Jaina Sculptures of the Gupta Age in the State Museum Lucknow

SR No.: 250164
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R C Sharma
Publisher: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_
Total Pages: 13
Language: English
Classification: Article & Art
File Size: 4 MB

Page 17

JAINA SCULPTURES OF THE GUPTA AGE : 155 points turned inwards. This is followed by another band showing vertical lines and the fourth one consists of more rows of larger lotus petals. The fifth band displays an undulating creeper with curling leaves. The sixth band consists of a twisting ornamental rope with six rosettes at regular intervals. The eighth band which is the last and outer band represents an ornamental rope showing a diamond cut pattern. This has got eight rosettes at regular intervals. Each of these rosettes has a hole in the centre which may point out the possibility of giving some additional support to bear the heavy load of the umbrella. At present this umbrella has been installed over two Tirthankara images in the Jaina Hall of the Archaeological section in this Museum. The material is red sand stone and it measures 4.10" in diameter. It was found from the Jail mound at Mathura. .... (It is not possible to take the photograph of this piece owing to its present odd location.) 48-184 Slab showing a nude Jina standing in meditation. He has curly hair and elongated ears. His right hand is damaged and the lower portion detached. The mark of Srivatsa is also not visible at present. The museum records identify the deity as Mahavira but there is no cognizance without which it is not possible to give a correct identification. The sculpture may be assigned to the late 6th century A.D. The material is buff-coloured sand stone and it measures 2'x101". It was acquired from Rajaghata, Varanasi. (Fig. 10.) 49-199 Slab showing the Jina Ajitanatha standing in Kayotsarga pose. The pedestal represents his Lanchana, i. e., elephants who are standing face to face. Curiously enough the forehead of the deity is marked with a flower-shaped Tilaka ? The mark of the Srivatsa has not been given at its proper place, while the halo has been shown by an incised line. On the whole the image has been crudely modelled. It may be assigned to the late 6th or early 7th century A.D. The material is buff-coloured sand stone and it measures 3' x 10". It was acquired from Varanasi. (Fig. 11.) The Museum possesses some fine Tirthankara heads which bear the characteristics of the Gupta age as described above. I do not deem it necessary to describe them.* * Photos by Shri P. C. Little.