Binnayaga
| Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R) |
Binnayaga (बिन्नायगा) is a small village in Pachpahar tahsil in Jhalawar district in Rajasthan. The ancient Buddhist caves here are of considerable archaeological and historical value.
Variants
Location
Pincode of the village is 326512. It is situated 47km away from Pachpahar town and 92km away from Jhalawar city. Guradiya Kalan is the gram panchayat of Binnayaga village. Hatya Gaur, Moru Kheri and Salriya are some of the nearby villages.
Origin
Jat Gotras Namesake
- Binain (बिनैन) (Jat clan) → Binnayaga (बिन्नायगा) is a small village in Pachpahar tahsil in Jhalawar district in Rajasthan. The ancient Buddhist caves here are of considerable archaeological and historical value.
History
According to Neekee Chaturvedi, a professor at Rajasthan University's History department Much before the forts and palaces came into existence here, Rajasthan ostensibly had well-defined Buddhist monasteries or complexes at four places— Bairat in Alwar, Kholvi in Jhalawar, Bhandarez in Dausa and Ramgoan in Tonk. Discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) first director-general Alexander Cunningham in late 18th century, these historical sites today are crying for attention from the state. [1]
Other important structures are in Jhalawar and areas bordering Tonk spread over in 20-km. The area has a total of 50 caves in multistory structures dating back to 700-900AD. Broadly divided into four cave complexes—Kholvi, Hathyagaud, Binnayaga in Jhalawar and Ramgoan in Tonk—these sites have no mention in any historical textbook, said the researcher. Chaturvedi has studied Indian and Chinese history related to Buddhism.[2]
At Kholvi, ruins of 64 monk cells are located in a big complex that has stupas or meditation halls with circumambulation path. This site has images of Buddha, the tallest being a 12-feet standing Buddha in a preaching posture. A large statue of Buddha and a carving ornate stupa similar to those of Buddhist structures in Cambodia and Laos are the main structures.[3]
Five caves have been discovered at Hatya Guad, five-km from village Pagaria. This site is spread over two hills with a slightly deep valley between the two. Here structures have a vaulted roof and another solid stone pillars. At Binayaga hills, which are 16-km from Hatya Guad, is one cave in the shape of a stupa and the structure of its roof is in the form of a Chaitya similar to the caves at Ajanta. These structures came much after the Ashoka period.[4]
Buddhist Caves and Stupas: Jhalawar district is only part of the state where rock-cut caves can be seen. The ancient Buddhist caves at Kolvi are of considerable archaeological and historical value. The colossal figure of Buddha and exquisite carvings are noteworthy. Similar caves can also be seen at Vinaika, Hathiagor and Gunai, which indicates existence of a flourishing civilization several centuries ago and buddhist influence of the region. [5]
Binnayaga Buddhist Caves
Binnayaga Buddhist Caves also known as Vinayaka or Vinayaga are located at village Binnayaga in the state of Rajasthan, India. The excavation has around 20 laterite caves facing south from east to west. This is monastic complex, the cells are smaller than Kolvi Caves cell. The stupa shaped sanctuary is the highlight of these caves. It has chaitya which bears windows. Another significant cave has two wings of an open courtyard. "It has at the back a closed lobby with vaulted ceiling and a central door flanked by a cell on either side. The moulded pedestal against the back wall is now empty."[6]
These caves are located 8 miles away from Kolvi.
Population
Population of Binnayaga according to Census 2011, stood at 630 (Males : 334, Females : 296).[7]
Notable persons
External links
References
- ↑ Buddhism thrived in Rajasthan also around the Ashokan era’:Times of India Jaipur, Shoeb Khan, TNN, Jan 31, 2016
- ↑ Buddhism thrived in Rajasthan also around the Ashokan era’:Times of India Jaipur, Shoeb Khan, TNN, Jan 31, 2016
- ↑ Buddhism thrived in Rajasthan also around the Ashokan era’:Times of India Jaipur, Shoeb Khan, TNN, Jan 31, 2016
- ↑ Buddhism thrived in Rajasthan also around the Ashokan era’:Times of India Jaipur, Shoeb Khan, TNN, Jan 31, 2016
- ↑ Rajasthan Tourist Guide & Map, Indian Map Service, Jodhpur,p.48.
- ↑ Jaipur Circle, ASI. "BUDDHIST CAVES AND PILLARS". Archaeological Survey of India
- ↑ Web-page of Binnayaga village at Census-2011 website
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