A Village with Heritage Values

 

The Kauvadol or Kawa-Dol is a small group of perpendicular granite rock on the top of the peak of the mountain situated about 4 Kilometers south-west of the Barabar Hills in Belaganj Block in Gaya District of Bihar. It is located 24 km from the district headquarters in Gaya. 

The group of rocks situated about 500ft high of a mountain separate from the main group of Hills got its name from a local legend, that a huge block of stone was once lying so well balanced on the existing pinnacle of the hill that it used to rock when a crow alighted on it. But no evidence can prove this statement.

The place was founded by Francis Buchanan in 1811. Later many historians like Alexander Cunningham, joseph David Beglar and many more.

The place is famous among people for its Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic importance. And especially for its connection to the Oscar award.

The term ‘Kawa-Dol’ is mentioned several times by E.M. Forster in his novel ‘A Passage to India’. On which the film of the same name was made in 1984 and was given many awards, including Oscar.

Below the mountain are the ruins of an ancient Vihara which is believed to be of Silabhadra he was the headmaster of Nalanda university and the tutor of the famous 7th-century Chinese Buddhist scholar Xuanzang. 

There is also an 8 ft tall Buddha statue in Bhoomisparsh in a small shrine of the Pala period, dating from the 8th-9th centuries.

The Vihar was first excavated in 1902 Then 13 pillars and a Mandapa were found there. Now we can find 8 standing pillars in good condition. 

Recently, Patna ASI circle excavated the place and found some more pillars, pottery, and walls. The bricks of the walls can be attributed to the Gupta and Pala period.

The whole mountain is carved into the rock walls. On the rocks of the northern and eastern faces of Kawa-Dol hill, numerous figures representing mostly Hindu deities like Mahishasuramardini Durga, Hara-Gauri Ganesa, Gauri Shankar, etc. The sculptures may be assigned to a period between 800 to 1200 A.D.

Idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are scattered all over the village Even the pillars used for the foundation of many houses also appear to be quite ancient.

There is a tomb of Miran Shah Hasam Uddin a few walks away from the Buddhist vihara. Which is very famous among locals. Historians like Francis Buchanan and Alexander Cunningham have mentioned this tomb in their journals. They have also mentioned some carved pillars used in the tombs which are taken from the Vihara. 

Sadly, most people have no idea of this village with historical, religious, and archaeological importance.