ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 291

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Mahabharata, Jātakas, Yugpurāṇa, Māyāmata, Manasara, Samaränga-sutradhara etc. For architecture and the construction of houses there used to be architects or engineers. 'Architect' is mentioned even in non-Jaina texts like Manasara, Māyāmata, Samarāngasūtradhāra and many others.
According to the critiqued Jaina texts, towns are fifty-four kms wide and extend from East to West whereas in length they are 72 Kms. extending from South to North. Their entrance is towards East direction. In these towns 1,000 crossroads, 12,000 lanes, big and small 1,000 doors, 500-planked doors and 200 ornamented or decorated doors are seen. In Padmapurāna it is mentioned that because of these towns being whitewashed with lime, they appeared to be like a row of palaces. In Jaina texts, the prosperity of towns is mentioned. According to Padmapurāṇa, during the reign of emperor Bharata, towns were full of great resources as that of heavens. There in the Southern range of Vijayardha Mountain matchless towns, consisting of different sorts of countries and towns, narrow like Matāmba i.e. an area of 500 villages and having the expanse of areas surrounded by mountains, rivers and villages are present. The soil of this region is like the soil of the land worthy of worldly enjoyment. Sweet juices, milk, ghee (butter) and other rasas i.e. sweet juices constantly flow from its fountains. At this place heaps of grain appear like mountains. Never ever the granary is empty. Wells and gardens have the smell endowed with luminosity. Paths are comfortable and devoid of any thorn or dust. The drinking pots or the water tanks are under the shade of green and huge trees and are full of sweet juices.
Architectonics has been mentioned in Samarānga-sūtradhāra, elaborately in various texts of Jaina tradition. In Yasastilaka, a text of 10th century, by Somadevasūri various objects related to architecture are mentioned. Various types of attired or dome-shaped Jaina temples, palaces, kings' courts, residence of kings, stadium, recreation gardens, fountains, elephant's training centre, military houses, and places to enjoy the first rain of the season, etc. are described elaborately in various contexts.
From the remains of Maurya and Sunga period (3rd century B.C. to 2nd century A.D.), a rich tradition of architects is seen. If we consider Mānasāra to be a text of Gupta period, then we could say that during this period not only architecture, but also literature flourished. Great poets like Kalinga and Harşa have mentioned fine art in their literary works. In such a case, the relevance of Vastuśästra ought to be accepted.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0