Jain Journal 1986 10

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

Page 39

OCTOBER, 1986
highly influenced by the text prescribed in the Aupapātika-sūtra. A number of flowers with stalk and leaves have been casted around the svastika mark which gives a beautiful look. It is followed by a supratistha, the auspices seat. The beautiful couch has an artistic umbrella over it. Further, depiction of a pūrṇa-ghața (full vase) with leaves gives a natural look. The fourth and last auspices symbol in the upper panel shows a vardhamānaka (a powder flask). The lower panel starts with a puspadāma symbol. The full blossomed flower presents an artistic look. It is encircled by small flowers, having stalk and leaves. The sixth asta-mangala symbol, the matsya-yugma (a pair of fish), is superb among all from the decorative point of view. It looks alive. It is followed by a round mirror with decorative border and artistic handle. The last symbol shows a nandyāvarta; its nine points have beautifully been casted without any fault. The author of this paper thinks that this beautiful silver platter had been manufactured in the ancient city of Campapura. From regular archaeological excavations14 at the Champanagar, stone moulds for making ornaments were unearthed. It refers to a flourishing industry of jewellery at this place. It seems that it belonged to the ancient Jain temple which was demolished during the medieval times. It was preserved by the local Jaina community because of its small and handy size. Often Jaina ladies pare in the hall of worship such eight symbols on platters with uncooked husked rice.
pre
14 Sinha, B. P., 'Some rare Antiquities from Recent Excavations in Bihar', Archaeology and Art in India (New Delhi-1978), pp. 46-47.
Our Contributors
69
M. K. JAIN, Senior Research Officer, Office of the Registrar General, India, New Delhi.
MD. AQUIQUE, Department of Asian Studies, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya.
V. G. NAIR, Author and Writer.
AJOY KUMAR SINHA, Bihar Education Service, Bhagalpur.