Jain Journal 2002 07

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

Page 48

Jain Journal: Vol. XXXVII, No. 1 July 2002 The most outstanding contribution of the Jainas to art in Karnataka is in the field of iconography. We find here a treasure of beautiful images of the Tirthankaras and Presiding deities like Padmavati, Jvālāmālini etc. curved on metal and stone, and preserved in Jaina temples and private collections. Some of the metal placques, folios of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, preserved in such collections, depict excellent artistic expression of Jaina religious ethos.
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Jaina architecture in Karnataka has its own specimens. The cavetemples of Bādāmi, Aihole and Chandragiri are notable for their seclusion, serenity and sanctity. Then some of the Jaina temples (Basadis) at Shravanabelgola, Karkala, Mudabidire and Halebidi etc. are known for their structural architecture. Who can forget the free high standing pillars (mānastambhas) in front of almost every Jaina temple in Karnataka, particularly the magnificient one at Mudabidire and also its having seven monolithic Bahubali statues set at various centres of Jaina culture in different periods of history? The one, the colossus, at Shravanabelgola, set by the great Chamundaraya in 981, being the world famous one, has brought a distinctive cultural status to Karnataka.
Jainism in its religious garb has immensely influenced the general social order in Karnataka. Jaina monks and teachers, ever moving from place to place, teaching and preaching Jaina principle tenets, which are nothing but the highest human virtues, also told interesting short stories and anecdotes or moral value in order to eradicate from common peoples' life harmful effects of the Seven Vices (SaptaVyasana) like eating meat, drinking wine, hunting, whoring, dicing etc. which impressed not only the members of the Jaina Community but also the other people who gathered to listen to those monks and teachers. It was almost a benevolent mass-education. Hence nonJainas voluntarily adopted the virtues of non-violence, vegetarianism, sense of accommodation etc. which are found current among the people of Karnataka even today.
It would rather appear like a paradox, at the outset, when we say that Jainism has its own contribution to the field of politics as well in Karnataka. But it is a historical fact that entering as a fugitive faith, maintaining intact its religio-spiritual tenents and metaphysical beliefs,