Jain Journal 2001 07

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

Page 21

MAHĀVĪRA IN SCULPTURAL ART-TAMIL NADU
DR. A. EKAMBARANATHAN
Jaina art in Tamilnadu is noted for its simplicity and stark reality. Images of the Tirthankaras and their attendent deities came to be commissioned on the over-hanging boulders of Jaina caverns and conscerated in structural temples since early medieval times. Generally, they are represented alone or in groups. Among them, Vardhamana Mahāvīra, the twenty fourth Tirthankara, occupies an important place and possesses certain distinct iconographical features. The popularity of the worship of Mahāvīra is attested to by a large number of temples dedicated to him, besides the numerous rock cut and independent sculptures. The present study brings to light as to how Mahavira has been portrayed in the sculptural art of Tamilnadu from an early period down to the modern times.
Absence of early Sculptures of Mahāvira
Although Mahāvīra was considered as an object of veneration long before the advent of Christian era, his sculptures are absent in Tamilnadu till the end of the 6th century A.D. The Sangam classics of the early centuries of the Christian era do not contain any reference to Mahāvira at all, even though Jaina principles are interwoven in many of their verses. Among the twin epics, the Silappadikäram glorifies the characteristics of the Jina in general, but does not specifically refer to Mahāvira.' In all probability, iconic worship of Mahāvira received very little importance among the early adherents of Jainism and hence, the early literary compositions are silent about him. The absence of sculptural representations prior to the 7th century also corroborates the above view. Besides, archaeological space work carried out in different parts of Tamilnadu till date have also not brought to light any icon of Tirthankaras. Thus, literary, archaeological and sculptural evidence for iconic worship of Mahāvira are conspicuously absent in Tamilnadu till about the end of the 6th century A.D.
Neo-Jainism and Iconic Development
Jainism received a temporary setback in the beginning of the 7th century A.D., consequent to the rapid growth of brahmanism fostered
1.
Silappadikaram, 10 : 176-191.
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