Development And Impact Of Jainism In India And Abroad

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Arham Spiritual Center

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JAIN IMAGES (IDOLS) OF INDIA IN MUSEUMS ABROAD
Jain Philosophy retaining the basics and uniformity. This was a decisive turn. All those Tirthankaras who have conquered over the senses (sensual pleasures) were termed "JINENDRA" and their followers are (called) known as JAINS. Although the ancientness of Jainism is the subject matter of separate research, nevertheless, in the origin and development of Indian culture & civilization and upliftment thereof, Jainism has contributed by playing important role.
Although Tirthankaras are 24 in number, each one has Yaksha and Yakshi in the form of Shasan Devta (Deities - Cellestial beings protecting Jaina Administration - Sovereignty and Glory). There is key contribution in Art pieces, Architectural engraving, Architectural volumes, Tales and epics etc. In Foreign Museums, there are images (idols) of Jaina Deities controlling & Protecting Jain Administration & Sovereignty (Shasan Devta), (Yaksha and Yakshis), Yakshi Chanda (Gandhari) Yakshi Ambika, (Yaksha Dharanendra), Yakshi Padmavati, Saraswati, Yakshi Dhruti, Yaksha - Yakshi couples, Yakshi Sulochana, Yakshi Nilanjana etc. Besides there are idols of Parents of Jina. In the background of creation of this type of Art pieces, there is an inspiration and imagination Power of Architect as also Literary annotation. The Artpieces include Jain Tirthankaras' parents, holders / keepers of Chamar, Dual Tirthi, Triple Tirthi, Five Tirthis as also a set of 24 Tirthankaras in the format of Canvas based pictures.
In Victoria & Albert Museum at London, Two idols (images) of Lord Adinath have been exhibited. Out of these two images one was brought there obtaining from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh - India which, despite (though) in defective state, is of topmost standard. This idol is shown as of 6th Century A.D. on the basis of its style. In the mediated form of this image of Lord Adinath, there is a high standard (level) of Architectural engravement. The another image in static (placement) Meditation form was obtained from Mathura, which is an artwork of great importance of "Kushan Art". One idol (image) of each of Lord Shantinath, Lord Neminath, Three idols of Lord Parswanath, one of Yakshi Ambika Deity, and one image of deity holding "Chamar" is exhibited, which was obtained from a place called Narhar near Pilani in Rajasthan-India. This image/idol is the best Artwork of "Chahman Art". This image contains a write up of Vikram Samvat 1224 i.e. 1167 A.D. A Bronze metalled (Alloyed) idol of the Lord Neminath was obtained from Gujarat on the basis of Style it was of 10th century A.D. The engravement on Architecture on this idol indicating Parswa Tradition (Parswachaar) is specially worth mentioning.
The best Idol of Lord Parswanath was Honourably placed with rituals performed, in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. The image was based on style and its was of the period 7th century A.D. Another image of Lord Parshwanath is important (art) work of Chalukya Arts obtained from South. This idol is engraved in the Meditation form (stature) and is created in 12th century A.D. The third idol is of Parswanath Temple of Gulbarga. This idol is created in 12th century A.D. and having on its footrest engraved write ups.
An image of Yakshi Ambika, exhibited in Victoria & Albert Museum of London, is obtained from Odisha (Orissa) in India. This image relates to 12-13th century A.D. and is of
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