In an unexpected development Twelve panchaloha (five metal) idols of the Jain Tirthankaras were unearthed during the excavations near Keesaragutta temple on October 18 th.With the discovery of 12 panchaloha idols, some doubts raising on the Jain past of Keesaragutta
Archaeology and Museums Director B Srinivas said that during the course of conservation work while laying the pathway near the ancient Shiva temple unearthed 12 Jain Thirthankaras of different sizes (between 16 cm and 30 cm) along with Circular Prabharahas, Circular Parasols of different sizes.
This is the first time that the idols of Jain religion recovered in Keesaragutta which proves beyond doubt that Jainisim co-existed along with Hinduism at Keesaragutta during the time of Vishukundins. The Vishnukundina Empire was an Indian imperial power controlling the Deccan, Orissa and parts of South India during the 5th and 6th centuries, carving land out from the Vakataka Empire. It played an important role in the history of the Deccan during the 5th and 6th centuries CE.
The latest development proves that Jainism co-existed along with Hinduism at Keesaragutta during the time of Vishnukundins in 4-5th century.Keesaragutta, also known as Kesaragiri in Keesara mandal of neighbouring Ranga Reddy district of Telangana, is a hill range about 300 feet high from the planes with flat and undulating areas over the top of the hills, and was enclosed by a fort wall constructed during the Vishnukundin period.
