________________
CHAPTER VII
FINE ARTS
Apart from being a great Jaina preceptor the author displays his intricate knowledge about the various fine arts of his time. His observations are not only methodical but critical too and his field covers architecture, sculpture, painting, music, dance and drama.
Architecture
Architecture from the dawn of civilization is co-related to human existence and can be attributed directly towards the progressive growth of the material culture of the people. The author of the NC. has elucidated many an architectural term in clear and simple definition. This information may be classified in two main sections–(i) Religious Architecture and (ii) Secular Architecture.
Religious Architecture-Any architectural structure constructed in connection with religion or religious sentiments can be termed as religious architecture. It included various structures like cetiya ( caitya ), thūbha ( stūpa ), leņa, thambha ( stambha ), devakula, devāyatana, pratimā gļha etc.
Cetiya or caitya was a distinctive feature of the Buddhist 1
1. Giving the Buddhist version regarding the origin of tho caityas I
Tsing informs us that when the Great Teacher, the world honoured entered into Nirvāna, and men and gods assembled together to burn his remains in the fire, people brought there all kinds of perfumes until they made a great pile which was called 'kiti' ( citi) meaning piling'. Derivod from this we have afterwards the name Kaitya ( Caitya )".Takakusu, op. cit., p. 121.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
