Jain Journal 1970 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 23

APRIL, 1970
heaven and kneel with an offering before the Wise one. As elsewhere in Indian Literature and art (the Great Renunciation of Buddha; Arjuna's Penance, etc.), we are made to feel that the going forth of the herosaint is an event of cosmic and more than temporal significance. Like Blake, the poet thought that "there were listners in other worlds than this"2. Such examples go far to prove that there must once have existed an Indian school of Jaina painting comparable with the classic Buddhist art of Ajanta.
Within more secular limits, some of the Kalakacarya pictures have excellent qualities. The Sahi upon his throne is admirably designed; the vertically striped robe, as well as the pose give an impression of great repose and dignity. Other pictures, such as that of the magic ass are distinctly amusing, though the humour may be quite unconscious.
The specimens of book furniture afford examples of excellent craftmenship. The embroidery of the book covers is vigourously designed and admirably and patiently executed. The book strings are still better; nothing could be more successful than the patterns, both geometrical and floral.
2
217
Reprinted from 'Notes on Jaina Art', Journal of Indian Art, No. 127, London, 1914.
W.B. Yeats, Poems of Willium Blake, Introduction