Bhankur / Bankur Jain Temple (12th Century): History and Heritage
Location and Historical Background
Bhankur, historically referred to as Bhumukura and later Bamakura, is a village situated near present-day Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) in Karnataka. Located approximately 27 kilometres southeast of Kalaburagi city, the region forms part of an industrial belt today but preserves deep historical layers dating back to the early medieval period. The wider Kalaburagi region has long been recognised as an important centre of Jain activity, particularly during the Rashtrakuta and Western Chalukya periods, when Jainism flourished under royal patronage and religious tolerance.
How to Reach – Bankur is situated at a distance of 2 kms from Chitapur of Gulbarga district. Chitapur is at a distance of 629 Kms from Bangalore.
The Jain Temple at Bhankur
Main Deity – Stone idol of Bhagawan Shanthinath in the kayotsarga posture.
The Jain temple at Bhankur is an ancient Digambara shrine datable to the 12th century CE. Locally known as Basti Gudi, the temple is situated at the centre of the village and stands as a surviving witness to Bhankur’s once-thriving Jain presence. Over the centuries, the structure has undergone several phases of renovation and repair, reflecting continued religious use and local reverence. Architecturally, the temple belongs to the Western Chalukyan idiom, which is evident in its proportional layout, sculpted pillars, and restrained yet refined decorative elements typical of Jain temples of the Deccan.
Sculptural Remains and Iconography
One of the most significant aspects of the Bhankur Jain Temple is its collection of sculptural remains, which demonstrate both artistic sophistication and doctrinal clarity. The site preserves images of prominent Tirthankaras such as Rishabhanatha, Chandraprabha, Shantinatha, and Vardhamana Mahavira. These images are predominantly depicted in the kayotsarga posture, embodying ascetic stillness and spiritual detachment. The sculptures display characteristic Chalukyan stylistic features, including finely carved whisk-bearers and ornamental detailing.
In addition to the Tirthankaras, images of Yakshi Padmavati and other attendant figures are found at the site. Particularly noteworthy is a sculptural panel depicting two Acharya figures, traditionally identified as Kundakunda and Umaswami, important philosophers of the Digambara tradition. Their identification is supported by the absence of chhatra-traya (triple umbrellas), indicating that they are revered teachers rather than Tirthankaras. Some of these sculptures have been placed besides the temple structure.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Despite the passage of time and changes in the village’s demographic composition, the Bhankur Jain Temple continues to function as a living place of worship. Devotees from nearby villages and distant regions visit the temple regularly, underscoring its sustained religious importance. A resident priest performs daily rituals, ensuring continuity of traditional Jain worship practices. The temple thus remains not merely an archaeological relic but an active spiritual centre within the local Jain cultural landscape.
Inscriptions and Historical Transitions
Bhankur’s historical identity is further illuminated through epigraphic and architectural evidence found in and around the village. The name Bhomukura, interpreted as “Mirror of the Earth,” appears in historical references and reflects the village’s earlier significance. A Kannada inscription datable to the 13th century, found on the pedestal of a tri-sculptural image, mentions Shri Kanak Kirti, although the inscription is partially damaged and not fully legible.
The village also bears evidence of religious transitions over time. The Rameshwara temple in Bhankur is believed to have originally been a Jain shrine before its conversion into a Lingayat temple around 1184 CE. Additionally, remains of two other Jain temple sites located approximately two kilometres from the village suggest that Bhankur was once an important Jain settlement with multiple religious establishments.
Heritage Importance
The Bhankur Jain Temple represents an important chapter in the history of Jainism in the Deccan. Its architectural form, sculptural wealth, and epigraphic traces collectively testify to the vibrant Jain religious life that once flourished in this region under medieval dynasties. As a surviving monument of 12th-century Jain art and architecture, the temple holds considerable heritage value and highlights the need for systematic archaeological study and conservation efforts to preserve this legacy for future generations.
