Kevala- Bodhi: Buddhist and Jaina History of the Deccan (Set of Two Volumes)

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ABOUT THE BOOK Kevala Budhi Buddhist and Jaina Hutary of the Decen is a collection of papers with a special focus on worligions thar leltan edible mark in the history of the Deccan and turns, markada visible change in the way both diese religions developed over the early historic and early medieval times. Though cash of these has been deals with separately in monographs and research papers in the pair, this is the first time that these religions have been discussed gether in terms of the trajectory of their specad in and entrenchment in the Deccan. The path chosen by each in this regard was undoubtedly different and this is precisely what makes their discussion together valuable and interesting.

This spatial and chronological focus of the papers in this volume is wide. In terms of region, it also includes discussion on areas contiguous to the Deccan so as to bring in a comparative dimension. We see elements of inter-regional contact and dissemination c ideas that was dynamic rather than closeted in compartments of space and time. The contributions have further not been limited by a rigid chronological parameter. There are papers that address issues of modern and near contemporary times, while others that begin with the earliest contact of these religions in the archaeological context and focus on its ancient and medieval history. Almost all themes around the study of the Buddhist and Jaina history of the Deccan have been covered. These revolve around archaeology, art, architecture, sculpture, painting, literature, epigraphy, religious thought, ritual, medicine, philosophy and social and economic history.

Being a Commemorative Volume, it begins with a visual and narrative journey that marked the chief events of Professor B.S.L Hanumantha Rao's life and this is designated as Part 1-THE PAST of the book. Part II is the essential core of this Volume and is designated as THE PRESENT. Here, an Introduction and Background prefix papers on Buddhism [SECTION AJ and Jainism [SECTION BJ. Part III-THE FUTURE ends with an Epilogue and is primarily meant to generate Debate and Discussion on research ing the history of religions and related issues. For any viable attempt at historical reconstruc tion of religion today these issues are relevant and have been frequently raised in recent years.

Scholars interested in the Buddhist and Jaina history of the Deccan will find this volume of tremendous value and interest in terms of the vast variety of themes and period of study included. There is undoubtedly a special focus on Andhra Pradesh, an area of research interest dear to BSL throughout his life. This book is a small effort in not only remembering him but also in generating fresh interest that shall further enhance our under standing on the study of two of the most dynamic religious traditions that had spotted the landscape of the Deccan in the past.

PREFACE Professor Bhattiprolu Sri Lakshmi Hanumantha Rao (1924-1993), one of the noted historians of our times, is well known for his contributions to Indian Epigraphy, History and Society and for his unearthing of the myriad pasts of Telugu Culture and Andhra History. Indeed, his seminal studies on religion, culture and society from early historic to medieval times, has opened up new areas of research in the history of the region. His arduous study of inscriptions and their corroboration with literary and archaeological data led to a distinctive pattern of analytical study, which few have been able to emulate. It needs to be also emphasized that his writings in Telugu and translations into it of erudite works of eminence on Indian History, have made his contributions indeed remarkable. Those who knew BSL, as he was fondly called, will remember the simplicity and soft spoken-ness with which he communicated with students and scholars alike. His humane and carnest qualities drew towards him a large number of friends, each exploring a different line of thinking. This in no way made BSL steer away from his firm belief in radical trumanism and his foundational conviction in rationalism and liberalism.

Having thus carved out a special niche in the intellectual world of philosophers, historians and educationists, we thought it befitting that in order to remember him in his true spirit we all turn our attention to the key research areas of his interest, namely, the study of the impact of religion, on society and culture. The role of religion, BSL thought, could not be underrated. His confirmed belief was that religious animosities and differences were confined only to leaders while people preferred harmony and were drawn towards syncretism. Applying this to social history of Andhra, he studied the role of religious movements in the shaping of Andhra society. He believed that human beings make their own history. within an existing prevailing physical milieu. His particular interest was on Buddhism and Jainism because he firmly believed that these two religions had immensely shaped the rationalist ethos of the Andhras. In his name resonated the memory of the famous ancient Buddhist site of 'Bhattiprolu" and it is not without significance that he passed away just after he received the prestigious "Kunda Kunda Jnanapitha" instituted in the honor of the famous Kunda Kundacharya, a Jaina philosopher from Andhra. These two religious faiths thus marked his life and thinking in more ways than one. This book entitled: Kevola-Bodhi: Buddhist and Jaina History of the Deccan (BSL Commemorative Volume) has emerged out of a sincere concern among the family and friends of Professor B.S.L. Hanumantha Rao to further probe into the realm of the Buddhist and Jaina history of the Deccan as a whole so as to extend the acadentic and research interest of BSL on this particular theme.

It was almost a decade ago that BSL left the community of scholars. During his lifetime be had had a wide range of imteractions with scholars who were not his direct students or colleagues. In fact, it was due to this particular quality that scholars from different institutions, who each knew him in their own particular way, could come together to conceive, organize and edit and co-ordinate the publication of this Commemorative Volume. The catalytic spirit behind this endeavour was, of course, his younger brother Dr. B.S.R.S. Anjaneya Sarma. We are therefore, first and foremost, grateful to him for coming to us with this idea and for having initiated the process of putting together this Volume. The response to our letter to scholars from all over the country and abroad was overwhelming and spontaneous The texture, content and the overall form of the Volume owes much to each of our contributors without whom it would have been impossible to bring out this publication. Any work that puts together diverse interests and fields of study has to bring together different modes of writing that has its toll on the editors. We were extremely fortunate to have had excellent editorial assistance and support to co-ordinate between us We cannot thank A. Aruna enough for all the help she rendered in this regard. To S. Gunasekaran we are thankful for having helped with word processing so that the electronic versions of each of the papers could be read by all of us with case.

No enterprise of this kind is complete if we do not have photographs to accompany it. We are once again thankful to Dr. B.S.R.S. Anjaneya Sarma for having shared with us the family photographs of the late Professor B.S. L. Hanumantha Rao, to the State Department of Archacology and Museums for giving permission to reproduce some of the photographs in their possession and to all the individual authors who have provided us with illustrations. For ably and systematically scanning and arranging the Plates we are indebted to Sri Alapati Bapanna, Messrs. Kala Jyoti Process, Hyderabad. Last but not least, we thank Shri C. P. Gautam of Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, New Delhi to have come forward to publish this Volume at such a short notice.

**Contents and Sample Pages**