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and indicate a greater precision and accuracy in the cutting, though the plan, in spite of the beauty of embellishment, lacks pre-determination and appears haphazard or improvised in nature. Yet, with their extant paintings of a classical nature they form an important group in the artistic heritage of India' [Srinivasan, K. R.: 191-92].
8.4.3.6. James Furgusson and James Burgess, pioneers to discuss about the Jaina cave temples at Bādāmi, Aihole, Patna, Chamar Lena, Bhamer, Bamcandra, Elura, Dhārāśiva, Aņkāi Tankai, Gwalior, in their concluding remarks have opined that "the Jains never were cave excavators" [Furgusson and Burgess : 510]. They felt that the Jains took to caves only after the Buddhists and Brahmins initiation. But, it is an established fact that Jains were the fore runners even to Buddhists in making caves as their abode of penance. Further, it is clear that they have not taken notice of the Jaina caves of Udaigiri, Khandagiri in Orissa, ancient caves in Tamilnadu, and Rāmagiri in Andhradeśa. Jainism localised at Śravaṇabelagola, Koppala, Nandagiri etc., in natural caves and caverns suitable for friars, and spread far and wide from 3rd cent. B.C., and carved out for itself very many significant seats in the premedieval milieu and paved avenue for magnificent edifices. The Santara monuments
8.4.4. The Santaras, who ruled a compact principality of Santalige-1000, were more congenial for the growth of Jainism, which is attested by a number of epigraphs and magnificent monuments. Vikrama Sāntara (895-935) augmented the glory of the dynasty, with fantastic rapidity, to form a notable dominion bearing an authentic stamp of the art and architecture. The sanctuaries and monasteries raised during the hegemony of the Raṣṭrakūṭas, in and around their territory show the influence and architectural generalities of their overlords with a tinge of local elements, bearing a stamp of the Gangas.
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