saka year 1232

(A.D. 1310). The agrahara was named Purushottamapuri after the donor. It

is still extant under its original name on the southern bank of the Godavari,

about 40 miles due west from Parbhani. The village together with their

boundaries can still be identified in the vicinity of Purushottampuri. 55

Thus many cities in Bhir district became prominent in the period. A

fragmentary inscription of the time of Ramacandra is built into the front wall

of the temple of Laksmana on the hill of Ramtek. In the first half it gives the

genealogy of Ramacandra and in the second half it describes the temples,

wells and tirthas on and in the vicinity of the hill, which it names as

Ramagiri. The object of the inscription seems to have been to record the

repairs clone to the temple of Laksmana by Raghava, a minister of

Ramacandra.

In A.D. 1294 Ala-ud-din Khilji invaded the kingdom of Ramcandra

and suddenly appeared before the gates of Devagiri. Ramacandra was taken

unawares and could not hold out for long. He had to pay a large ransom to

the Muslim conqueror. He continued, however, to rule till A.D. 1310 at least;

for the aforementioned Purusottamapuri plates are, dated till that year. He

was succeeded by his son Sankaradeva sometime in A.D. 1311. He

discontinued sending the stipulated tribute to Delhi. He was then defeated

and slain by Malik Kafur. Some time thereafter Harapaladeya, the son-in-law

of Ramacandra, raised an insurrection and drove away the Muhammedans,

46 |

but his success was short-lived. The Hindu kingdom of Devagiri thus came

to an end in A.D. 1318. 56

Thus all these inscriptions speak about glory of Yadava period. Like

their illustrious predecessors, the Yadavas also extended liberal patronage to

art and literature. During their rule a peculiar style of architecture called

Hemadpanti after Hemadri or Hemadpant, a minister of Mahadeva and

Ramacandra, came into vogue. Temples built in this style are found in all

districts of Maharastra. Several learned scholars flourished at the Yadava

Court. Of them Hemadri was the foremost. During the reign of Mahadeva he

held the post of Srikaranadhipa or Head of the Secretariat. He was appointed

Minister and Head of the Elephant force by Ramacandra. He was as brave as

he was learned and liberal. He conquered and annexed to the Yadava

kingdom the eastern part of Vidarbha called Jhadi-mandala. Hemadri is well

known as the author.of the Caturvargacintamani comprising five parts, viz.,

(I) Vratakhanda (2) Danakhanda, (3) Tirthakhanda (4) Moksakhanda and (5)

Paarisesakhanda. Of these the third and fourth khandas have not yet come to

light. Hemadri's work is held in great esteem and has been drawn upon by

later writers on Dharmasastra. Hemadri wrote on other subjects as well. He

is the author of a commentary on Saunaka's Pranavakalpa and also of a

Sraddhakalpa, in which he follows Katyayana. His Ayurvedarasayana, a

commentary on Vagbhata's Astangahrdaya, and Kaivalyadipika, a gloss on

Bopadeva's Muktaphala are also well known. 57

Thus Yadavas of Deogiri were prosperous and Hemadri had

established Hemadpanthi sytle of temples architecture. Hemadri extended

liberal patronage to learned men. Among his proteges the most famous was

Bopadeva. He was a native of Vedapada (modern Bedod) on the bank of the

Wardha in the Adilabad district of the former Hyderabad State. Bopadeva is

said to have written ten works on Sanskrt grammar, nine on medicine, one

for the determination of tithis, three on poetics and an equal number for the

47 |

elucidation of the Bhagavata doctrine. Only eight of these are now extant.

The Mugdhabodha, his work on Sanskrt grammar, is very popular in Bengal.

Marathi literature also flourished in the age of the Yadavas. Cakradhara, who

propagated the Mahanubhava cult in that age, used Marathi as the medium of

his religious teachings. Following his example, several of his followers

composed literary works in Marathi. They are counted among the first works

of Marathi literature. Mukundaraja, the author of the Vedantic works

Vivekasindhu and Paramamrta, and Jnanesvara, the celebrated author of the

Bhavarthadipika a commentary on the Bhagavadgita, are the most illustrious

writers of the age. 58

Thus it is interesting to note that Marathi literature founded in the

Yadava period. Bhir distict also was very prominent. Many saints and poets

were in this period. Mukundraj held western Vidarbha during this period was

also a writer in this period. M.G.P. has given a graphic account of the growth

of education, literature and prosperity during the period.

Review of historical development:

Thus from pre historical times to 12th

Century A.D., Bhir district has a

continuous history.

In the early historical period Satavahana dynasty flourished

After Satavahana Vakataka and Chalukyas established their rule in

Bhir district

Rarastsrakuta and Yadava‟s had their powerful contribution with Bhir.

During Chalukya, Rastrakuta and Yadava period temples were

constructed and Satavahana were also carved.

3.2. Summary:

Thus it is clear that; from early historical period to 12th

century the rise

of Bhir district had constant and continuous history and during this period

art, architecture and literature flourished effectively. All these facts can be

clearly illustrated in this work. The study of inscriptions revealed and

48 |

architecrure clearly shows that Bhir was came up as powerful center in the

history of Deccan. Thus the entire historical sketch clearly shows that the

Bhir district had a continuous historial evolution. The art was glorious and

rich in Bhir district as well as literature which are evident on the basis of

aarchological and historical sources.

References:

1. Navagana Mahatmya p-21

2. Bhir District Gazeteer p-31

3. Patagakar Vidyasagar “History of saints and prophets”, pp-4-5

4. Bhir District Gazeteer, p-31

5. Ibid., p-31

6. Rugveda, 179.4.

7. Bhir District Gazetteer, p-32

8. Ibid p-32, E.I.Vol. XXV, p-7

9. C.F.Suhanipatta, Paryanavaggo L. Vathugatha, V, p-2

10. Ctt Vol V. pp-12-13

11. Mirashi V.V. “Studies in the Indology” Vol. I, p-9

12. E.I. Vol. VI, pp-1 f

13. Bhir District Gazetter p-33

14. Munshi S.I. Vol.I pp-109 f

15. D.K.A, p-38

16. Ibid., p-38

17. E.I. Vol. VIII, pp-93

18. Mirashi S.I. Vol. III, p-46

19. Bhir District Gazetteer p-34

20. Munshi S.I. Vol. I, p-123

21. India Vol. I, p-76

22. Bhir Dist Gazetteer p-35

23. EPI, Vol. VIII., p-71

49 |

24. Bhir District Gazetteer, p-35

25. E.I.Vol. VIII, p-60

26. Mirashi S.I. Vol. III,, p37

27. JNSI Voll. 14 p-1 f

28. Bhir District Gazetteer p-36

29. Ibid., p-36

30. Mirashi S.I. Vol. III, p-56

31. Mirashi CCI Vol. V, p-20

32. Bhir District Gazetteer p-36

33. Ibid., p-37

34. Ibid., p-37

35. Marathwada University Journal, 1964, article by M.S.Gore

36. MVK Vol. p-647

37. Ibid.

38. Mirashi S.I. Vol. I, p-188,

39. Ind Ant. Vol. XIX, pp-303 f

40. EP Ind. Vol. VI, pp-1 f

41. S. Beal, Buddhist Records of the Western World, vol. IV, pp-448

42. Mirashi CII Vol. IV, p-ixiv

43. Ibid., p-40

44. Mirashi S.I. Vol. II, p-211

45. Ibid., p-41

46. Ep. Ind. vol. XVIII pp-248

47. Bhir District Gazetteer, p-42

48. Ibid., p-42

49. Ibid., p-42

50. EP India Vol. III, p-304 f, Ind V.No. XXII p-54

51. Ep.Ind. Vol. XXV pp-199

52. Bhir Dist. Gazetteer p-44

50 |

53. LilacharitraV.B.Kale, 1971,

54. Bhir Dist Gazetter, p-

55. Ep India Vol. No. XXV, p-199

56. Beed District Gazetteer

57. Ibid.,

58. Bhir District Gazetteer

51 |

CHAPTER IV

ARCHEOLOGICIAL PROFILE OF BHIR DISTRICT- PRE HISTORY

AND PRO HISTORY

4.1. Introduction 4.2. Surveyed sites 4.3. Inferences drawn 4.4. Excavations 4.5. Summary

52 |

CHAPTER IV

ARCHEOLOGICIAL PROFILE OF BHIR DISTRICT

- PRE HISTORY AND PRO HISTORY

4.1. Introduction:

Archeology deals about ancient past and it also explains various

dimensions based on explorations and excavations. All these aspects can be

very well studied here.

The reports based on Indian archeology a review have been used here

on right links. The following information is available here:

In the year 1865, Vayae, French geologist discovered Stone Age

remains at village Mungi, Taluka Paithan Dist. Aurangabad. This is the

oldest evidence of stone-age remains in the Marathwada region. Later on

Dr.P.N. Kamble has also discussed some important remains in the Bhir

district. They belonged to late stone-age as well as Chalukya period which

can be noted here.

History of Bhir began from early and late stone-age tools. It has been

rightly stated that “Not much work from the point of view of archeology and

history has been done in this district. Few attempts of the schools have

brought to light stone tools of lower Palaeolithic and middle Palaeolithic

period, but these are the stray find only to suggest the very existence of

Palaeolithic man in this region.1

The study of all these remains is very important. Dr. P.N. Kamble has

surveyed some useful sites.

4.2. Surveyed Sites:

Chalcolithic site Danvanta, Dist: Bhir.

P.N. Kamble and K.P.S. Bhadoria of the South Western circle of the

survey discovered a chalcolithic site in Gevrai taluka on the left bank of the

53 |

River Sindphana and collected Sherdas of painted pottery, handmade grey,

black and red and thin red slipped wares and pieces of shell bangles and ear

pendants.2 These Chalcolithic remains testify good deal of evidences which

is very significant in this connection.

Chalcolithic and early historical site, Hingangaon, Dist: Bhir:

P.N. Kamble and K.P.S. Bhadoria of the South Western Circle of the

Survey located a Chalcolithic site at Hingangaon on the right bank of the

river Sindphana. Mierolithics such as flakes, cores and blades made of chert,

handmade grey wares; black and red ware, red shipped ware and stamped

sherds of an early historical period and Mogul Maratha pottery and kiln

brunt bricks were also collected from the site. 3

Thus all these evidences

provide us useful details about the early historical traditions. The ancient

Bhir had thus early and late Stone Age remains.

4.3. Inferences Drawn:

On the basis of the above remains it is clear that Bhir was habited right

from stone-age. In the Balaghat arranges good deal of early and late stone-

age tools were found and they speak about the archeological past. In the

Godavari valley of Bhir district there is a need to conduct more scientific and

systematic explorations for knowing about these remains.

4.4. Excavations:

There are no excavations conducted in Bhir district and hence much

cannot be expressed here about archeological past of early period.

In the Chalcolithic period pottery of Jorwe culture is found and it has a

continuous tradition of the past revealed here.

Potsherds: District Bhir:

P.N. Kamble and K. P.S. Bhadoria of the South Western Circle of the

Survey collected Chalcolithic potsherds from Mankapuri, bout half a km.

away from left bank of the River Sindphana. 4

54 |

These remains help a great deal to reconstruct the Chalcolithic history

neatly. About pre historic and pro historic period some important

observations can be made here. It has been observed that “In the pre historic

and pro historic period people had to struggle for existence.”

In the late stone-age many human settlements were noticed on the

bank of river Bindusara.5 In comparison to early stone-age human

settlements were thick in late stoneage.6 About the Chalcolithic age it has

been noted that the socio economic development was rapid in the period.7

Further the chalcolithic rule in the Bhir district was also remarkable. Prof.

V.L. Dharurkar has jotted down the details about the cultural sequence to in

the history of beed and its surroundings valley.8

In the chalcolithic culture pots and pottery were well developed on

Bindusara River. 9

The Pre-historical Period:

In the early historical period the Satavahana period was also rich. The

remains of pottery formed a good deal in the Satavahana period.10

In the

early historic period of Satavahana bricks were prepared and they were well

packed.

List of Villages in Bhir district:

Year Type Late stone age Pro history

1865 Chalcolithic Danvanta, Bhir

1865 Chalcolithic Hingangaon, Bhir

1865 Postsherds Mankapuri, Bhir

4.5. Summary:

Thus on the basis of the above table it is clear that the pre history and

pro history of stoneage period is not explained thoroughly. Very recently

village to village survey scheme has been launched and very few sites have

been identified.

55 |

However, it can be stated that there is lot of scope for the study of pre

history and pro history in the Bhir district.

References:

1. P.N. Kamble, “Indian Aarcheology – A Review, 1984, p-150

2. Ibid.,

3. I.A. A Review 1984, p-150

4. IAR Ind. p-151

5. IA: A Review 1984-85, p-151

6. Kandhare Vishwas, “Bhir a Cultural Study”, p-45

7. Ibid., p-45

8. Ibid., p-45

9. Dharurkar V.L. “Chalcolithic Culture in Indus Valley” p-98

10. Kandhare Vishwas, op cit., p-45

56 |

CHAPTER V

ARCHEOLOGY OF HISTORICAL SITES

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Historical dynamics

5.3. Cave temples

5.4. Review of historical analysis

5.5. Summary

57 |

CHAPTER V

ARCHEOLOGY OF HISTORICAL SITES

5.1. Introduction:

In this chapter a detailed report of important archeological sites in the

Bhir district has been provided. The study is related to historical period

beginning from Satavahana and ending up to Yadava period. About

archeology of historical age Dr. S.B. Deo has noted that archeology of early

historical period is full of many challenges.1 In the Satavahana period sites

such as Paithan, Bhokardhan and Ter have been excavated which have

thrown light on early historical period. 2

Very recently excavation at Ter has

also been conducted by Solapur University. The report of the same has been

published in newspapers.3 This has revealed that Satavahana potteries,

terracotta and bids have also been found at Ter. The area of Bhir district was

also under the rule of Satavahana. In Sandarbha Maharashtra it has been

noted that “Satavahanas are said to have come to rule in the latter half of the

3rd

century B>C.” 4

Further he has observed that “Their rule extended rapidly

over the Dakshinpath area south to Narmada and Bhir district was under

their sway, Satavahanas ruled for almost 600 years. Paithan was their capital

in the later period probably after 150 AD or so.”5 Further the ivory figures

found at Ter and Bhokardhan is compared to pompy figures. In Ellora P.N.

Kamble has discovered some Satavahana bricks before Kailas temple.6 In

this chapter some historical remains of Satavahana, Vatataka, Chalukya,

Rastrakuta and Yadava period have been presented.

5.2. Historical Dynamics:

After Satavahana period Bhir was ruled by Vakataka dynasty. It has

been pointed that “In and around first quarter of 4th

century AD, Vakatavas

came to power. In between end of Satavahanas and emergence of Vakatakas,

58 |

Ahhirs were ruling over north-west part of Maharashtra and southern part of

Gujarat but their rule never extended beyond present Nasik district and who

was the master of the region of the Bhir district is not known today.7 It has

been further observed that “Pravarasena I, the second king in the Vakataka

dynasty, was a powerful and ambitious king. He performed one Rajasuya

and four Asvamedha sacrifies and extended his empire in all directions. He

may have conquered the northern part of Kuntala comprising Poona,

Ahmednagar, Satara, Solapur, Bhir and some other districts in the Deccan

though definite proof of his is lacking.” 8

This Bhir was part of Kunthala

region in Vakataka period and it also assumed the benefits of Gupta

Vakataka period in the golden age. About the other dynasty that ruled Bhir

was Chalukya‟s Badami. It has been noted that “Chalukyas of Badami were

extending their power towards north. They entered into western Maharashtra

but we do not have any direct proof of having their sway of Bhir region.”9

However, scholars like Dr. Deo and Degloorkar do not ascribed this opinion.

Many scholars have noted that Dharmapuri was another temple city in the

Bhir district of the Chalukya period.10

The remains of Kedareshwar temple in

Dharmapuri speak of this glory.

The other dynasty that ruled over Bhir. It has been rightly observed

that “Dantidurga was the real founder of the Rastrakuta imperial power. His

Ellora cave inscription mentions five ancestors beginning with Dantivrman,

but we know nothing about their exploits.”11

Dantidurga belonged to

Luktalul or Latur to-day. Hence we can imagine that Bhir being on the way

of Latur to Aurangabad might have been under control of Rastrakutas. The

Dharur copper plate of Govinda II also is a testimony of Rashtrakuta‟s

influence over Bhir.12

Dr. Gore first Librarian of Marathwada University has

published Dharur plates in 1962 issue of Marathwada University Journal.

After Rashtrakutas rather the indications are to pointers towards the rule of

Rastrakutas and because of their powerful existence Dantidurga of

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Rashtrakuta family could bring to an end the rule of Chalukyas in the first

quarter of 18th

Century A.D. and established imperial power of Rashtrakutas

first in central Maharashtra and few years later over Deccan.”13

Rashtrakutas remained powerful till mid of 10th

century with Taila II of later

Chalukyas of Kalyani (presently Bidar district) became the master of the

Deccan.” 14

Bhir was also under their influence for two centuries. It has been

rightly observed that “This did not last long. On the political horizon

Yadavas of Chandradityapur were becoming powerful but as the Feaudatory

of Rastrakutas and though later Chalukyas came to rule Yadavs were never

friendly with them. Later Chalukyas become weak in the second half of 12th

century A.D. Yadavs grabbed the opportunity to become a master of

Maharashtra and then whole of Deccan.” 15

In the Yadava period Bhir

enjoyed an important position. Many Hemadpanthi temples were established

in this period. Kholeshwar General of Yadava king belonged to Ambajogai.

Near Manjarsumbha, there is a site known as Poicha Deo. 16

Further Yasdava

King Jayatrapal had requested Mukundraj to guide him and in the same line

Mukundraj wrote Viveksinghu, a first book on poetry in Marathi language,

who belonged to city Ambajogai. 17

Thus above historical dynamics shows

that right from Satavahana period to Yadava period number of monuments,

temples, cave temples, structural temples, forts, and step wells were

constructed in the Yadava period. A brief review of all these structures has

been undertaken below:

5.3. Cave Temples:

5.3.1. Jogai Caves:

The Jogai caves are the only caves in Bhir district. There is a

controversy among the scholars about the period of the caves. Many of them

have fixed Rastrakuta period (1066 AD) as the period of the excavation of

these caves.It is stated that Rashtrakuta King Udayaditya had donated

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villages Selu, Radi, Jalgaon, and Kumbehal for the maintenance of these

caves. These caves belonged to Shiva, Vishnu as well as Jain faith.18

However, some later part might have been carved in the Yadava period.

Ambajogai was the prominent center of Yadava king Singhandeva, who‟s

General Kholeshwar, held from Ambajogai. 19

5.3.2. Jogai Maher or Hattikhana Caves:

Hardly half a kilometre to the north-west of Yogeshwari temple,

along the banks of the river Jayanti are situated what are popularly known

as Hattikhana caves. The river with hills in the back-ground provides an

excellent setting. The caves are squarish in shape and are carved deep

inside the hill. On the southern side of the hill is the entrance, hewn out of

rock, leading into the 13.71 metres (45') broad and 27.43 metres (90')

long sabhamandap. It is 32 pillared and spacious enough to provide sitting

accommodation to over 1,000 persons. The mandap has an 8.36 m2

(90 ft.

square) court-yard in front. Facing the caves, at the entrance there are two

huge elephant statues. Similar statues are also found on either side of the

entrance to the sabhamandap. The images of these elephants probably

gave the caves their name, viz., the Hattikhana caves. In the centre of the

court-yard there is an elegantly carved nandimandap measuring 9.14x9.14

metres (30'x30'). In the centre of this mandap there is an image

of nandi. A portion of the mandap on the eastern side has collapsed and

now lies amidst ruins. In the wall in front of the nandi image, to the east of

the sabhamandap, in a temple of the shape of a tunnel an idol of Sarikar is

seen. An inscription found here describes this idol as Bhucarinath. The

same inscription dated Saka 1066 records the grant of the villages of Sailu,

Radi, Javalganv and Kumbhephal as inams for the maintenance of these

caves by the Rastrakuta king Udayaditya who was

a mahamandalesvar. This inscription has been removed to the tahsildar's

office at Ambejogai for safe custody and preservation. There are figures of

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bodyguards and goddesses carved on the entrance door, to the right, there

are two more carved temples which house the images of Ganapati and his

brother Sadanan respectively. These are partly broken now. On the walls

are carved in relief the images of Siva in tandavanrtya posture, pictures

depicting Sivalila, the Saptamatrkas and that of a cock. In another

identical temple is the image of Parvati. In the wall to the south of

the sabhamandap there are two more caves. In the wall to the north, a tank

has been built while in the north-west corner there is a tirthkund.

The legend current about the cock image tells that Amba came

down from Aparanta (Konkan) along with all her paraphernalia to marry

Parali- Vaijanath, and camped in the place where the caves are situated. A

propitious moment was fixed for the divine union. Next morning on

hearing the cock's crow it was found that the fixed time had passed by.

The marriage could not take place and hence instead of going back to

Konkan, Amba stayed and settled at Mominabad along with the other gods

who had accompanied her. The cave images depict Amba and all the other

gods who had accompanied her. Because of Amba's stay here the caves

came to be called as Jogai Maher. Legends aside, the layout of the caves

or of what remain of them depict the skilled artistry of the people of those

times. Now there is nothing exuberant or spectacular about the caves. The

ravages of time have destroyed what was once a pleasing sequence to the

eye and imagination. However, as an historical site of Rashtrakuta Yadava

period, the Jogai caves are certainly a land mark in the history and

archeology. Some of the later part of the caves might have been completed

in the early Yadava period.

5.4. Structural Temples:

5.4.1. Kankalesvar Temple:

On the eastern bank of the Bendsura River, at a furlong‟s (201 km.)

distance, in the centre of a lake, stands the temple of Kankalesvar

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unrivalled in beauty and magnificence. It is the finest temple in Bid in

design and workmanship and its beauty is all the more heightened by

virtue of its being in the centre of a lake full of water. There is only one

path-way to reach the temple. It is supposed to date back from the times of

Yadavas and the architectural style used in the temple bears testimony to

this contention.

5.4.2. Jata Shankar Temple

The said temple is situated in the heart of the town. It is said that

when Prabhu Ramchandra was helplessly wandering in search of Sita, he

found Jatau Bird in wounded condition. The bird tried to release Sita from

the custody of Lankapti Ravana who fatally wonded the bird. The bird told

Rama the story of Sita kidnapping and the bird died at the feet of Rama.

Then Prabhu Ramchandra did funeral and established Jata Shankar near

Jata Shankar temple. There is famous Ganesh temple also.

5.4.3. Nagnath Temple at Village Pali

Pali is a small village in Bid tahsil lying about 4.82 km. (three

miles) from Bid. It is known for the shrine of Nagnath, built

in Hemadpanti style. It has an open courtyard and is surrounded by a

0.609 metre (2 ft.) high parapet wall. The sabhamandap is octagonal in

shape and has 16 pillars, of which 8 are embedded in the eight corners.

The walls have lattice-work upon them. In the centre of the hall there is a

flint-stone image of nandi. The gabhara is a sort of a circular cell reached

by descending a small flight of steps. The ling has a facial plaque of brass

of Mahadev planted upon it and is sheltered by a five hooded cobra image

made of the same metal. Its sikhar has a gold plated spire. Above the

entrance door to the mandap a cement canopy has been constructed and in

it are set the images of Sankar with trisul in hand, and Ganapati and

Parvati to his right and left respectively. In the court-yard there is a tulsi

vrndavan. To the right of the temple there is a well, while at the back a

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squarishtirthkund with stone steps all round it. The Bendsura River

emanates from the hill in Bid tahsil and flows through that tahsil towards

north and joins the river Sindphana. A dam has recently been constructed

across it near this village at a total cost of Rs. 58.82 lakhs. The net area

irrigated would be 3.369 hectares (8,324 acres).

5.4.4. Yelamb Ghat:

Yelamb Ghat, with a population of 5,562 in 1961, is a village in Bid

tahsil with a temple of Mahadev and a dargah of local importance. It has a

post office, a middle school and a medical practitioner. Weekly bazar is

held on Fridays.

Mahadev Temple; The Mahadev temple is to the north-east of the

village, a little beyond the inhabited locality, in the midst of an open held.

The temple is built in Hemadpanti style and is a work in masonry. A small

piazza-like porch with two pillars on either side forms the entrance. There

are beautiful artistic designs carved upon it. This part of the temple is in

bad repair. The hall or the mandap of the temple is 4.58x6.10 metres

(15'x20'), the roof of which is supported by two rows of pillars bearing

engraved human and divine figures. Each row is having four pillars. A

narrow passage about 10 yards in length leads into the inner shrine. This

entrance is very low and is flanked by small pillars. At the entrance, on

either side in the wall of the mandap, there are two niches in one of which

there is an image of a cobra engraved on a stone while in the other that of

a goddess. There are similar niches in the passage walls also, containing

images of various deities. On the portal frame of this passage are carved in

relief the figures of Sankar and his consort Parvati and many other deities.

The shrine in which the ling is placed is cell-like and is reached by

descending a few steps. It is 0.929 sq. metres (10 ft. square). Outside the

temple near the main entrance there is a disfigured image of nandi. Near it

on a stone slab is a figure depicted as riding a horse. The temple was said

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to have been built during the period of the Yadavas and it true, could be of

considerable antiquity. In Sravan, on every Monday, people visit the

temple to make their obeisance.

5.4.5. Rajuri Bk.

Rajuri Bk., a village lying 9.66 km. (6 miles) off Bid, is noteworthy

for its temple of Ganapati. The temple has a spacious mandap of earthen

floor and a vestibule which contains a squarish block of stone bearing four

engraved images of Ganapati. Besides, the vestibule contains five more

Ganapati images which have earned the name Nav Gana Rajuri to this

village. The ones on the block of stone are supposed to be svayambhu and

said to have appeared when Brahmadeva performed a yajnya. On

Bhadrapad Suddha Chaturthi the utsav attended by over 7,000 persons is

celebrated.

5.4.6. Parli Vaijnath Temple:

Parali is well-known for the shrine of Vaijanath containing one of

the famous twelve jyotirlingas of India. It occupies an elevated plain about

21.33 to 24.39 metres (70' to 80' ft.) above the ground level and is half a

kilometre to the north-west of the town, almost in the arms of the

Meru parvat. The temple is supposed to have been originally constructed

by Hemadri or Hemadpant, the chief minister of the Yadavas of Devagiri,

of which nothing except an image of nandi remains to date. This gives the

temple an antiquity of over 600 years and is proved by a date on one of the

steps of thejuna ghat. The present temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar,

who once happened to visit the site and moved by the ruined state of the

temple ordered its reconstruction. An inscribed block of stone bearing a

Sanskrt verse has been found which states: "The temple was built in

1706 Krodhanam Samvatsara Caitra Sukla 5. On Friday by the daughter-

in-law of Raja Malharrav Holkar, and the wife of Khanderav Holkar, viz.,

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Rani Ahilyabai Holkar". This incription helps in ascertaining the exact

date of the reconstruction of the shrine.

The temple stands in the centre of an enclosure built of stone

masonry having three arched entrances on the eastern, southern and

northern sides. Long and broad flights of stairs lead up to these entrances.

The one on the eastern side is called the juna ghat, on the northern nova

ghat and on the southern as the tirth ghat, for here is located the Harihar

tirth, one of the three tirths, the other two being Markandeya

tirth and Narayan tirthrespectively. On one of the stones of the juna

ghat the date Saka 1108 has been inscribed which perhaps is the year in

which the ghat was built

Sanesvar Mandir: Nearby the Parali Vaijanath temple is a small,

insignificant shrine dedicated to Sani Maharaj. Its not too large mandap

besides containing a homakund has asamadhi of one Sivsankar Swami

believed to be a devotee of Sani.

Zuralya Gopinath: Zuralya Gopinath temple is very small and

occupies an area of about 6.503 sq. metres (70 sq. feet). The idol of

Gopinath is underneath the temple in a very dark cellar, infested by many

cockroaches, which are said to attack anyone trying to kill them. It is

because the temple abounds in cockroaches that it has been nicknamed as

Zuralya Gopinath U-Cockroach).

5.4.7. Limba Ganesh:

Limba Ganesh, with a population of 4,102 in 1961, is a village in

Bid tahsil lying 28.97 km. (18 miles) due south of Bid town. It is

noteworthy for the shrine dedicated to Ganes which is said to be one of the

twenty-one temples mentioned in the Ganes Purana. It is situated about

half a furlong to the north-west of the village, in an oblong structure

constructed of dark grey chiselled masonry and lies in the middle of a

rectangular enclosure, which is also constructed of the same type of

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masonry. A three arched double storeyed entrance with an ornamental

facing leads into the premises. The middle arch fitted with wooden door-

shutters, is bigger than the two side ones.

Varandhesvar Mahadev temple is also located in the same village. It

consists of only a single cell, fitted with a carved door. A detached and

disproportionate salunka is kept in the middle of the cell.

At Limba Ganesh there is also a temple dedicated to Krsna

belonging to the Mahanubhav sect. It is said that it was originally that

of Mahalaksmi but some time it was taken possession of by

the Mahanubhavasand converted into a Krsna shrine.

5.4.8. Dharmapuri:

Dharmapuri, with 3,583 inhabitants in 1961, is a village in

Ambejogai tahsil, well-known for the Kedaresvar temple of considerable

antiquity. Hemadpanti in style, it is situated to the east of the village and

has sufficient architectural elegance to evoke admiration of the visitors.

Twelve strong pillars support the sabhamandap, which has a 2.43 metres

(8') wide verandah on all its four sides. It contains a nandi image based in

the traditional posture. The vestibule, with its door-frame bearing artistic

designs, besides containing a ling has in the rear idols of Parvati, Sankar

and a few other deities. Most of them are disfigured and defaced. But the

remains give an impression that the idols were elaborately designed and

perfectly shaped. The sikhar or the dome of the temple has also carvings

upon it and are exuberant in style and composition. The western part of

the temple which had crumbled has been rebuilt. Remains of the collapsed

structures indicate the existence of corridors.

Ayice Mandir: Located in the heart of the village,

this Hemadpanti temple is reported to be of considerable antiquity. In

front of the temple a decayed lamp-pillar or dipmal of burnt bricks could

be seen. The door leads the visitor into hall 6.10 metres (20 ft.) in length

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and 2.43 metres (8 ft.) in breadth. At both the extreme ends are small

shrines, one containing a Sivaling and the other an idol of Ganapati.

Beyond this hall is the mainsabhamandap, having 48 pillars. Almost each

and every pillar bears some engraved designs. In the rear of the mandap is

the gabhara containing a crudely shaped idol of the goddess. Nearby there

are two other idols. Outside the temple to the right there are the remains of

another temple. A few carvings could still be seen. It does not contain any

idol.

5.4.9. Sautada:

Sautada is a village in Patoda mahal with a population of 2,194 as

per the 1961 Census. It is known for the water-fall, called after the village

name, and the temple of Ramesvar. The river Vincarna raises at a place

called Cikhli, and 1.60 km. (a mile) from Sautada village falls down from

a height of about 68.59 metres (225 ft.) and then further cuts its course

through rugged hills and mountains clad with forests. It is not perennial

and dries up in summer. The scene of the water falling down from such a

great height is pleasing to the eye. From the mountain cliff down to the

level of the river basin a flight of about 600 steps has been built. At the

base of the fall there is a pond known as dev kund.It is so-called because it

is supposed to have been created by Ram by shooting an arrow. Further

away is a big water strip in the form of a doh called Sita kund. On a stone

slab here, there are the foot-prints of Sita.

Ramesvar Temple: Amidst such fascinating natural surroundings is

situated the temple of Ramesvar built in the Hemadpanti style.

The Ramesvar mandir stands alone at a height of about 15.24

metres (50 ft.) overlooking the river Vincarna, flowing through the valley

glades below. The temple has a small courtyard in front. It contains an idol

of Krsna, and hence is popularly known as the temple of Gopalkrsna.

Outside the temple are scattered broken images of Ganapati, Sani and

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many other deities. To the left of the entrance there is another temple

containing the images of Mahadev and Parvati. It has a Sivling with an

image of nandi facing it. To the right is a tulsi vrndavan with

another nandi image facing it.

The main temple is at the back and has a mandap which has two

doors, one on the west and the other on the north. Facing both the doors

are images of nandi, the carrier of Mahadev. The sabhamandap is 1.86 sq.

metres (20 ft. square) and is supported by 16 solid pillars bearing some

excellent carvings. The gabhara is 3.04x3.04 metres (10' x 10'). Inside on

a pedestal, is placed an idol of Ram. At the base there are the images of

Sita, Laksman, Bharat and Satrughna. They are all made of white marble.

There is a Shivling facing these images. The legend tells a tale to the effect

that Ram had sent Hanuman to Kasi to get him an idol of Mahadev but as

Hanuman was late and the time of puja had drawn very near, Ram

prepared this ling of sand. Subsequently Hanuman brought the lingfrom

Kasi which was placed in the sabhamandap. Here in the background are

placed the idols of Visnu with Nagoba and Bahiroba to his left and right

respectively. On the third Monday of the month of Sravan a fair attended

by over 3,000 persons is held.

5.4.10. Namalgaon:

It is an ancient famous village because of Lord Ganesha‟s Temple.

The Ashapurak Ganesh is one of the 21 Ganesh‟s holy placer. Present temple

shows traditional heritage of our culture. There is a union of the rivers

Karpara, Bendsura and Narmada. Besides this there is a water tank. The

people who suffer from leprosy took bath in the tank and are supposed to get

relief. The standing idol of Lord Ganesh in the temple is very attractive.

5.4.11. Manjarsumbha:

With a population of 821 as per the 1961 Census, is a small village in

Bid tahsil, known for the Samadhi of Manmath Swami held in high esteem

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by the Lingayats. It is situated about 1.60 km. (a mile) from Manjarsumbha,

amidst picturesque surroundings with a small water-fall in front, trickling

down from a hill of about 9.64 metres (30 ft.) height. The Samadhi of the

revered Swami is housed in a 1.114 sq-metres (12 ft. square) gabhara

surmounted by a small but wll designed sikhar. Images of Sankar and

Mahadev in meditative pose have been painted on the gabhara walls. The

sabhamandap with a homakund in its centre is open on all the sides.

Pavilions have been built near the Samadhi to accommodate pilgrims coming

from far off places to attend the annual yatra held in Magh at the time of

tulsi vivaha. It lasts for five days and is attended by about 3,000 persons.

The location is pleasantly cool due to growth of numerous trees, wild

flowers and plants which thrive due to the proximity of the water-fall.

Manjarsumbha has a rest house and a middle school.

5.4.12. Kapildhar:

Kapildhar is famous because of Manmath Swami‟s Samadhi. There is

a lovely water fall. Manmath Swami wrote in Marathi and placed himself in

Marathi literature. He described many Abhanjas and Astang Acharan very

skillfully.

5.4.13. Pohicha Dev:

It is an fmous place among Mahanubhav people for omni-potent Lord

Datta‟s temple. This famous holy place is situated on high hills. The carving

of the temple attracts the attention of the visitors. It is said to be the place of

Walva Koli, the creator of the Ramayan epic. It is said that Shri Chakradhar

Swami, the founder of mahanubhav sect visited that place.

5.4.14 . Kholeshwar Temple:

The temple of Kholeshwar, the oldest known at Ambejogai, is to the

north-east of Yogeshwari temple. It is in the centre of a spacious court-yard

which had a rampart wall around, with strong bastions. In later times the

bastions collapsed and the temple was left defenceless. Still later its mandap

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was turned into a court library. There was also a small castle inside where

during the Nizam‟s rule the court was held. After some time the court was

shifted to some other place. It is built in a plinth and has entrances on the

east, north and the south, the first one being the main entrance. This entrance

is ornamented with exquisite designs. On entering the hall, to the left is a

Sanskrt inscription in verse, which gives the date of its construction as Saka

1162. The inscription further states that the temple was built by one Laksmi,

daughter of Kholeshwar, the general of Yadava Singhana, in

commemoration of Rama, son of Kholesvar, who was killed in a battle. In

the centre is placed a linga. The present linga was installed after the region

became a part of Maharastra. The hall is 1.86 m2 (20 ft. square) and while

the front part is squarish, the hind part is round in shape. Both inside and

outside there are half broken statues and defaced designs and patterns. A

Jatra is held on chaitra Suddha Ekadasi and on the occasion the palaki is

taken round in procession.

5.4.15 . Yogeshwari Temple:

Yogesvari temple is situated on the western bank of the river Jayanti

which flows through the heart of the town. It has a double line of

conmpound wall with three gates, one each o n eastern, norothern and the

southern sides. The southern gate, which is by the road side, is the entrance

gate. It has a nagarkhand above. Nearly the eastern and northern gates there

are two dipmals. On the utsav day these are illuminated with lamps.

The temple proper has also three entrances, viz. on the eastern,

western and the northern sides. On the western side there is the store house.

The temple is in Hemadpanti style and there is much architectural work of

note. In one of the inscriptions of the Yadavas, it is mentioned as having

three big sikhars. It is probable that the original temple was destroyed. The

present temple was built by Nagoji Trimal and Samji Bapuji, some 250 years

ago, on the remains of the original structure. The gabhara is 3.05 x 3.05

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metres (10‟ x 10‟) containing the idol of Yogesvari on a pedestal. It is

surmounted by a sikhar ornamented with figure-filled niches. In the four

corners there are replicas of the main sikhar. The mandap and the main

sikhar were built at some later stage. On turning to the right from the inner

shrine the images of Mahakali and Tulja Bhavani could be seen. In the

sabhamandap are the images of Ganapati, Kesavraj and the usava murtis of

Yogesvari.

5.4.16. Shri Mukundraj Samadhi:

The honour of being the first poet to simplify Vedanta philosophy of

self-knowledge goes to Mukundraj, one of the most celebrated and earliest

poets of Maharastra who composed verses in simple Marathi. His Samadhi

is located at a distance of 3.21 km. (two miles) from Ambejogai, on the

slopes of Balaghat ranges, and the hill adorned by the Samadhi is known as

Mukundraj hill. By the side, flows the river Banaganga mentioned in

Viveksindhu, the celebrated work of Mukundraj. The tops of the hills are

always clad with dense forests and in the rainy season when the streams

come trickling down the valley from the hill tops, the view is bewitching.

Mukundraj lived before Dnyanesvar.

The Samadhi situated inside a tunnel is approached by a flight of

nearly 100 steps. The edifice housing the Samadhi was built at a much later

stage. A spring emanating out of the rocks, close by the Samadhi is

considered to be a tirth. On the western side a few cloisters have been

provided. These are generally used by the pilgrims coming from distant

places. In the plains below, a huge sabhamandap measuring nearly 371.61

sq. meteres (4,000 square feet) has been erected by his devotees and

admirers. In this mandap a small shrine of Vitthal Rakhumai has also been

installed. The Samadhi has become a place of assemblage.

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5.4.17. Amaleswara Temple: Ambejogai:

The Amaleswara temple (plate IX) is one of the mediaeval monuments

situated 11/2 Miles to the north of ambejogai. It is dedicated to Lord Siva.

The temple stands amidst the hills and is situated in picturesque

surroundings. It faces east. This temple consists of a mandapa, an antaralla

and a garbhagriha. The groundplan (Plan XI) maintains an architectural

continuity, and resembles the ground-plans of the single-shrined temples at

Pangaon, Dharmapuri and Hottal. It reveals similarity with the plan of the

Sakaleswara temple at ambejogai.

The temple stands in the midst of a court-yard. The walls of the

enclosure are constructed later. The mandapa is also reconstructed. It retains

a part of the roof and the pillars from its original construction, whereas the

remaining roof and the walls are added later.

5.4.18. Sakaleswara Temple: Ambejogai:

Ambejogai a Taluka headquarter in the Bhir District and is situated to

the south-east of Bhir at a distance of 80 Kilometers. The town is famous for

the Jogai Amba temple and derives its name from the temple. The

antiquarian remains in the town include four mediaeval structural temples,

named Sakaleswara temple, Ambleswara temple, Kholeswara temple and

Kasivisveswara temple and a cave temple complex called Hattikhand.

Most of these temples excepting that of Kholeswara and

Kasivisweswara are almost a dilapidated Kasivisweswara is just replica of

the Kholeswara temple. Sakaleswara and Amaleswara temples are more

ornate and have beautiful sculptures.

The Sakaleswara temple (plate XI) is situated to the north of the town

at a distance of about 11/2 miles, and stands on a hill top. The temple is in

complete ruins. What remain are the pillars of the mandapa an antarala and

a Garbhagriha.

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The ground-plan (fig. no 13) is similar to the temples of Dharmapuri

and Hottal. It is a single-shrines temple and consists of a mukhamandapa, a

mandapa, two ardhamandapas, an antarala and a garbhagriha. The entire

structure measures 45‟x32‟. Originally the temple stood on a platform. This

is now completely buried underground and a part of it is dilapidated.

5.4.19. Dhareshwar Temple:

The temple of Dhareshwar was originally a Jain temple. During the

reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq it was converted into a mosque by one of

his generals and it continued to be used as a mosque down to the time of the

police action against the former State of Hyderabad. It was then that the

temple was restored to its original status. It is built in stone masonry and

contains 32 defaced images of the Tirthankaras of Jain hagiology. The

sabhamandap of the temple is rectangular and has 24 stone pillars to support

it. On each of these pillars are carved images of various deities and

Tirthankaras. They are said to number 1,011. Among others are to be found

the figures of Mahadev with a Nandi by its side? To the left side of the

temple there is an old Neem tree under which a block of stone bearing an

inscription in Pali could be seen. It is not legible. In front of the temple

stands an isolated masonry gate.

5.4.20. Vitthal Deul Pangaon:

Pangaon is a village situated in the Ambajogai Taluka of Bhir District

at a distance of 30 Kilometers from Parli Vaijanath, a famous pilgrimage

centre and market place of Marathwada. Pangaon is a railway station on the

Parli-Hyderabad broad-guage line and can be approached both from

Hyderabad and Parli Vaijanath. The vitthal Deul (Plate 7) is located to the

west of the village, near a Grampanchayat Office. A part of it is now

occupied by a local school. The neighbours living in the vicinity, treating

the temple as unclaimed property, have shifted a large number of beautiful

sculptures, shafts, and other stones to construct private residence. It is

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unfortunate that this beautiful Chalukyan temple is being damaged in this

manner by vandals. This temple is a splendid example of architectural

excellence and shows a strong influence of Hoyasala, Chalukya and

Kakatiya architecture.

The temple stands on a raised terrace, about 4 feet high, which follows

the angles of the structure. It consists of a mandapa an antarala and a

garbhagriha. It has three entrances, on East, north and South. As the shrine

faces east, eastern entrance is the mukhamandapa. All the three entrances

have entrance proches.

5.4.21. Kesava Temple, Kesapuri:

Kesavapuri commonly known as Kesapuri is a village located 3 miles

to the west of Majalgaon a taluka headquarters of Bhir District of

Marathwada. A dilapidated temple site attracts the attention of a visitor. The

temple is at the extreme end of the village. The temple as appears from the

remains consisted of a mukhamandapa, mandapa, antarala and

garbhagriha. The garbhagriha is in total ruins. Mukhamandapa leaves its

few traces of existence. Mandapa however is well preserved. The pillars

and the ceiling reveal a great sculptural achievement. The pillar type is

peculiar. The pillar shaft of the main pillars is not square or rectangular but

circular. The ceiling of the mandapa is also elaborately carved. The entire

ceiling is divided into nine compartments.

There is a rangaseela in the centre of the half and the ceiling over the

rangaseela is more decorative. It has a rosette design with Narsimha in the

centre and Siva, Ganesa, Karttikeya, at the corners of the central block.

5.4.22. Nagnath Temple (Manur):

There is an ancient temple of Lord Shankara. It is said that it is the

native place of Babruvahan, the son Arjuna. It is a place where deathless

Ashwathama was wandering for ever.

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5.5. Review of Historical Analysis:

The survey of archeological remains was conduced in this work. The

historical dynamics provides that due to its archeological base Bhir was able

to develop in the historical period. There are stoneage sites of which most of

them belonged to late Stone Age era. P.N. Kamble has brought to light some

important late stoneage tools at different places. They are carved with micro

liths, knives, chappers and other small tools. All these small tools were under

use by ancient people of Bhir. No excavation of this period has been

conducted here because the village to village survey report has not been

totally completed. Due to lack of such systematic study not much comment

is stated about this period. Only few inferences can be drawn here:

Only late stone period was effective in pre histotic period.

Only few tools have been collected from 3 to 4 sites.

It is difficult to build a continuous history of the pre historic and pro

historic period.

5.6. Summary:

Thus in these chapter archeological sites of Bhir distsrict was

provided. On the basis of Indian archeology and on the basis of selected

reports, which included Bhir distirct, survey of selected stites has been

completed. Aftter careful review of these sites a systematic report was

provided in this chapter.

In the beginning historical dynamics was presented. Some important

cave temples at Ambajogai were studied. Further structural temples were

studied. A review of 27 temples was undertaken. Furhter review of all these

remains was presented.

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References:

1. Deo S.B. Satavahana archeology” Deccan College PG Research

Journals 1976, p-49

2. Ibid., p-49

3. Patil Maya, “Information about Ter excavation daily Divya Marathi”,

-March 2015.

4. Sharma K.K. Intellectural‟s Sandarbha Maharashtra, pp-665-66

5. Ibid., -p-665-66

6. Indian Archeology Review 1986

7. Sharma K.K. op cit., pp-665-66

8. Bhir District Gazettee, p-36

9. Sharma K.K. op cit., pp-665-66

10. Kandhare Vishwas “Bhir a Cultural Study” p-84

11. Bhir District Gazetter, p-38

12. Gore article in Marathwada University Journal.

13. Sharma K.K. op cit., pp-665-66

14. Ibid.,

15. Ibid.,

16. Kandhare Vishwas, op cit., p-113

17. Dharurkar V.L. Daily Marathwada special number Ambajogai Sahitya

Sammelan 1982

18. Beed Distrist Gazetter- Ibid., p-634

19. Kandhare Vishwas, op cit., p-67

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CHAPTER VI

CRITICAL STUDY 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Important features of the study6 6.3. Highlights of study 6.4. Conclusion 6.5. Summary

78 |

CHAPTER VI

CRITICAL STUDY

6.1. Introduction:

Archeology is a subject of immense value for various reasons. It is

based on field work and explorations. The study of antiquies, pottery and

other remains is mainly signficiant in the archeological research.1 Further he

has pointed that pottery is one of evidences of old remains. The archeology

is not based on common chart but it is based on field work.2 The study of

various remains in the field of archeology also throw light on new aspects of

life. All these aspects are clearly related to each other and these are

important factors responsible for conducting research.3

The careful and critical study of archeological remains of Bhir distidct

can provide a new angle for the present work.

6.2. Important Features of the Study:

The present study shows that archeological explorations in Bhir district

are related to early and late Stone Age.

Dr. P.N. Kamble has studied some late Stone Age soruces.

Some of the chalcolistic sources were descried by P.N. Kamble and

others and they provide various details on the archeology of Bhir

district.

In the early historic period the Satavahana, Chalukya and Rastrakutas

and Yadavas remains are rich and varied in nature.

The study of temples also provides details about the past.

The study of temples is conduced by Prabhakar Deo, Dr. Deshmukh as

well as by Dr. G.B. Degloorkar but the other remains has not been

carefully studied.

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All these aspects can provide some more facts about the archeological

sources of Bhir district. All 26 places in Bhir city and its peripherial area

have been properly highlighted in this work and they provide new facts.

6.3. Highlights of the Study:

The following new aspects have been brought to light in this work:

The historical sites illustrated in this study in Bhir district require a

new perspective.

The archeological exploration is requied to study pre history and pro

history.

There is no clarity about the archeological remains

The place of temple architecture is not properly studied.

All the aspects of archeology require a careful critical analysis.

6.4. Conclusion:

Thus the critical study of all the facts in this work has revealed that the

Bhir and its periphery has a rich and glorious past and it requires a new

perspective to look at all these facts can be very well studied by conducting

fresh archeological explorations.

Thus all these aspects can be wery well described and analyzed here.

The careful study of the archeological remains of Bhir district has provided

some new facts which have been highlighted in this work. The present work

is thus signficiant enough to throw light on the new areas which are

unexplored.

6.5. Summary:

Thus a cirtial review of all the sources archeological and literary has

brought to light the following facts:

New sites can be described after careful explorations

The remains of temples can be interpreted in a new angle.

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The signficaint aspect of study can throw light on neglected aspects. A

very critical approach is required to set the chronology of temples and

their remains.

References:

1. Sankaliya H.D. “Introduction to Archeology” p-3

2. Ibid.,

3. Ibid.,

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CHAPTER VII

CONCLUSION

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Chapter summary

7.3. Chapter summary

7.4. Summary

82 |

CHAPTER VII

CONCLUSION

7.1. Introduction:

Bhir is an ancient district and it has rich historical past. The city has

been recorded with legends and mythological stories. The Bhir means the

whole or residence of Gods and Goddesses. The various rulers governed to

the city with histsorical background. The city was also known as Champavati

Nagari. The name Champavati was daughter of Chalukya King and she was

married to Tilalchand a rich trader of Bhir.

The study of ancient archeological remains of Bhir has provided many

aspects of this study and they have led to the unfolding of cutlrual history of

Bhir and its surroundings.

7.2. Chapter Summary:

Now a brief background of each chapter has been presented here.

Chapter I: The Concept:

In this chapter important concepts and their working definitions were

stated. The nature and scope and significance of the subject were discussed.

The Importance of epic age and early tradition was mainly focused. In this

chapter future line of study was also discussed. This chapter has also

presented historical background.

Chapter II: Research Design:

In this chaptger research design was discussed. Here histsroical

method and descriptive design was discussed in a befitting manner. The

important tools and techniques of data collection were discussed and primary

as well as secondary sources were also discussed.

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Chaptger III: Historical Sketch:

In this chapter brief history of Bhir district from ancient period to 12th

century was briefly discussed. In this phase first pre history and pro history

was discussed. Later on ancient period was briefly noted. The historical

sketch has provided a proper background of the study of monuments. The

Vedic literary soruces, archeological sources were presented to unfold the

history. In this work the history of Satavahana, Chalukya and Rastrakutas

has been discussed briefly.

Chapter IV: Archeolgocial profile: Pre History and Pro history:

In this chapter pre history and pro history of Bhir and its background

was studied. The reports of Indian archeology were scrutinized and relevant

details were recorded. The explorations made by P.N. Kamble were mainly

highlighted and some details of late Stone Age and Chalcoholic period were

mainly presented.

Chapter V: Historical Archeology:

In this chapter important sites and places of important from

Satavahana to Yadava period were discussed. All these aspects have a

critical historial backgraound. The important features and key aspecsts of

these monuments were also described in this chapter briefly.

Chapter VI: Critical Study:

In this chapter the cirtical analysis of the surveyed area was provided

and observations were also recorded. All these aspects have a significant

bearing on the problem.

Chapter VII: Conclusion:

In this chapter first summary of previous chapters was presented and

later on important findings were noted, final suggestions were also recorded

hrere.

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7.3. Suggestions:

There is no proper research conducted so far. Few temples in

Ambajogi and Bhir must be undertaken

The state archeology has to undertake the conservation of monuments.

The entire Bhir district should be surveyed on the basis of archeology

and monuments.

There are no parameters for conservations. They should be maintained

properly.

The special grants must be allocated for the presentation of these sites.

A list of prominent monuments of states must be prepared and perfect

chronology of temples be evolved.

A plan of developemmnt of sites in Beed district be prepared

NSS and college students must clean the surroundings of these

monuments.

People should form a public body for protection of these monuments.

7.4. Summary:

Thus all these aspects reveled that there is a need to study and protect

the archeological remains of Bhir district. All these monuments require a

proper maintenance and proper protection in a systematic manner. These

aspects can be very well studied and recorded for the better future of the Bhir

and its history as well as culture. Hence this can be a bold step ahead.

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HISTORICAL

SITES IN

BEED

86 |

HISTORICAL SITES IN BEED

REFLECTION OF KANKALESHWAR TEMPLE IN THE WATER

TANK AROUND

LOTUS SYMBOL ON ANTRAL OF KANKALESHWAR TEMPLE

87 |

DECORATED DESIGNS OF KANKALESHWAR TEMPLE

GENERAL VIEW OF ANCENTJATASHANKAR TEMPLE IN BEED

88 |

GARBHGRAHA AND KRISHNA IMAGE OF TEMPLE AT

POHICHA DEV

SHIVA IMAGE FROM KAPILGHAT, BEED

89 |

GENERAL VIEW OF NAGNATH TEMPLE, PALI

BHAIRVANATH IMAGE OF JARUD

90 |

REMAINS OF DHARESHWAR TEMPLE IN DHARUR

100 LAMPS PILLAR AT DHARUR TEMPLE

91 |

ANCENT BALAJI TEMPLE AT DHARUR

IMAGE OF GRAM DAIVATA VILLAGE DITY AT KILLE DHARUR

92 |

THE SAMADHI PLACE OF FIRST POET MUKUNDRAJ AT

AMBAJOGAI

HATTIKHANA CAVES IN AMBAJOGAI

93 |

JOGAI TEMPLE, AMBAJOGAI

KHOLESHWAR TEMPLE IN AMBAJOGAI

94 |

12 KHAMBE TEMPLE AT AMBAJOGAI

YOGESHWARI IMAGE IN AMBAJOGAI

95 |

VAIDYANATH TEMPLE AT PARALI VAIDYANATH

SHIVA IMAGE IN THE GARBHAGRAH AT VAIDYANATH

TEMPLE, PARALI

96 |

CHALUKYA PERIOD KEDARESHWAR TEMPLE AT

DHARMAPURI

APSARA IMAGE ON THE PILLARS OF KEDARESHWAR TEMPLE

AT DHARMAPURI

97 |

GANESH IMAGE NAVGAN RAJURI, TALUKA - BEED

98 |

YADAV KALIN MAHARASHTRA

SHIVA JOTIRLINGA AND OTHER PLACES IN MAHARASHTRA

99 |

MARKET CITIES IN BEED DISTRICT