25.05.24.UT News(Untouchables NEWs.India.CO.chennai)from Team Sivaji.Vellore.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: In Lalganj, An English Educator Takes Up Electoral Gauntlet as Champion of Ambedkarite Ideals
The BJP draws confidence from the sizable turnout at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Lalganj. However, the BSP shares a similar sense of assurance, with party supremo Mayawati’s rally also witnessing significant attendance. Moreover, the campaign led by Indu Chowdhary is garnering considerable support, adding to the BSP’s optimism.
Pratikshit Singh
Lalganj- In Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Lalganj, the Loksabha seat, which has been in the past represented by veteran Dalit leader Ram Dhan, goes to the polls on May 25.
Dr. Indu Chowdhary, a professor at the Department of English at Benaras Hindu University, faces a tough time here, being a first time candidate, seeking people’s support and vote. Indu was chosen as the candidate by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the Lalganj Seat in Azamgarh.
The 44-year old teacher has been working on the ground to spread awareness about the Bahujan Mission among the masses.
Professor Chowdhary is married to Mahendra Pratap Singh, a trained engineer who is also an RTI (Right to Information) activist. The couple is devoted to the Social Movement.
Chowdhary faces a tough battle as she is pitted against Neelam Sonkar of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and Daroga Prasad Saroj of the Samajwadi Party.
While the Samajwadi Party won all the five assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency in the 2022 Assembly elections, the parliamentary seat is currently represented by Sangeeta Azad of the BSP as the party won the seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the Samajwadi Party.
The Bhartiya Janta Party draws confidence from the sizable turnout at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Lalganj. However, the BSP shares a similar sense of assurance, with party supremo Mayawati’s rally also witnessing significant attendance. Moreover, the campaign led by Indu Chowdhary is garnering considerable support, adding to the BSP’s optimism.
The Mooknayak spoke to Professor Chowdhary ahead of the election in her constituency on May 25 to talk about the Bahujan Mission and the Ambedkarite Movement.
Indu Chowdhary, whose family has roots in Ambedkarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, was born and brought up in Lucknow. She went to Lucknow University and joined Benaras Hindu University as an assistant professor in 2007.
Speaking about her encounters with caste discrimination, she says, “In India, it is said that if you do not carry anything, you carry your caste, so before I went to BHU, my caste had reached the campus.” Referring to the incident where her baggage was thrown out of the teachers’ hostel in BHU, she says, “So the very first experience that I got at BHU was related to my caste, and that forced me to face the worst caste discrimination within one year of my joining, and I had to stay one whole night on the road on the BHU campus because of my caste.
The English Professor is not content with receiving a salary for her job and is an epitome of “payback to society” as her spare time is spent spreading the Ambedkarite movement among the masses.
She believes that the root cause of caste discrimination is not merely an institute, but the mentality that is governing the common human being. “I go among the people to sensitize them so that in case they are humiliated, they can respond legally and stand up against caste-based discrimination. I also appeal to them to pay back to society; they should spend at least one day so that they feel empowered.”
Revealing her political foray, the English professor says that after the incident in BHU, she started the ground movement in Azamgarh, and at that time she had no idea that she would one day contest from the region.
“Initially, 20-25 people joined me in the meeting, and now so many people are coming, not only to hear me but also to empower themselves.” Emphasizing her commitment to the ideology of the Bahujan Movement, she says that her focus is on the life and mission of Manyawar Kanshiram and Babasaheb Ambedkar.
“Our primary target is to rejuvenate the Bahujan Mission led by Mahatma Jyotiba Rao Phule, Baba Saheb, Periyar Lalai Singh Yadav.” Talking about the surge of Brahminism among the Dalits, she says that Brahminism was a problem and with the enactment of the constitution, things have changed, although caste conflict still remains a problem.
She asserts that the movement led by Manyawar Kanshiram has empowered the people to the extent that they stand up against atrocities, reply legally to caste discrimination, and the best thing about the Bahujan movement is that the people are feeling empowered and responding to injustices.
The English Professor is not content with receiving a salary for her job and is an epitome of “payback to society” as her spare time is spent spreading the Ambedkarite movement among the masses.
The English Professor is not content with receiving a salary for her job and is an epitome of “payback to society” as her spare time is spent spreading the Ambedkarite movement among the masses.
The BJP has been in power at the center for 10 years and also enjoying power in many states and has to a large extent managed to bring people from the Dalit community under its fold and is consistently striving for the saffronization of Ambedkar and Ambedkarites.
Chowdhary believes that the Ambedkarite movement cannot be influenced by the attempts at saffronization of the community.
“The Ambedkarite movement stands as a revolution, steadfast and resolute. Despite attempts at saffronization to counter our cause, they are destined to falter. The roots of our movement run deep, so much so that even a child of five utters “Jai Bhim” with conviction. Thus, the saffronization of the Dalit community is an endeavor bound for failure. While some may stray, people are ubiquitous, and in due course, they will reclaim their allegiance to our foundational principles”, Indu asserts with much confidence.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Chhatarpur Crime News: Liquor vendors did cruelty to Dalit youth, forcibly made him drink liquor, beat him with kicks and punches and…..
Chhatarpur: Chhatarpur Crime News A case of terrorism by liquor contract company has come to light in Bamitha police station area of Chhatarpur district. Where four goons of the liquor company together picked up a Dalit youth from the road, put him in a car and kept beating him with glass bands in the moving vehicle for 3 hours.
According to the information, 30-year-old Ajuddi Ahirwar (father Gyasi Ahirwar) of Rampura village under Gram Panchayat Otapurwa was going home with raw liquor from Daruva Patel’s house. Just then, a liquor company car was standing on the road. Where four people got down from that car and forcibly overpowered Ajuddi Ahirwar and threw him into the car. After closing the windows of the car, they beat him from Rampura and took him to the highway and from the highway to Bamitha and from Bamitha to Ganj. Where a person was taken inside his house and beaten with kicks, punches and sticks and forced to drink alcohol. When he was satisfied after the beating, he left Rampura village around 10:30 in the night and ran away in the car. Where now he reached Bamitha police station with the villagers at night and lodged a report.
It is being told that the hooliganism of liquor company goons and its discussions are going on in every village. The goons of the liquor company forcefully enter anyone’s house and beat them up. It has become common to commit such crimes. The special thing is that the administration is not paying attention to this.
If people are to be believed, then the police administration should pay attention to this and curb the hooliganism of the liquor company and their goons, otherwise the terror of the liquor company and its goons, with free rein and instigation, will continue to increase with the common people. .
Courtesy: Hindi News.
Dalit man’s house set afire, BJD workers’ role alleged
JAGATSINGHPUR: The house of a dalit family was allegedly torched over election rivalry in Sabhamula village within Jagatsinghpur police limits on Thursday night.
Stones were also reportedly pelted at the family members of the victim Brahmananda Bhoi (50) after he refused to support the candidate of a particular party.
Sources said Brahmananda, his wife Banalata, daughter Sasmita and daughter-in-law Puja were sleeping when some miscreants, alleged to be BJD workers, set their house on fire. When the Bhoi family was trying to douse the fire, the miscreants also pelted stones at them.
Sasmita suffered injuries in the attack and was rushed to the nearby hospital by villagers for treatment. A cow and its calf also suffered burn injuries in the fire. At least three houses were gutted in the incident.
Later, Brahmananda lodged an FIR in Jagatsinghpur police station alleging that local BJD leaders Pradip Das and Purnananda Bhoi were involved in the incident. He claimed Das and Bhoi had tried to persuade his family to vote for the BJD candidate. When he refused, the accused duo threatened his family of dire consequences.
BJD candidate Prasant Muduli and BJP nominee Amarendra Das are locked in a tough battle in Jagatsinghpur Assembly seat. Supporters of both the candidates have intensified their campaigning at the panchayat-level to garner maximum number of votes.
On Friday, BJP candidate Amarendra Das met Brahmananda and his family members. He criticised the local BJD for resorting to violence to intimidate voters.
Jagatsinghpur IIC Gokual Ranjan Dash said basing on Brahmananda’s complaint, police registered a case against Das and Bhoi. The accused duo was arrested and produced in court. Further investigation is underway.
Courtesy : TNIE
The bullies wreaked havoc on the Dalit groom, beat him up and broke the carriage, threw water on the wedding procession from the roofs of the houses
Gwalior (Ankur Jain): A case of cruelty to a Dalit groom has come to light in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. Where it became costly for the groom to take out the wedding procession with the band. The bullies not only beat up the Dalit groom but also broke the carriage in which he was going to pick up his bride. The police have registered a case on the complaint of the groom.
According to the information, the wedding procession of the groom Naresh Jatav had come to Karhiya village of Gwalior on May 21. Angered by the Dalit wedding procession passing in front of the house, the bullies threw him out of the carriage and beat him up. The canopy of the carriage was broken and thrown into the drain, the lights were broken.
The groom and the wedding guests were subjected to caste based abuses. Water was thrown from the roofs of houses on the wedding processions. They entered the procession and fired in the air with guns and knives. The groom’s gold chain was also looted. The aggrieved party in the case has appealed to the SP for justice.
The groom’s brother has filed a case against the accused in Karhiya police station under the Assault and Atrocity Act. A complaint has also been made from the other side. Their allegation is that the wedding guests were looting the notes while dancing. Notes fell on the women and when they refused, the wedding guests started fighting. The police is investigating the matter At present, the police have registered a case against the bullies Sanjay Rawat, Dalbir Rawat, Sandeep and Anil Rawat of Karhiya village in this matter. Also started searching for the accused. Along with this, the police is also investigating this matter.
Courtesy: Hindi News
Jhunjhunu Dalit Youth Murder: Administration Bulldozes Accused’s Properties, Valmiki Community Demands Ex-Gratia and Government Job
One of the accused’s mothers tearfully pleaded, “If my son has done wrong, then kill him, but why punish us by destroying our home? Where will we live now? We don’t even have a roof over our heads.”
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Jhunjhunu- In a significant development following the brutal murder of a Dalit youth by liquor mafias in Surajgarh, the local administration has initiated some stringent actions by demolishing the illegal properties of the accused.
The incident, which occurred on May 14th, involved the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Rameshwar Valmiki, a dalit youth who worked in a cow shed in Baloda village.
Liquor mafias brutally killed Rameshwar by tying his hands and feet, hanging him upside down, and beating him mercilessly.
The assailants recorded the assault and circulated the video on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
The murder has sparked protests by the Valmiki community in Jhunjhunu. The protesters are demanding harsh punishment for the accused, compensation of 50 lakh rupees for the victim’s family, and a government job for a family member. They have also raised concerns about threats to witnesses and the safety of the victim’s family.
To address the public’s demand for justice and to deter criminal activities, Jhunjhunu SP Rajarshi Raj Verma led an operation on Thursday evening, where the illegal properties of two of the accused and another individual connected to the case were demolished.
The police and administration conducted the encroachment removal operation at three locations, targeting the houses of liquor contractor Sushil Jat and accused Praveen Meghwal and Praveen alias PK. These demolitions included both temporary and permanent structures.
These properties were built on encroached pond (Talaab) land. The house of the liquor contractor, whose rivalry led to the murder, was also torn down.
Despite emotional pleas from the families of the accused and villagers, the administration proceeded with the demolition.
One of the accused’s mothers tearfully pleaded, “If my son has done wrong, then kill him, but why punish us by destroying our home? Where will we live now? We don’t even have a roof over our heads.”
The police directed the family to vacate their belongings, leading to a poignant scene as children and women tearfully removed their possessions.
The villagers’ appeals citing their poverty were ignored, and the demolition continued using a JCB machine.
Speaking with the local media, SP Rajarshi Raj Verma stated that as a part of efforts to deter criminals and uphold public trust in law enforcement, the demolition drive has been initiated. The police have identified additional illegal properties owned by the accused, which will be demolished in the coming days.
Earlier, the SP had visited the victim’s family, assuring them of strict and swift action against the accused.
He offered his condolences and assured them that the case would be handled under the Case Officer Scheme, guaranteeing that the accused would receive the harshest punishment. The SP also inspected the crime scene, reaffirming the commitment to justice.
This incident has also led to significant political repercussions. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other leaders have criticized the BJP government for its failure to maintain law and order, accusing it of being preoccupied with media image-building.
Facing immense public pressure, the Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma took cognizance of the incident and ordered the police, administration, and excise department to suspend the liquor license of the accused contractor. Additionally, the illegal properties of the accused in Baloda village were demolished with bulldozers.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Bullied for being Dalit—reservation alone isn’t a fix for a brewing mental health crisis
India’s existing mental health system lacks a cultural understanding of caste and is insensitive to Dalit experiences. Also, many Dalits don’t have the capital for long-term therapy.
Vaibhav Wankhede
The hegemony of the Indian caste system needs no introduction. It has entered all facets of our daily life. Its enduring impact can be seen on newer generations of Dalits who struggle to break out of it. But there’s a mental toll to pay when society is not a caste-free space. The constant battles to “prove yourself” gets a whole new meaning under the shadow of caste.
The “you are different” narrative begins even before school—from kids asking Dalits about their caste to people giving them a look after hearing their surname. And when they aspire for higher education, Dalits encounter innate barriers that seek to show them ‘their place’. From making fun of their ‘accent’ to emphasising their lack of exposure to ‘popular’ norms, the culture in these universities quickly becomes one of gatekeeping, actively keeping Dalits out. For instance, IITs have become a haven for Indian academics and students who are just preserving their caste-based networks.
In 2021, the education ministry told the Rajya Sabha that 63 per cent of undergraduate students who dropped out of the top seven IITs were from reserved categories. In some of these institutes, the dropout rate of SC/ST students was as high as 72 per cent. Among the IITs, IIT Guwahati, with 88 per cent of dropouts from the reserved categories, was the worst.
IIT Bombay’s Darshan Solanki, who died by suicide, highlighted the caste-based discrimination, social exclusion, and academic pressure faced by reserved category students, which leads to feelings of isolation and despair. The suicides of Solanki, Payal Tadvi, and Rohith Vemula are only the tip of the iceberg, given the role systemic exclusion and oppressive structures play in contributing to mental health crises. What compounds the agony is when the system brushes off these deaths as a result of “academic pressure”.
These institutions are not only in denial of casteism and its impact on students but they have played an active role in invisibilising caste. This turns into ‘learned helplessness’ for many first- and second-generation Dalit students In classrooms, which function as a microcosm of society and where biases are unchecked, Dalit students may internalise a sense of powerlessness, hindering their academic achievement and chipping away at their mental well-being.
Even though mental health is being glamourised by celebrities and social media influencers, it is still a taboo for many Indians, especially if the trauma is induced by deep-seated institutional discrimination. The lack of research on caste and mental health has created a glaring hole when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, both in the corporate and educational sectors. Reservation then becomes a much-derided lip service which cannot and will not work without adjustments to the larger picture.
Continued marginalisation
Tired of facing reality, modern Dalits who have anxiety and depression turn to doomscrolling—endlessly scrolling through social media for a dopamine hit—to find relief. But hey, open a news app and there is the regular, now almost daily, fixture of violence against Dalits somewhere. The words ‘Dalit’ and ‘violence’ go together like a lock and key. And if it’s not news about violence, then it’s about social exclusion, discrimination over food and dress, caste-based matrimonial ads, etc. This overwhelming news cycle leads to chronic stress for those already carrying the generational trauma of being powerless.
At work too, Dalits often have to obscure or hide their identity due to the fear of being denied opportunities. This loss of self-esteem and the tendency to internalise a “lowly” status with no outlet to talk about it can lead to long-term consequences.
In a 2020 study titled Caste, Religion, and Mental Health in India, researchers Aashish Gupta and Diane Coffey found that anxiety and depression are higher among Muslims (60 per cent and 51 per cent) and Scheduled Castes (57 per cent and 46 per cent) than dominant Hindu castes (49 per cent and 41 per cent). This highlights the need for research to understand the causes and consequences of mental health disparities in India, and for policies to move beyond redistribution and address discrimination against Scheduled Castes and Muslims.
Recently, in a pre-screening call, a recruiter nonchalantly asked me, “What is your caste?” I was dumbfounded. “Oh, it’s for data and internal purposes only,” she said. I laughed it off because humour is my coping mechanism. But for others who can’t brush it away, it may trigger a spiral into alcoholism, substance abuse or even domestic abuse.
Dalit men, facing constant marginalisation, fall back on the power dynamics within their homes to exert control. This patriarchal structure, present across many cultures, unfortunately, becomes a way to cope with their own powerlessness. This frustration against a discriminatory system is channelled toward women, which manifests as domestic violence. It further marginalises Dalit women who already face societal oppression.
As someone who has witnessed domestic violence first-hand, this is where intergenerational trauma meets gender injustice. Scheduled Caste women experience physical violence at a rate of 41 per cent compared to 26.8 per cent for other women.
The existing mental health system in India often lacks a cultural understanding of caste and is insensitive to Dalit experiences. Also, many Dalits do not have access to capital for long-term therapy.
The silver lining is that some organisations have recognised this gap and work at the intersection of caste and mental health. Harish Sadani’s MAVA (Men Against Violence and Abuse) India is the oldest one. It works toward sensitising young men to gender inequality. There’s also Blue Dawn, which works as a support group and facilitator of mental health services specifically for Bahujans. The WAYVE (Wise Act of Youth Visioning and Engagement) Foundation works to empower Dalit women.
It’s time to promote culturally sensitive campaigns that address the unique challenges faced by Dalits. By fostering a sense of community and empowering Dalit voices, we can dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health.
Vaibhav Wankhede is a creative marketer and writer. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
Courtesy : The Print
Bareilly: Attempt to rape minor Dalit girl after kidnapping her at gun point; Rashid and his father arrested, two other accused absconding
A case of Dalit oppression has come to light from Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh. In this case, four accused from the Muslim community have been accused of kidnapping and attempting to rape a minor Dalit girl. The kidnapping of the girl was apparently done at gunpoint. The family members who went to rescue the victim were subjected to caste based abuses and were given death threats by the accused. The incident took place on Monday (May 20, 2024). Police have arrested 2 accused in the case and search is on for the absconding accused. The matter is under investigation.
This incident took place in Deoraniyan police station area of Bareilly. On Wednesday (May 22, 2024), the victim’s father lodged a complaint in the police station in this regard. In his complaint, he told that there was a program at his house on 20th May. The same night, their 16-year-old daughter was going to her uncle’s house at around 11:30 PM, when the victim met Rashid on the way. He showed a gun to the minor, and took her with him to a garden. Here, the accused molested the minor, and even tried to rape her. It is alleged that Rashid had also called his accomplices Ashfaq and Ishaq’s son Nanne to the spot.
All these accused allegedly tried to take the victim to some other place from there. It is further stated in the complaint that Rashid’s father Nanhe also reached the spot. He started asking the accused to take the victim somewhere far away as soon as possible. Meanwhile, after the victim didn’t reach her home for a long time, her family members, and the relatives who had come to the program, started searching for her. Some people went towards the forest while searching. Before the accused could succeed in taking the victim somewhere else, the girl’s family reached there.
The accused became enraged after seeing the victim’s family members. The accused used Casteist abuses against the victim’s family members and threatened that if any action is taken, they will kill them. The victim’s family members took the help of ‘dial 112’ service of Police and somehow rescued the minor. Seeing the police being called, the accused fled from the spot. While leaving, Rashid showed the gun to the victim’s father and said, “If you open your mouth anywhere, we will kill you
The complainant said he is scared and demanded strict action against the accused. Based on the complaint, the police have registered an FIR under sections 363, 354 (b), 504 and 506 of the IPC along with POCSO and SC/ST Act. Rashid, Ashfaq, Nanhe and Nanne have been named in the FIR.
On Friday (May 24, 2024), the patrolling police force received information about the presence of the accused at one place. They raided the place and arrested Rashid and his father Nanhe. Both have been sent to judicial custody. The search is on for other absconding accused. OpIndia has the FIR copy.
Buddha Purnima Celebrated in Bangladesh with Warm Greetings from the President and Prime Minister
- By Dipen Barua
- May 24, 2024
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vaishakhi Purnima or Vesak Day, is the biggest religious festival for Buddhists and was celebrated across Bangladesh, where it is observed as a public holiday, on 22 May with dignity and solemnity.
Buddha Purnima, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana Shakyamuni Buddha, celebrates these momentous events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in around 2,600 years ago, attained supreme enlightenment at the age of 35, and then attained final nirvana at the age of 80.
During the festival, activities such as lighting lamps, peace processions, religious discussions, morning chanting, congregational prayers, meditation, and worship of the Buddha were conducted in monasteries across the country.
“We Buddhist monks are praying for the happiness and prosperity for humans and all living beings,” said Ananda Mitra Mahathero, the abbot of the Sabujbag monastery in Dhaka. “May humankind live in peace and the nation remain happy.” (Bdnews24.com)
Bangladesh’s president, Mohammad Sahabuddin, and prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, each delivered messages to greet the members of the nation’s Buddhist community.
In his message, the president emphasized that Shakyamuni Buddha had preached a message of equality and friendship throughout his life, with the goal establishing a harmonious and peaceful world.
“People of all religions in this country have been observing their respective religions and rituals with great splendor, which is a bright tradition of the people of this country,” said President Sahabuddin, noting that Bangladesh was a country of communal harmony. (The Daily Star)
President Sahabuddin also highlighted the importance of the Buddha’s philosophy in today’s turbulent and intolerant world, emphasizing its role in establishing peace in society and preventing the degradation of values, war, segregation, and various forms of violence based on religion.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed her sincere greetings to the Buddhist community, and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to maintaining a non-communal spirit. “We believe religion is for individuals while festivals are for all,” she said. (The Daily Star)
The prime minister stated that Shakyamuni Buddha had illuminated the world with his life and actions, demonstrating the values of truth and beauty, while overcoming greed, hatred, and lust.
“In today’s world, it is necessary to follow the teachings of [the] Buddha to suppress the brute force maddened by violence, prevent the degradation of values, and build a peaceful society,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted. (The Daily Star)
The prime minister emphasized her government’s efforts to guarantee a dignified and secure living environment for all communities. She also acknowledged the long-standing contributions of Buddhists in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and expressed hope that everyone would contribute to making the country peaceful by upholding the ideals of Shakyamuni Buddha.
President Sahabuddin and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Sultana, welcomed Buddhists at an afternoon reception held at the president’s residence, Bangabhavan. More than 1,000 people, including guests and diplomats, attended the event. Minister of Religion Md. Faridul Haque Khan, Minister of State for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, Buddhist community leaders, and secretaries from the president’s residence were also in attendance.
Marking the day, national newspapers published articles while Bangladesh Television and private TV channels broadcast special programs highlighting the significance of the festival.
Buddha Purnima: a reason to indulge into a slice of Buddhist heritage in Goa
Buddha Purnima was observed in several parts the World on May 23. This propitious festival marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who then became the Gautama Buddha and the founder of Buddhism. The sacred festival is also referred to as Buddha's birthday, Buddha Day or Buddha Jayanti.
Frazer Andrade
The ancient recorded history of Goa can be traced back as far as possible to the time of the Mauryan empire in India. The Girnar rockcut edicts of the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Pataliputra (Patna) refer to the people of the Konkan and their rules, as the Bhojas who were the vassals of the Maurya empire.
The Western Maurya Kingdom was made up of South Gujarat, coastal Maharashtra, Goa, and approximately half of the North Kanara district. After the Maurya Empire had passed its meridian in the 2nd century BC, its satrap in Aparanta made himself independent. A successor of the imperial Mauryas, founded a dynasty that ruled over the west coast for nearly about four centuries from its capital Shurparaka or modern Sopara. This dynasty came to be known as the Konkan Mauryas. Goa had been referred to as Sunaparant by the Mauryas.
The west coast of India was incorporated into Chandragupta Maurya’s province of Aparanta, and the impact of Magadhan Prakrit which was the official language of the Mauryan Empire, on the local dialects resulted in the formation of early Konkani, as was the case with other Aryan vernaculars. The eighth order of Ashoka discovered in Sopara indicates that during the reign of Ashoka, Buddhist missionaries were active on the West coast. Inscriptions from Goa registering the grant of land to the Buddhist Mahavira of Sivapura have been found in the copper plate of the Konkan Maurya ruler, Chandravarman (500 A.D.). The Bhoja ruler Asamkita of Hiregutti copper plate dated 475 A.D. -525 A.D., also patronized Buddhism. Monasteries were found in Colvalé, Lamgão and Rivona. During this era Buddhism was introduced to Goa.
A sculpture which has been identified as Buddha dating back to 7th Century A.D. was discovered in Rivona and was then acquired by the Goa State Museum. However, this sculpture was in a mutilated condition when found and was lacking its upper portion comprising of its head and shoulder. Hence identifying the sculpture was a difficult task and was often confused with that of Mahavir. Historians, however have been of that opinion that it could be that of Buddha due to the bhumisparsha mudra in which the image had been sculpted.
The cave in Rivona is believed to have been shelter to early Buddhists in the area. It is a huge single chamber with a large opening in the front. Standing in it gives one the feel of standing inside an open jaw. It is a laterite formation which is most likely a natural cave with some visible human interventions. Within the cave one can see a raised plinth (called Pīṭha meaning “sacred seat”), probably used by sages for meditation or preaching.
A native Goan from Rivona named Purna, also known as Punna in Pali, who is said to have been traveled to Sarnath is considered a direct disciple of Buddha, popularized Buddhism in Goa somewhere in 5th century B.C. Traces of Buddhism of the Hinayana sect, belonging to the pre-Christian era have been found at Rivona, Lamgaon, Harvalem and near Priol. According to the Buddhist text of Amavatur and Saddarmaratnakare composed in a later period, Punna, was originally a resident of Sunapurant, identified with the present Goan region from the village of Zambaulim (or Rivona?). Purna was received into the Buddhist fold by Buddha himself and helped spread that faith in this region and further south up to Ceylon.
Purna is reported to have had an impact on the people of Goa, making them a peaceful and benevolent community. It may be noted that the Buddhist monk Dharmarakshita, deputed by the emperor Asoka to the Rashtrakutas and the Bhojas from the Konkan, was a Greek convert to Buddhism.
