Pune: Ancient 16th-Century Inscription Discovered at Munjoba Mahadev Temple Sheds Light on Junnar’s Cultural Heritage

Narayangaon, 5th June 2025: In a remarkable find that could reshape the historical narrative of Pune district’s Junnar taluka, an ancient stone inscription has been discovered at the Munjoba Mahadev Temple, nestled along the banks of the Meena River near Narayangaon, just east of the Pune-Nashik Highway. The inscription, etched in Devanagari script with traces of Sanskrit, is believed to date back to 6 October 1592, offering a rare glimpse into the social, religious, and cultural life of the region during the late 16th century.

The stone slab, though partially weathered and damaged at the corners, features a rectangular layout with finely etched, consistent lettering, reflecting the craftsmanship of its time. However, decades of exposure to natural elements have caused some characters to fade, making parts of the text difficult to interpret.

The inscription was brought to light by local historian Anil Dudhane, with crucial support from Amol Bankar, Amol Punde, and Saurabh Mandalik, who assisted in deciphering and documenting the discovery.

According to Dudhane, the inscription begins with a religious invocation and features a blend of Marathi and Sanskrit, showcasing archaic forms of certain letters. The text narrates that a man named Baji from Narayangaon donated all the banyan and lemon trees on a hill to an individual named Mandev, intended for public welfare as part of a religious offering.

“What makes this discovery especially significant,” Dudhane noted, “is the mention of Baji Bankar, believed to be from the Mali community. This could be the earliest known historical reference to the Bankar surname in such a context, and it underscores the deep-rooted tradition of community identity and public philanthropy in the region.”

Scholars highlight that this act of tree donation for public good is not only a gesture of religious merit but also an example of environmental consciousness and communal values prevalent during the Burhan Nizam Shah era. The mention of specific tree species—banyan and lemon—also reflects the close relationship between society and nature at the time.

The discovery adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of Junnar’s layered history, known for its ancient Buddhist caves, forts, and rich agrarian legacy. “This isn’t just a religious marker,” Dudhane explained, “but a window into the past—one that tells us about land usage, social structure, and religious motivations more than 430 years ago.”

The team plans to propose the preservation of the inscription and push for its official recognition as a protected heritage artifact. They also aim to collaborate with archaeologists and linguists for further study and documentation.

As efforts to conserve regional heritage grow, discoveries like this at Munjoba Mahadev Temple underline the importance of local history in understanding the broader socio-cultural evolution of Maharashtra.