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Treasures of Jaina Bhandāras
females on three sides of each, from such a Grha Caityas are in the collections of the L. D. Institute, Ahmedabad (Cat. no. 581-582). These are illustrated in 182183. They date from c. sixteenth century A.D. and are important for study of history of dance traditions in Gujarat and W. India as a whole. Some of these postures are comparable with Odissi dance traditions.
Of about the same age there are beautifully carved wooden-panels in this Institute. fig. 187 illustrates a beautiful long panel with some unidentified scenes from Jaina mythology. Fig. 186 is a detail from this panel showing the Wheel (Cakra) of law (Dharma-cakra) of Jina being transported in a chariot. It probably respresents the cakra-ratna of a world-conqueror (cakravartin) of Jaina mythology. The panel (fig. 186) shows highly advanced skill in wood-carving in Gujarat. Fig. 160 illustrates a row of five Tirtharkaras enshrined in niches with Illikā-valaya-torana arches on top of decorated pillars. The panel is not later than c. 16th century A.D. and is probably earlier.
One more panel, representing perhaps a scene from the life of Neminātha is illustrated in fig. 149 from the collections of the L. D. Institute. It is later and might date from c. late seventeenth century A. D.
Umakant P. Shah
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