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The flexion of the limbs, the voluptuous waists, the elephants and other animals, etc. show some resemblence with Indrasabha sculptural scenes of Ellora.
The Period of the Temples from Sculptural tradition :
The sculptures of the sabhamandapa of this Temple 3, has its own speciality. It is different from the Jain sculptures found in Ek-patthar-ki-Bavdi and other caves. The srivatsa symbol, the headress of Indra, the Tirthankaras associated with secular scenes, the representation of elephants along with its beaded decorations and ornaments in fine filigree work, the printed apparel running down the body, the comon scenes of mother-and-child speak of the typical sculptures of post Gupta, features of Madhya pradesh. Such features are seen in the sculptures Devagarh, Barai, Panihar, etc. However, the flexion, poise, the ornamentation, etc. have the later Rastrakuta sculptural features of the Jain caves of Ellora.
In this connection, it has to be stated that the Chaturbhuja temple built slightly towards the south of Girnar hill (Nemgiri) has a dated inscription of 876 A.D. mentioning the name of the place as Gopagiri, during Bhoj-Pratihara period.
In contrast, we find the inscriptions of Dungarsen and Kirtisen of the Tomar dynasty that reigned from Gwalior itself from the beginning of 15 th century. Their sculptures are generally devoid of ornamentation and decoration. However, the kirtimukha motif, the gajakalasha, maladharis, chamaradharis, etc. are all rare features. They are quite popular in the modern period.
More important in Jain images is the height. Earlier such heights have not been achieved. Moreover, the lotus representation of palms is a new feature in Jain craftsmanship. But both lotus and purnaghata the auspicious pot, full of foliage, are earlier motif of sculptural art. Again the earlier concept of Gajalaksmi is shown as a gajakalasha. All the above three features are newly introduced during the period of Tomar kings.
Thus, the early Jain sculptures of the post Gupta period and of Rastrakutas have common sculptural links with Bhoj-Pratihara period of 9th century A.D. at Gopachal. To these may be added, the massive pillars of the natural water tank of Ek-Patthar-ki-Bavdi. Evidently, the ancient lithic spring of water could have been reinforced to form a tank reservoir during the period of the Rastrakuta occupation.
It may now be summarised, that the mass excavation of Jain caves undertaken by Tomar kings may be said to have taken place five centuries after the excavation of Nemigri caves by the Bhoj Pratihara kings.
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