Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

Author(s): T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

Page 25

Again, the Jains were more advanced than the Buddhists. They had an eye on the sculptural changes and original vision. They started producing the images of their Tirthankaras like Mahavira in bigger proportions. By about 11th century A.D., Suhania Jains, had brought out models as high as 2.5 m., a specimen of which can be seen near the Jain temple in the village. It is these sculptural traditions that travelled to the fortress of Gopachal.
With the patronage of Tomar kings, Gopachala has attained the status of an important Jain tirtha, a place of pilgrimage of huge colossi of Tirthankaras, that had crossed the ocean of human existence. However, the sculptural contribution of the Kastasangha Bhattarakas, was possibly an experience gained through sincere experimentation of their intense austeric practices as envisaged from different stages of images portrayed with utmost devotion.
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