Medieval monasteries at Moghalmari

WHY IN NEWS?

A study of inscriptions on clay tablets recovered from recent excavations at Moghalmari, a Buddhist monastic site of the early medieval period in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, have confirmed the presence of two monasteries — Mugalayikaviharika and Yajñapindikamahavihara.

ABOUT MEDIEVAL MONASTERIES AT MOGHALMARI

• The presence of two monasteries dating to the same period within a single compound is unique in eastern India. Earlier excavations had indicated the presence of two monasteries on the basis of the structural plan.
• The monasteries at Moghalmari date from 6th century CE and were functional till the 12th century CE.
• Six tiny fragments of inscribed seals were found during excavations. Each of them contained a set of letters accompanied by the deer-dharmachakra symbols.
• The inscriptions are in Sanskrit and the script is a transitional phase between later north Indian Brahmi and early Siddhamatrika.
• The first name Yajñapindikamahavihara, implying etymologically ‘a place of sacrificial offering’ is of special significance.
• The second name on the seals, Mugalayikaviharika, bears a phonetic resemblance to the modern name of the site, Moghalmari.
• It is known from Buddhist texts that Buddhist monasteries have a definite hierarchy — Mahavihara, Vihara and Viharika — which is reflected in the inscriptions found.
• The study provides the only contextual epigraphical proof for the existence of a viharika (Mugalayikaviharika in this case) as early as the 6th century in this part of the subcontinent.
• The study of the inscribed seals suggests that the monastery was called Mugalayikaviharika.
• It is believed that the name Mugalayika suggests a fair connection to the modern place-name Moghalmari.

Prelims Question

Q. Mugalayikaviharika and Yajñapindikamahavihara,two Budhist monasteries which was recently in news was excavated from which stste?
a)West Bengal
b)Andhra Pradesh
c)Madhya Pradesh
d)Bihar

Answer to the Prelims Question