Jain Journal 1978 07

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

Page 33

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It took the best course of middle path by introducing reforms for the use of essential limited requisites by the Jaina monks according to the conditions of their ascetic life.
JAIN JOURNAL
Jaina culture evolved more rapidly than the previous one in the age of Mahavira which was répresented by the historical period. 23 The North-eastern branch of this culture called "Mahaviran" was associated with the Tirtha and Ganas of Mahavira.24 Later in the post-Mahavira period after his nirvana an improved system of Jaina Sangha was founded, i.e. more consolidated Jaina Sangha with strict monastic rules and regulations, studies, etc. came into existence.25 This might have produced later many branches of original Jaina Sangha with multifariousness, skilfully worked out by different Acaryas and they were the centres of true works of arts.
The Upper Stage of Culture of Sangha:
Jaina Sanghas were the patrons of art as well as skilled craftsmen, for their paintings 26 and sculptures 27 found in India show a remarkable grasp of the principles of design. New temples (or cave temples) 28 found in different parts of India have a wealth of beautifully preserved paintings and sculpture of contemporary animals.
23 Mahavira introduced five great vows (pancamahavratas) and other monastic reforms in his Sangha which throw much light upon the evolution of Jaina culture.
24 Mahavira's main centres of religious activities was in Bihar, although he made religious tour up to Sindhu-Sauvira in the west and Radhadesa (Burdwan) in the east. In this Tirtha or Sangha there were nine Ganas and eleven Ganadharas. 25 After the demise of Mahavira Sudharma Svami became the head of Jaina
Sangha who consolidated it with strict monastic rules and regulations, studies of the Agamas, etc. as evidenced in the transmission of the Agamas to his disciple, Jambusvami.
26 Jaina art as revealed in golden colour and linings in the Kalpasutra Ms and other religious texts and secular works depicting the life of the society and people at large, a large number of firmans issued by the Muslim rulers, long amantranapatras (invitation letters) written by the laities to the Jainacaryas on some occasions containing the account of geography, etc., surimantra cakras, temple arts, etc. are the great contributions of Jaina Sanghas in various parts of the country.
27 e.g. Dilwara temple contains great specimens of Jaina sculpture as revealed in the artistic creation of gods and goddesses, animals, birds, etc. The Vaisali specimen of the image of Mahavira, the image of Bahubali in Karnataka, etc. are the masterpieces of sculpture worked out under the directions of Jaina monks.
28 There are some best Jaina paintings in Jaina cave temples, such as at Sittanavasal, Elora and Elephanta.