Book Title: Jain Journal 1986 01
Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

View full book text
Previous | Next

Page 51
________________ 122 JAIN JOURNAL tightly holding the upper portion of the twin trees.25 The panel on right also shows a baby of course not Krsna, swinging from a branch of Kadamba tree. There are two male figures sitting under the tree alongwith two other figures standing with sticks. These may be identified as cowherd boys. The stick held by a figure behind his head in poise is a very natural depiction of normal daily life in Gokula. Above these figures are shown five vases suggestive of milk pots. Thereafter stands a male figure (bigger in size) with his body tilted in a very natural manner towards the stick in his hand which almost takes the entire weight of his body. On its front are carved the figures of six cows. Thus the scene here undoubtedly represents Krsna as cowherd. Further ahead are shown two standing female figures churning the butter. Close to it, baby Krsna, in a beautiful manner, is making efforts to obtain the butter from the pot. The side of the beam on west shows (from left) a bearded royal figure undoubtedly Kamsa, sitting on a high backed siṁhāsana under a chatra. The figure holds some object, probably sword, in his right hand while the left is being raised as if giving instructions to the armed soldiers, standing and sitting in his front. Thus the present scene represents the court of Kamsa. Further ahead are carved two elephants and three horses, each accompanied by a male figure. Among these male figures, one is shown attacking on the trunk of the elephant with some pointed object while the other figure is holding the raised leg of another elephant. The scene undoubtedly pertains to Krsna and Balarama fighting the two elephants, Padmottara and Campaka, in the court of Kamsa.26 Further ahead is carved two storied palace with corridor. Some figures are sitting by the side of windows in the corridor. The stepped pyramidical roofs, open pavilion on the ground and two separate roofs respectively of the pavilion and the second storey are specially noteworthy from the viewpoint of palace architecture during those times. The figure standing in between the half open door is very impressive and have been highly praised by Stella Kramrisch. The entire scene thus represents the royal court and the palace of Kamsa in Mathura. The second ceiling of cell No. 11 exhibiting the renunciation of Neminatha in great details probably show the fighting between Krsna and Jarasandha in the second panel. The two figures standing on 26 Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, 8.5.116-30. * Trissatisalakapurusacaritra, 8.5.155-69. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 49 50 51 52 53 54 55