Benisagar: A Journey Back in Time to Jharkhand’s Hidden Gem
Have you ever stumbled upon a place that whispers stories of a bygone era? A place where ancient temples stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history? If not, let me take you on a virtual journey to Benisagar, a hidden archaeological treasure tucked away in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, very close to the border of Mayurbhanj district of Orissa.
Benisagar, also known as Benusagar, is named after a local king, Benu Raja, who is believed to have commissioned the excavation of the large tank that gives the village its identity. Imagine a water body stretching approximately 300 by 340 meters – a lifeline for the community and a mirror reflecting the skies above.
Unearthing the Past
While local legends attribute the tank’s creation to Benu Raja, the true magic of Benisagar lies in what has been unearthed around it. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conducted excavations here, revealing a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich past.
Imagine this: it all started with Colonel Tickel who visited the place in 1840 and first reported it. Later in 1875 AD, J.D. Beglar noticed some sculptures and based on certain details, he concluded that the site dates back to the 7th century AD.
A Treasure Trove of Sculptures and Temples
The excavations on the southeast and eastern embankments of the tank have revealed two Panchayatana temple complexes. These complexes included secular structures and a captivating collection of sculptural remains. Think images of Surya (the sun god), Bhairava (a fierce form of Shiva), Lakulisha (the founder of the Pasupata sect), Agni (the god of fire), and even Kubera (the god of wealth). It’s like stepping into an open-air museum!
One of the most remarkable finds was a stone seal inscribed with “Priyangu Dheyam Chatuvidya(Chaturvidya)”. This inscription reveals the name of a person, Priyangu, who was well versed in the four Vedas. The script, Brahmi, and the language, Sanskrit, suggest that this seal could be as old as the 5th century AD!
A Timeline of Civilizations
Based on the archaeological evidence, it’s believed that Benisagar was inhabited from the 5th century AD to the 16th or 17th century AD. That’s over a thousand years of history etched into the very soil of this place!
More Recent Discoveries
In the field season of 2009-10, further scientific clearance work by the ASI, Ranchi Circle, uncovered even more wonders. Additional Panchayatan temples were exposed, along with sculptures of deities like Agni, Ganesh, Mahisasurmardini (Durga slaying the buffalo demon), Surya, Brahma Sirochhedak, and Bhairav. A panel depicting erotic scenes and numerous temple architectural fragments, door lintels and jambs were also found.
Why Benisagar Matters
Benisagar isn’t just a collection of old stones and sculptures; it’s a window into the religious, social, and artistic landscape of ancient India. It tells us about the beliefs, practices, and craftsmanship of the people who lived here centuries ago. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just something we read in books; it’s something we can experience and connect with.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, Benisagar should definitely be on your list. It’s located about 85 km south of Chaibasa, the district headquarters of West Singhbhum, and approximately 17 km from Majhgaon.
