Introduction
The district of Purulia in Bengal was once a great centre of
Jainism.1 The area of this district was the connecting link with Orissa and Bihar.
Jainism as a religious creed had a great hold on Orissa and there is no wonder that there
should be a considerable impact of Jainism one the adjoining Purulia district. The
district Purulia was also the via media through which a close contact with Bihar was
maintained.
1. Purulia district previously formed a part
of Manbhum district in Chotanagpur Division of Bihar. According to the implementation of
the recommendations of the States Reorganization Commission, a portion of Manbhum district
was made over to Bengal and now forms Purulia district. The tow of Purulia, which is
headquarters of the district now, was also the headquarters of Manbhum district in Bihar.
Author - P. C. Roy Choudhury
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