Two square pillars dating back 1000 years were discovered at Moinabad hamlet on the outskirts of Hyderabad in Rangareddy district. The pillars, which includes Jain Tirthankara sculpture, were discovered by P Srinath Reddy, a young archaeologist and preservation campaigner. Following that, prominent archaeologist E Sivanagireddy went to the site to inspect the findings.
The two granite pillars, one constructed of black basalt and the other of granite, are embellished with sculptures of four Jain Tirthankaras: Adinatha, Neminatha, Parshvanatha, and Vardhamana Mahavira. On one side of the pillars, each Tirthankara is represented in a meditation pose, while the top is embellished with Keerthimukhas, who are symbolic guardians.
Inscriptions in Telugu-Kannada are also found on the pillars. The visible part of the inscription relates to a Jain Basadi or monastery near the village of Chilkur. Sivanagireddy speculated that the pillars were obtained from a nearby ruined Jain temple and attached to the sluice roughly a century ago.
Sivanagireddy emphasised the necessity of safeguarding the pillars and suggested that they be removed from the sluice. He also suggested that the pillars be installed on pedestals with suitable labelling and historical facts to ensure their preservation and to increase public awareness and appreciation.
The discovery of these ancient pillars with Jain Tirthankara sculptures adds to the region’s rich cultural and historical history. It emphasises the existence of Jainism in the area throughout ancient times and emphasises the importance of preserving and documenting them for future generations to cherish.
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