Jain Journal 1981 07

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

Page 30

JULY, 1981
held above the shoulder, by one hand, while the other hand is resting on thigh. The face of cāmara-dhara, standing to right, is multilated. Above the cāmara-dhara figure, on each side, there appear two pairs of diminutive Jina figures, one above the other. Each Jina figure, seated on a cushion with halo and two drooping leaves, suggesting Asoka tree, has suffered damage, particularly over heads. The heads of the Jina figures in the upper pairs are completely damaged along with the upper parikara of the image. As a result of the parikara being damaged, only the lower half of the ornamental nimbus of the Jina is now extant. It consists of (from centre outwards) a band filled with dots, foliated scroll with a dotted band and a band flanked by beaded rows.
On the basis that no sign of drapery hanging below the folded legs of the Jina is visible, as has generally been the case with the seated Jina figures of the Svetambara sect, the image may be deemed to have been a product of the Digambara sect, supported also by the fact that the images yielded by Uttara Pradesh are invariably the cognate products. The disciplined body of the Jina indicates deep meditation, while halfshut eyes evince inward look, which is achieved only after the passions are burnt in the fire of knowledge (kevalajñāna). The image can safely be assigned to the eleventh century on the basis both of style and iconography.