Kahaum pillar
Kahaum pillar is an structure located in Khukhundoo in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The pillar was erected in the 5th century during the reign of Skandagupta. The pillar has carvings of Parshvanatha and other tirthankars with Brahmi script.
Description
Kahaum pillar is a grey-sandstone that was erected during the reign of Skandagupta, Gupta Empire by a Jain ascetic named Madras. According to inscription of the pillar, the pillar was erected in the Jyeshtha month of year 141 of the Gupta era.There is a on the pillar with writing with characters belonging to eastern variety of Gupta alphabet similar to that of Samudragupta inscription of Allahabad Pillar. The inscription is written in Sanskrit language, and written in verses except for the first word, siddhaṁ. The inscription defines reign of Skandagupta as peaceful and describes him as "commander of a hundred kings". The inscription also has an adoration to Arihant of Jainism.
There is carving of five Jain Tirthankara in kayotsarga posture — one in a niche square face, two below the circular stone and two on the pinnacle of the column. These images are identified to be of Rishabhanatha, Shantinatha, Neminatha, Parshvanatha and Mahavira. According to inscription, these images were carved by Madra who is described as devotee of dvija, guru and yati.