History of Jainism

SR No.: 006741
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: U K Sharma
Publisher: D K Print World
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 304
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 210

188
History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā quadruple images were installed on a silā-stambbha, i.e., a pillar.177
Many images of the Kuşāņa and post-Kuşāņa period represent Neminātha in the company of Krsna and Balarāma. One such image of the late Kuşāņa period shows Balarāma with seven hoods and four hands; the upper right hand holds a hala (plough), the lower left hand being akimbo.178 VāsudevaKrsna carries in the upper left hand a gadā (mace) and a cakra (wheel) in the upper right hand. 179 This image also contains representation of the leaves of vetasa tree, the kevala-tree of Neminātha. 180
Evaluation of the tīrthamkara images of Mathurā: The Kuşāna period
The tīrthařkara images of Mathurā belonging to the Kuşāņa period look cold and frozen.181 They are devoid of expression and grace.182 These images present a stark contrast to the sublime gentleness and serene grace of the figure of the Buddha, and to the divine grace and lavish charm of the images of the Hindu gods.183 They are characterised by puppet-like rigidity, primitive nakedness 184 and uniformity of pattern.185 These images are generally stiff in pose. 186 They have open eyes, 187 and sometimes even the eye-balls can be seen in these figures.188 These tīrthamkara images have heavy shoulders and
177. SML no., J.234; MCH, p. 353. 178. JUPHS, III, MM no. 2502. 179. Ibid. 180. Ibid. 181. H. Zimmer, op. cit., p. 15. 182. JAA, I, p. 67. 183. H. Zimmer, op. cit., p. 151. 184. Ibid., p. 132. 185. JAA, I, p. 37; HOFA, Introduction, p. 11. 186. Ibid., p. 67; SIJA, p. 12; MCH, p. 339. 187. MS, p. 23; MCH, p. 339. 188. Ibid., ibid.