Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

SR No.: 001596
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ramvallabh Somani
Publisher: Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan Jaipur
Publication Year: 1982
Total Pages: 350
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Art, & History
File Size: 17 MB

Page 101

94
]
Ukshipta or Kshipta Lumbikas and similar other decorative elements became the chief characteristics of Shvetambar Jain temple architecture.
A large number of Jain temples were built in Rajasthan. Additions and alterations to these continued to be made by devotees. As already stated in Chapter I sometimes Deyakulikas were added to a temple by different persons. A good number of inscriptions are also available concerning minor constructions like pillars, Chatuskika (Chowki), Ranga-Mandap etc. In the Vimal Vasati the Ranga-1 Mandap was added in V.E. 1206 (1149 A.D.). Similarly the Meghnad-Mandap in the Ranakpur temple2 was built by a family from Usmanpur (Gujarat) in V.E. 1611 (1554 A.D.) much after the temple itself.
Installation of Pattas was also popular. Originally these were prepared on canvas with line drawings or colour paints. There are a number of literary texts which support this. But paintings on canvas were short lived and had to be replaced every few years. Therefore canvases were replaced by stone and similar scenes and motifs were engraved on this more lasting medium. Many Jain inscriptions from nearly all parts of Rajasthan concern installation of idols. Besides images of the Tirthankaras, Shashandevatas, and Acharyas, sculptures with a secular theme were also carved. Among these, sculptural portraits of the royal family of Vastupal and Tejpal installed in the Lunig Vasati of Abu and of Shresthi Lalig and Bijad of Mandor available in the Vimal Vasati are noteworthy, We give below a brief account of the major Jain temples of Rajasthan.
Western Rajasthan:
It is believed that the regular intrusion of various tribes from north-western India brought with them the influence of the Gandhar school, which left its impress on the local art. This trend is
1. 2.
Abu II p. 72 Jin Vijay No. 312