| Various relics
of Stone Age have been found in this district, and they are similar to the finds of the
stone weapons and other relics discovered in Singhbhum, Purulia, Dhanbad and Bankura
districts. This will suggest that portions of this entire zone had been in one and the
same culture zone.The very name Bardhaman suggests a close association with Mahavira
Bardha- man, the twenty-fourth and the last Jain Tirthankar (pathfinder). There is a
theory that the nameBardhaman is based on the contact this area had with Mahavira
Bardhaman and Jainism. Parasnath hill in Dhanbad
district so very important and holy to the Jains is close to the border of
Burdwan.Parasnath is associated with most of the Tirthankar. It is quite likely that in
the course of his preach- ing in the Rarh Desha, which comprises portions of this district
as well, Mahavira may have visited this district. It is said that the rude inhabitants of
Rarh Desha had even assaulted Mahavira Bardhaman and let loose dogs against him.
One of the totems of the Bauris who were the original
inhabitants of this area and are stiff a formidable so-called lower caste have dog as
their totem. The Bauris are supposed to be rough and rude. A large number of stone images
of the different Tirthankar have been discovered in Burdwan district. There can be no
doubt that even if Mahavira had not actually visited any of the portions of this district,
some of his followers did and preached Jainism. |
