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Jaina Art and Architecture at Mathurā
depiction of his attendant Balabhadra in one of the figures.278 The figure of Pārsvanātha has been identified on the basis of the seven-hooded serpentcanopy over the head.279 The four-fold jina figures lost popularity in the Gupta period. These images became rare.280 Only one four-fold jina image of the Gupta period has come to light at Mathurā.281 This image forms part of the collection of Government Museum, Mathurā.282 Another near-contemporary four-fold jina figure discovered at Mathurā belongs to the seventh-eighth century AD. 283
Characteristic features of the jina figures of Mathurā: The Gupta period
The jina figures of Mathurā belonging to the Gupta period do not depict the lāñchanas of the jinas. But some guidelines had been laid in respect of the carving of the jina figure. Varāhmihira tells:
The distinguishing features of a jina figure are its long hanging arms, the śrīvatsa symbol, the peaceful appearance of form, youthful body and nudity.284
Nudity is one of the characteristic features of the jina figures carved at Mathurā during the Gupta period.285 The seat depicted in the pre-Gupta jina figures of Mathurā was plain.286 The character of the seat of the Jina changed
278. SML no. J.89; JAA, I, p. 108. 279. JPV, p. 50. 280. JAA, I, p. 116. 281. JPV, p. 50. The quadruple jina image (MM no. B.68) assigned to the Gupta period by
Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari belongs to the Kuşāņa period. See JUPHS, III, p. 11. 282. MM no. B.68; JUPHS, III, p. 11. 283. MM no. B.75; JAA, I, p. 108; JUPHS, III, pp. 21-2. 284. JI, p. 27 fn 2. 285. R.C. Sharma, Jaina Sculptures. .., op. cit., figures 3, 10, 11. 286. JAA, I, p. 111.
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