Jain Journal 1989 07

SR No.: 520095
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 40
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 36

JULY, 1989
image being a product of the 10th century A. D., name Adina has been derived from Adinatha); Santinatha from Rajpara in Midnapur, Ujani in Burdwan, Pakbira in Purulia, Ciada and Citgiri in Bankura ; Parsvanatha from Deulbhira, Biharinath hill, Dharapat, Bahulara, Barkola and Ciada in Bankura, Pakbira, Baram and Lathondungri in Purulia, Kantabene and Nalgora in 24 Parganas, inscribed image (date Sam.1110) from Azimganj in Murshidabad; inscribed Vasupujya image in Rajasthani script from Sagardighi ; Candraprabha from Pakbira, in Purulia ; Aranatha from Deoli in Purulia; Neminatha from Malkah, Murshidabad and Pakbira; Ajitanatha from Barkola in Bankura and Pakbira in Purulia.
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Images of Mahavira and the Sasanadevatas like Ambika or Amra or Kusmandini and Padmavati (Jaina prototype of Brahmanical Manasa and Buddhist Janguli) have been from several places in West Bengal. Of these, Ambika of Ambikanagar and Bankura, one such image in bronze from Nalgora in 24 Parganas, Padmavati from the same district (preserved in the State Arch. Gallery, West Bengal) as well as seated images of two Sasanadevatas (in one slab), probably identifiable with Ambika and Cakresvari with babies in their laps and the four Tirthankaras with their emblems carved in the pedestal from Natai in Midnapur and ascriable to c. 9th century A. D. (also preserved in the State Arch. Gallery) are very interesting and unique of their kind. As inscribed image of Rsabhanatha, belonging to 10th-11th century A.D., refers to the gift of a certain lay Jaina worshipper (Sravaka) has recently been collected from the district of Purulia.
The Tirthankara images, as found in Bengal, are mostly in the käyotsarga pose, and they generally belong to 10th-11th century A. D. Some 12th century Jaina images have also been found here. In the 'Nahar collection' there is a Jaina image, which is dated in the 15th century A.D. While some of these images are still to be found in Jaina centres in West Bengal, others are now being preserved in the Galleries of the Indian Museum, Varendra Research Society Museum, Vangiya Sahitya Parisad Museum, Archaeological Directorate of West Bengal and the Asutosh Museum. Besides Museums, there are some Private collections in West Bengal which are rich in Jaina antiquities.
Select Bibliography
1. Jacobi, H., ed, Ayaranga Sutta (S. B. E. Series Vol. 22).
2. Bagchi, P. C., 'Vangadese Jaina Dharmer Prarambha', V. S. P. P., 1346 B.S. (in Bengali).