Devnimori (Buddhist Monuments)

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A kind of natural bond and keen interest in Gautam Buddha got cultivated in me as early as my high school days. It enhanced further during the college days after reading the autobiography of the renowned Buddhist scholar Dharamand Kosambi. His scholarly works on Buddha and Buddhism particularly left a deep imprint on my mind. Hence, when the Buddhist site at Devnimori was discovered while exploring through some areas of the Sabarkantha district of north Gujarat it was a matter of utmost joy. Subsequently, excavations were conducted at Devnimori from 1960 to 1963 for four consecutive seasons. This excavation revealed the existence of a Buddhist settlement with a Mahastupa and three Viharas. Ultimately, the discovery of an inscribed relic casket containing the relics of Lord Buddha himself was a zenith point of this excavation.

The present book is an outcome of the excavation. During the course of excavation Prof. Humayun Kabir, then Minister of Scientific Research and Culture, Government of India showed keen interest and extended all financial support. He even visited the excavation site during every season. It was a great encouragement. I am grateful to him for this gesture. Similarly, Dr. Jivraj Mehta, then Chief minister Gujarat and his learned wife Professor Hansaben Mehta, the then Vice Chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda showed keen interest in this project. I owe great deal to them for their encouragement and support. During the course of whole excavation, I received able guidance from late Prof. Subbarao. He had been a constant source of inspiration to me. Although I was just an excavation assistant and a PhD Scholar at that time, he always introduced me to the visiting dignitaries as discoverer and excavator. I consider it a gesture of nobility and broad mindedness on his part. Any word of gratitude may fall short to express my deep respect for him. Technical assistant of excellent draftsmanship was rendered by Sarvashree R. J. Khatri, D. B. Panchal and M. D. Verma.

They surveyed and mapped each and every brick covering an extensive area of nearly 500 x 500 feet, with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to their work. Ultimately they transformed all this into immaculate drawings which form an important part of this book. No words can express my sense of appreciation and thanks to them. The artistic and realistic reconstructions of paintings which adorn this book were done by Shri D.B Panchal. Color photography of terracotta etc. is the product of careful immaculate work of Prof. Ajitprasad. I express my special thanks to him. It is really a matter of utmost pleasure and pride that this book is being released on the auspicious occasion of Swarnim Gujarat Celebrations of 2010. On my part, it was a long cherished dream to publish this book. It now becomes a reality with the present International Seminar on Buddhist Heritage of Gujarat. I am grateful to the Government of Gujarat to consider my research for publication and release as book on this prestigious event. But I must say that it becomes possible only with able leadership of Prof. Ramesh Goel, Vice-chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. I owe a special debt of gratitude to him. Similarly, Prof. K. Krishnan coordinator of the seminar and Prof. Ajithprasad, chairman of the publication committee readily accepted my proposal for the publication of this book. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for them.

Prof. K. K. Bhan, present Head of the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History extended all technical and administrative support. Shri Piyush Khatri, Shri Sukhram Rathva and Shri K. Parmar helped final drawing etc.

When the written manuscript was ready assistance of a typist with knowledge of Archaeology, Architecture and Art was essential. Dr. Ambika Patel and Kumari. Smitha S. Kumar readily agreed to do this tiring and arduous job. I appreciate their spirit and zeal. As a student of Ancient Indian Culture, I am very glad to note that there was probably some destiny behind discovery, excavation and ultimate publication of this book. The excavation was undertaken at the point of inception of the state of Gujarat in 1960. The casket was discovered on Makarsankranti day of 14th January 1963. First excavation report was published on Makarsankranti day of 14th January 1966. Present book is also released on the Makarsankranti day of 14th January 2010. I hope this coincidence will be extended as new avenues to be explored in research on Buddhism. Sambuddha? It is also and Therefore, may I express this humble tribute to the Samyaka auspicious tribute from a student of Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology.

**Contents and Sample Pages**