Kampil in Ancient Indian Literature: A Textual and Cultural Analysis Across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain Traditions

Abstract

The ancient town of Kampil positioned in modern Uttar Pradesh India comprises substantial historical values which spark interest in ancient Bharatian literature. The historical texts refer to this present- day town by its name Kampilya although it served as the center of Panchala kingdom where multiple Hindu Buddhist and Jain traditions flourished. This research studies textual evidence from Indian scriptures about Kampil which exists across the Mahabharata, Puranas and Buddhist and Jain scriptures and Vedic texts to demonstrate its extensive importance while emphasizing its cultural and historical value. The special religious importance Kampil holds within Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions establishes a major part of its cultural importance. Hindu texts identify Kampil as the royal city of King Drupada where they establish its most important connection through the birthplace of Draupadi. The Puranas authorize its importance by showing the site functioned as a Vedic educational center focused on religious traditions. According to Buddhist texts including Jataka Tales and Mahavamsa the ancient city of Kampil was one of the locations where the Buddha traveled which demonstrates its central importance for religious practices. According to Jain texts Kampil  earned its elevated status because Bhagwan Vimalanatha chose it as his appearance spot on earth as the 13th Tirthankara. The project demonstrates how Kampil attained eternal importance as a nexus of politics along with religious and scholarly activities through a multi-source study. The analysis shows how various ancient records developed Kampil's cultural memory into an important historical and sacred location of Indian civilization by  studying their collective representation.