Times of India

Sep 22: This life-size Bahubali image of 9th century has long flowing hair unlike the ones you have seen. And the style resembles the Bahubali metal image of the 5th century, now preserved in the Metropolitan museum, New York, USA. 

The Archeological Survey of India which is restoring the Panchkuta Basati in Kambadahalli, Mandya district, stumbled upon this wonder discovery two years ago. But only recently its significance has been determined by experts. 

According to Hampa Nagarajaiah, an authority of Jainology and retired director of Institute of Kannada Studies who recently visited the site, the shoulderlength hair style also resembles the Bahubali relief found in the Badami cave dating back to 6th century. Another distinct feature of the image is the ‘Madhavi’ creepers entwining the feet. Commonly Bahubali images are seen with creepers entwining both the legs and the arms. 

The monolithic structure has been carved in light bluish soft stone and looks like as if it has been freshly chiselled, says Nagarajaiah. The five-and-half-foot image hasn’t been moved to any protected area. It remains standing among the other images unearthed by the ASI outside the temple premises in the village. 

Superintending archaeologist of ASI (Karnataka Circle) SVP Halkatti told TOI that though the department realised the importance of the image, it could do little in providing it proper protection. 

“Since neither the villagers nor the local authorities have asked us to shift it to a museum or some other protected site, we have retained it with us,’’ he added.

First Bahubali image found in Kambadahalli

Kambadahalli is an important historic region as the famous Panchkuta Basati, being restored by the Archaelogical Survey of India, is located here. The ASI stumbled upon a lifesize Bahubali image two years ago outside the temple premises. Since nobody staked claim to it, the ASI has left it standing in the Basati, which has led the people to believe that the image belongs to the temple. 

According to Hampa Nagarajaiah, an authority on Jainology, this is the first Bahubali image found in the Kambadahalli region, for it has so far known to house only images of ‘Thirtankaras’.

THE FEATURES

• Five-and-half-foot Bahubali image carved out of soft blue stone.
• Image has a childlike innocence and a pleasing quality to it.
• It has been carved in the ‘Kayot sarga’ posture of meditation (standing position).
• It dates back to 9th century.
• Bahubali images are found with its long tresses tied up in a knot above the head. But this image has long hair down the shoulders.