APSC Prelims 2025: 11th-Century Jain Sculptures

Location of Discovery:

• Varuna village, Mysuru district, Karnataka.
• Unearthed during drainage work.

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Key Findings:

1. Total Sculptures Found: 3
   • One sculpture: Severely damaged and beyond recognition.
   • Two sculptures: In relatively good condition.
2. Iconography:
   • One sculpture depicts a Jain Tirthankara.
   • Exact identity unknown due to absence of distinct symbols (like lanchhanas).
3. Preservation:
   • The sculptures were shifted to the ASI museum at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Madhya Pradesh.

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Significance:

• Reflects the rich Jain heritage of Karnataka during the 11th century.
• Contributes to the archaeological understanding of Jain presence in the region.
• Highlights the need for safeguarding heritage during development activities.