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Jaina Art and Architecture at Mathurā
Second Century BC to Eleventh Century AD
THERE is no room for the worship of a Creator God in the philosophy of Jainism. Yet, during the course of about 2500 years the Jainas have produced innumerable images and numerous shrines in honour of the tīrthamkaras in various parts of India. Mathurā – the principal seat of Jainism in north India in the early centuries of the Christian eral and the oldest and most renowned centre of Jaina art -developed as the leading centre of Jaina art and architecture even before the beginning of the Christian era. This city played a significant role in the development of Jaina iconography. In fact, the history of Jaina iconography is intimately connected with the history of Jaina iconography of Mathurā.
Character of the Jaina art of Mathurā
Archaeological excavations have brought to light a large number of Jaina antiquities, sculptural as well as architectural. The study of this immense archaeological material has highlighted the fact that the Jaina art of Mathurā was not sectarian in character. As elsewhere in India, the Jaina art of Mathurā bore a striking resemblance with the Hindu and Buddhist art.5
1. CMHI, II, p. 355. 2. ISP,p.1. 3. Ibid. 4. IGI, II, p. 110; SIJA, p. 3; JS, Introduction, pp. 1-6. 5. JAA, I, Editorial, pp. 3ff.
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