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 220

198
History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā
Gupta period.267 Other museums in India and abroad, too, do not seem to possess Jaina sculptures of Mathurā of the Gupta period in considerable numbers.268
The Jaina sculptures of the Gupta period discovered at Mathurā consist of twenty-five tīthamkara images in the seated meditative mudrā, six tīrthařkara images in the standing meditative mudrā, twenty-three detached heads of tīrthařkara figures, and some fragmentary pieces.289 It is, thus, evident that as in the Kuşāņa period so in the Gupta period the images of the jinas in the seated posture were more popular than those in the standing posture.
The Jina figures of Mathurā: The Gupta period
The cognizances or lāñchanas of the various tīrthamkaras did not evolve even in the Gupta period.270 Therefore, the figures of the jinas have been recognised on the basis of inscriptions, hair styles, attendants and serpentcanopy.271 It appears that images of only three jinas — Rşabha,272 Nemi273 and Pārsva274 — were carved at Mathurā during the Gupta period. The figures of Rşabha have been identified on the basis of locks of hair,275 and inscription incised on the figure.276 The figure of Neminātha has been identified on the basis of his representation in the company of Krsna and Balarāma,277 and
267. JAA, 1, p. 107. 268. Ibid. 269. Ibid., p. 108. 270. Ibid., p. 116; R.C. Sharma, Jaina Sculptures ..., op.cit., pp. 145-6. 271. Ibid. 272. MM nos. B. 6, B 7: JUPHS, III, p. 18; JPV, p. 50; JAA, I, p. 108. 273. SML nos. J.89, J.121; JAA, I, pp. 108, 109; JPV, p. 50. 274. SML no. J. 100; JAA, I, p. 109; JPV, p. 50. 275. MM nos. B. 6, 268; JUPHS, III, pp. 18, 22. 276. Ibid., B. 6, 268; Ibid.p. 22. 277. SML no. J.121; JPV, p. 50.