Welcome to the enchanting village of Sunari, nestled in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. This small village has captured the attention of archaeologists and historians due to its rich Buddhist antiquities. Join us as we embark on a journey through time, unravelling the mysteries of Sunari and its connection to the Hemavata School of Buddhism.
Discovery and Significance:
In 1951, the renowned archaeologist Alexander Cunningham discovered the Buddhist treasures of Sunari during his explorations in the area. The village’s name, Sonari, is believed to be derived from Suvarnari, meaning the “golden wheel” – a revered symbol in Buddhism. The relics found in Sunari indicate that it was an important centre for the Hemavata school, which dispatched Buddhist missionaries to the Hemavata regions after the Third Buddhist Council.
The Hemavata School:
Sunari is part of a Buddhist circuit that includes other nearby sites such as Sanchi, Satdhara, Murel Khurda, and Andher. Remarkably, all these sites have yielded relics associated with the teachers of the Hemavata school. This suggests a close connection between these locations, forming a hub for the Hemavata School’s teachings. According to historian Willis, the Hemavatas arrived at Sanchi in the mid-second century BCE, taking over existing sites and establishing new monastic centres at Sunari, Morel Khurda, and Andher.
Conservation Efforts:
Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of Sunari, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) initiated conservation activities in 1978. The ASI focused on restoring Stupa 1 and 2, which had suffered a partial collapse. Debris clearance and masonry resetting were carried out, followed by the conservation of the monastery attached to Stupa 1. Similar efforts were undertaken for Stupa 3 and 4 in subsequent years.
Stupa No. 1:
The grandeur of Sunari unfolds with Stupa No. 1, the largest stupa in the village. It is situated within a square courtyard and stands on a raised terrace, supported by a cylindrical plinth. The stupa, with a diameter of 48 feet, once boasted ornate railings adorned with lotus medallions similar to those found in Sanchi. Inscriptions on the pillars reveal the names of donors who supported their construction. Excavations led by Cunningham unveiled a relic chamber beneath the stupa, although nobody relics were discovered.
Monastery and Stupa No. 2:
A monastery believed to be a multi-story structure, was built in the southwest corner of the Sunari enclosure. Only the ground floor remains today, but it likely housed residential quarters for the monks. The monastery’s entrance can be accessed via a flight of stairs at the northeast corner. Stupa No. 2, located within an enclosure, was the first stupa encountered upon entering Sunari. Fragments of a railing indicate that it was once adorned and venerated. Cunningham’s excavations revealed a relic chamber containing a steatite vase and several relic caskets, now scattered across different museums.
Conclusion: Sunari, with its rich Buddhist heritage, serves as a testament to the historical and spiritual significance of the region. The ongoing conservation efforts by the ASI ensure that these ancient relics and structures are preserved for generations to come. Exploring Sunari offers a unique opportunity to delve into the profound teachings and architectural marvels of the Hemavata School, leaving visitors captivated by the village’s timeless allure.