By Riya Pradhan
Trade has always been the key that opens the door to progress, connecting cultures, economies, and histories across borders. Bustling trading towns provided the foundation for economic growth. India has witnessed the tales of many such cities which are lost in time. One such city is Bhokardan, once one of the main trade centers under the Satvahana rule is a forgotten town small town in the Jalna district of Maharashtra today. It was an important link in the intricate structure of commerce that connected the Deccan heartland to distant places. However, like many
ancient towns, it sank into oblivion, leaving behind remnants of its vivid past that awaited rediscovery.
Earlier named as Bhogavardhana this city held an important spot in the trade route from Ujjaini in Central India to Paithan, the capital city of the Satvahanas (300 BCE to 400CE). In the year 1958 M.S.Deshpande visited Bhokardan and was quick to realize its historical importance. From 1972 to 1974 a team from Nagpur University headed by Prof. S.B.Deo and Dr. R.S. Gupte excavted Bhokardan 64km from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar ( called Aurangabad earlier).
Multiple texts have mentioned Bhogavardana over centuries. One of the earliest mentions is found in the Markandeya Purana which calls this city a trading centre. A copper plate grant (discovered at Abhona village in Kalvan tehasil, Nashik district) issued by King Shankaragana of Katachchuri dynasty of "Mahishmati" in year 597 CE, mentions "Bhogavardhana" as a province where a village named Vallisika existed. Moreover the inscription records at the Stupas at Baharut and Sanchi also mention receiving donations from people of Bhogavardhana. A particular inscription at Sanchi Stupa mentions that the blacksmiths from Bhogavardhana have made a yakṣhi in ivory in the style of the Begram ivory artisans from Afghanistan.
The twin sister story
The year was 1939, Italian archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri was on the lookout for artifacts in the remains of old Pompeii, believed to have been destroyed by the eruption of a volcano on Mount Vesuvius in the year 79CE. In the ruins, in a grand private house that overlooks Via Dell Abhondanza in island IX of region I, he found a small ivory figurine, measuring merely 24 Cm long. The artifact, which was inside a wooden box stored in a wooden almirah, was in poor condition.
At first glance, he was able to ascertain that the statuette was certainly of Indian origin. Amedeo and Indian archaeologist Moti Chandra both attribute the statuettewith Goddess Lakshmi due to heavy ornamentation, lotus flower pendant and the trident marking on the base. But most archaeologists like Vogel, Rowland and S.K.Sarswati reject this on grounds that images of Gods and Goddesses are extremely rarely depicted on objects of practical uses like hand held mirrors. They assume that the image is of a Yakshini or a courtesan. A lot of speculation was carried out as to the actual location in India, where this stunning piece of art could have been created. It was believed that the art piece originated from Mathura, Ujjain or Vidisha, where there was believed to have been an ivory carver's guild in the first century BCE. The statue became a symbol indicating trade between the Romans and Satvahana empire in the 1st century CE.
The statue was believed to be from Ter region in Maharashtra but after comparison from the remains at Ter this belief was abandoned. When Bhokardhan was excavated the most fascinating find was that the lower half of a female statue, carved round with two female attendants in ivory. In comparing the Bhokardan ivory statuette to one discovered at Pompeii, Prof. G.B.Deglurkar states that both Bhokardan and Pompeii ivories are not just of equal quality standard, although one of Pompeii quality is better maintained. They were also made from the same studio
or workshop. Taking this argument to its next level, we can say that both the statuettes were made by the same ivory craftsman or in other words, Pompeii and Bhokardan beauties, ivory figurines, can be referred to as twin sisters.
Archaeological evidences
While conducting an excavation at this site what was found is that the town was not only an important Satvahana trading centre but its history dates back much more than expected. Bhokardan's Pre-Satavahana era features compact clay and lime flooring. The notable elements of this time at Bhokardan are a "bath room"-like
building built of stone slabs laid together, and coupled with a trench for water drainage. Bricks and tiles were not often used in construction during the Pre-Mauryan and Mauryan eras, according to evidence from several locations. The early phase at these places implies a basic stage of economic development. Industrial activity such as brick and tile manufacture were in their beginnings. However, in the early historic era of Bhokardan, civic activities such as creating soakage wells with clay rings and jars developed gradually. Settlements and development expanded throughout the Satavahana era. Punch marked coins, black and red ware and beads are among the other archaeological evidences of the Pre-Satvahana period at Bhokardan. Semiprecious stones such as as carnelian, agate, and chalcedony were used to make beads on-site. These materials are readily available in the Deccan Trap. However, non local materials lapis lazuli has additionally been discovered. Domestic fowl bones, domestic goat bones, cattle bones, sheep bones, domestic pig, buffalo etc. were abundant in numbers. Along with these, fish, swamp deer and elephant bones were also recovered from this site.
Most of the everyday use objects like Stone grinders, Ladders, Plates, spoons, Lids, earthen pots etc. were discovered. Houses were equipped with neatly designed wastewater drainage systems. Coins which had different shapes and were made of copper, alloys, gold plated were of different king's reigns like Satavahans – shakas- Kardamak and Gupta kings. Numerous varieties of glass, shell and faience (vitrified) beads and some semi-precious stones like carnelian, crystal, agate, chalcedony, jasper, ivory, opal etc. were discovered in different types and sizes. Ivory, conch and particularly copper bangles were discovered in pieces. Prof. Dev's report also speaks about the plenty of ivory objects, both finished and unfinished, and the recovery of ivory pieces from the Bhokardan ruins. From what he saw, he suggests that Bhokardan was certainly a centre of ivory carving.
Tools found
The archaeological excavation at Bhokardan exposed a collection of equipment reflecting the lifestyle and economic practices during the Satavahana times. Of these important finds, there are the iron equipment that was fundamental for use in agricultural works and artisan activities. There are plowshares, sickles, and hoes from this collection of tools, highlighting agriculture as one of the significant practices in the area's economy. The fact that there were iron axes and adzes indicates that woodworking was also an important activity that helped build structures and
buildings. Stone tools such as grinding stones and pestles have been found further indicates the grinding of grains and other food. These tools, apart from highlighting the technological growth of the time, also serve to indicate the resourcefulness and self-sufficiency of Bhokardan's people. The diversity and utility of these tools represent the wide range of economic pursuits that supported the town, from agriculture and woodwork to food processing and craft. A significant discovery is that of a leaf-shaped arrow head, triangular cross-sectioned choppers and iron wire fish hooks. Bhokardan produced chisels of two forms- One is square headed with conical, splayed and beveled edge, and the other lacks a head.
Economic activities
The economy of the town was diversified, with trade, agriculture, and specialized artisan activities being the pioneers. Agriculture was the backbone of Bhokardan's economy. The surrounding fertile lands allowed for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, such as rice, wheat, and millet's. Satavahana rulers employed advanced
irrigation systems, such as tanks and canals, to boost agricultural productivity. This improved both food security and the town's economy, resulting in stability. Charred wheat grain, legume and rice remains indicate the existence of wheat cultivation. The town served as a major trading hub connecting the Deccan area to the Roman Empire.The finds of Roman coins and objects in the region confirm the town's participation in overseas trade. It was especially famous for its cotton fabrics, which were in high demand in Roman markets. The finds of coins showing ships also highlight the significance of sea trade at this time. Trade guilds played a key role in controlling and regulating these commerce activities to facilitate the smooth exchange of goods and services. Bhokardan was also a hub for specialized artisanal activity. Many houses of artisans have been found in excavation, some of them having smooth terraces and some with roofed terraces. The finds of terracotta figurines, pottery, and other objects are evidence of a well-developed artisan industry. These objects reflect the skill and artistry of the local artisans, who made goods for local consumption as well as for trade. The artisans of the town were famous for their elaborate designs and superior craftsmanship, which were much in demand in regional markets.
Culture and religious activities
The archaeological remains at Bhokardan, such as coins, pottery, and terracotta figurines, gives a clear idea of the cultural and religious activities of the town. The presence of Buddhist stupas and viharas and the availability of terracotta figurines and pottery suggest the importance of the town as a religious and cultural hub. The
Bhokardan caves, like the Ajanta and Ellora caves, were religious and cultural centers where monks and scholars met to debate philosophy and religious texts. These discoveries highlight the town's significance in the spread of Buddhist teachings and its contribution to the cultural and religious scene of the Satavahana era. The convergence of different religious and cultural practices within Bhokardan underscores the role of the town as a melting pot of ideas and traditions, which has promoted rich and varied cultural heritage.
Bhokardan was a diverse economic and cultural center during Satavahana period, with its geographic advantage, agricultural fertility, and skilled artisans all playing roles in its prosperity and historical significance. The town's function in commerce, especially with the Roman Empire, and religious importance also make it a significant place in the history of the Deccan region.
REFERENCES
Thakuria, T. and Department of History and Archaeology, North Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus, Meghalaya – 794002, India (2017) 'Society and Economy during Early Historic Period in Maharashtra: An Archaeological Perspective,' Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology, 5, pp. 169–190.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (1979) INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY 1973-74 – A REVIEW. Edited by
B.K. THAPAR.
“यक्षं पूजितं धनं — सायण on RV V.70.4, 'manifestation'; Pompeii yakṣi, कुबेरपत्नी in ivory from Bhokardan (Maharashtra) (no date) (Accessed: February 22, 2025)
Pompeii Laxmi and Twin Sister from Bhokardan (no date).
http://www.akshardhool.com/2018/04/pompeii-laxmi-and-twin-sister-from.html
Kalyanaraman, S. (2024) 'Bhokardan Maharashtra or Bhogavardhana janapada where Pompeii yaksi statuette was made by blacksmiths,' Dcpune [Preprint].
Chandra, Kavikondala. (2009). A Comparative Study of Material Culture found from Excavations at Bhokardan and Paunar.
Deglurkar, G. B. Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute, vol. 53, 1993, pp. 423–28. JSTOR,
http://www.jstor.org/stable/42936464.
