Unravelling Paunar

Abstract

Paunar has become a site of contention in the field of archaeology ever since the discovery of sculptures during the construction of the Vinoba Bhave ashram. The disputes surrounding this site primarily revolve around three key aspects: the nomenclature of the place, the interpretation of the images found, and their stylistic attributes. Divided into an introduction and five sections, this paper aims to shed light on these controversies. The first and third sections delve into the discourse regarding the identification of Paunar as Pravarapura, a name prominent in eastern Vakataka copper-plate inscriptions. The central question addressed in these two sections is whether Paunar can truly be equated with Pravarapura or if it was situated elsewhere. The second and fourth sections focus on a reassessment of the religious identity and nomenclature of the discovered images. Lastly, the fifth section investigates the origin of the images themselves, aiming to determine whether they bear an indigenous regional affiliation or if they were introduced from either the northern or southern regions of India. By delving into these aspects, this paper seeks to contribute to the discourse surrounding Paunar, ultimately aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of its historical significance and cultural context.