Jain Journal 1984 04

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

Page 60

Jaina Sculptures from Bhavanipur Hatuyara and Golamara
ATUL CHANDRA BHOWMICK
Bhavanipur village is situated about 11 kms. east of Purulia town along the Purulia-Hura road and traverse with a right turn nearly 3 kms. through a village path. The villages Hatuyara and Golamara are located nearly 8 kms. and 14 kms. respectively north-east and north of Purulia town. Bhavanipur and Hatuyara villages visualise one Jaina sculpture in each village and Golamara, three. The sculptures are made ubiquitously of chlorite-biotite schist1 which shows a bluish/greenish black colour, obtainable locally. Iconography and style of the sculptures are the focal points of discussion.
1. Rsabhanatha (113.0 cms.x50.5 cms.) at Bhavanipur
Rsabhanatha (fig. 1) stands erect in kayotsarga (letting loose the body) on a padmāsana, the petals of which are spread out in two rows, downwards and upwards. The pañcaratha pedestal, from right to left, holds a male donor with añjali mudra in sitting position, right leg of him is bent and folded, left leg points upwards, lion, bull, the lañchana mark, lion and a pair of female donors who are praying their obeisance with folded hands in kneeling posture. The face of a female of the pair is much defaced sometimes even questioning its identity. The image is flanked by adherent cauri-bearers holding camaras by right hands, one on each side of the divinity. The image, wearing jata-mukuța is framed by borders suggesting a rectangular throne. The ovaloid nimbus at his back is encompassed by lotus petals at its margin. The rectangular stele is crowned with a projected trilinear parasol with a knob at top, two circular flowers with eight extended petals, one on each side, below the chatra, flying
1 Dr. Asok Kumar Bhattacharya identified the material.