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APRIL, 1986
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upper part of the body. This deep concavity on the two sides of the upper part of the body is deeply pronounced, and runs in opposite folds through the waist and heightened hip curves. This deep concave curve produces a forward thrust on the chest. This forward thrust, though not accompanied with this pronounced side curves, may also be seen in the Orissan sculptures.
There appears also some other subsidiary stylistic features, that have close parallel in the Orissan or central Indian sculptural art. In somewhat late period, the attendant cauri-figures of a number of images show a straightened gait producing a back twist and twisted gesture (Pl. 14, No. 41 frontal effect is shown) in place of rhythmic flexions of the Bengal and Bihar sculptures of the Pala period. This shows close resemblance with the stance of Orissan surasundarī and the amorous female figures of the central Indian temples.
But this concave side curvature of the Pakbirra sculptures seems to have been a basic formula in the modelling of image figures which is almost, invariably, present in Manbhum and Singhbhum sculptural art (Visnu from Benisagar, and seated Matrka images, Seraikella, Singhbhum District, Bihar).85 This feature may also be found, in a wide area, as far as Champapur, Bihar (standing Rsabhanatha image). 86 While the Singhbhum images show robust, heavy and stunted stature, the Champapur image appears to be slender, delicate and fully grown. The earthiness in the Pakbirra images have never had robustness or heaviness as that of the Gaya, Shahkund or Singhbhum images. Whatever crudity or aesthetic loss may be encountered in some of the Pakbirra images, the predilection towards soft and delicate chiseling has never been lost sight of.
85 Asher, op cit., pls. 102 and 206. 86 Ibid., pl. 200.
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| SR No. | 520082 |
| Book Title | Jain Journal 1986 04 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Jain Bhawan Publication |
| Publisher | Jain Bhawan Publication |
| Publication Year | 1986 |
| Total Pages | 75 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India |
| File Size | 5 MB |