Hero-Stones: Symbols of Commemorations and Sacrifices

Abstract

Traditions connected with heroism are universal and content, irrespective of the country or region to which they belong. So, keeping in the tract of this context an attempt has been made to study and evaluate one such dimension and usage of stones which were popularly known as memorial stones or hero stones. The whole concept behind the hero stone had a majestic representation of the people at the community level. A memorial stone in its basic conception is commemorative in character, raised in memory or honor of the dead, it also keeps alive or revives the memory of the deceased and his form of death. This paper tries to identify the main reason behind the erecting of the hero stones. The study not only elaborates on their social and religious practice but their attitude of acknowledging and accounting for the records for the next generation to follow. Moreover, the whole theory of life after death can also be greatly expounded through these hero stones. The iconography is sometimes very suggestive or symbolic. Generally, the hero stones have panels that depict his cause of death [battlefield, cattle raids, etc], then he is taken to heaven by apsaras and finally shown worshipping his deity. Through this type of study, we can also throw light on the art history of various castes, clans, or communities. The emotions behind self-sacrifice are integrity and loyalty towards, mother earth, community, master, or relatives. An in-depth analysis and study will certainly help in exploring a wide area of information. Hero stones in their right spirit do bring into light the social history and the recorded history of all those heroes who missed their place in our study of history. It does mark the tradition of ‘Duty Before Self’.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46700/asssr/2023/v5/i1/223397