Jain Journal 2014 07

SR No.: 520295
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2014
Total Pages: 90
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 7 MB

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Ancient Jaina Art and Architecture
Dr. Renuka Porwal*
The Indian art history is well preserved in its cultural trends and religious thought expressed through art objects, shrines, and literature. The contribution of Jainas towards art and architecture is amazing in view of the magnificent artistic creations in the form of stupa, cave-temples, shrines, images, wall paintings, miniature paintings, murals, etc.
Art is an integral part of society and culture in all the civilizations of the world. The craftsman is able to communicate his theme of particular art object through its outer look by creating manifestation of feelings/Bhāva in his creation. The significant aspect of the same is the aesthetic experience i.e. Rasa, which is created by their visualization. The conspicuous feature of Jain art is its meaningful purpose to invoke precise emotions in its viewers. The artists of Indian schools have maintained their art and aesthetic standards by conveying the message of ethics, comprehended by seers and philosophers, through their creations. This is the reason while adoring peaceful liberated Tirthankara images, one feels calmness and serenity.
It would be relevant to make a general view of all aspects related to ancient art and architecture in its historical and archeological frame work with special reference to Jain stupa at Mathura.
Jaina antiquity is scattered at many places in the world. The prehistoric sites of India does not give a clear picture about a particular faith as both the ancient traditions-Vedic and śramaņa, share common aupspicious symbols like Swastika, śrivatsa, a pair of fish, etc. besides the process of meditation. A headless red stone statute from
*. Research Scholar, Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur, M. P.