Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

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

Page 64

sculpture, are pointed out as 26, beginning with Cave I in Group 1. The nomenclature used in this is an adaptation of the method followed by the Archaeological Survey of India, Central Circle, Bhopal. Conningham identified only XX caves as given in his reports.
The group Classification given here depends on the type of the excavation of the sanctuaries and their architecture. Among these some are open caves with the main images completely exposed. (see Caves 1-13). Some are half open enabling visitors outside to see only the upper part. (caves 5,6). Some are executed giving the elevation of a temple Cave 18. Some of those that find place as caves can be identified as temples resembling the rock cut temples of Ellora of the Rastrakuta Period. (Caves 2, 3, 4). There are typical cave sanctuaries with one or two openings. But inside they are large halls, in two stories housing the figures of Tirthankaras. (Cave 3) Yaksas, Yaksis, Cauri bearers, Maladharis, with their usual inconographic features of garlands in their hands.
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All the groups run in series from the southern end to the northern end, across the eastern face of the hill. Some of them are single sanctuaries dedicated to more than one Tirthankara. (Caves 19, 20) However, the main images are identified as those carved along the western back wall opposite to the entrances. In architectural terms, they are shown as mulabheras or mulanayakas, as the sanctuaries containing images are confined to walls, they are identified as the nirandhara type of nagara temples or caves.
There are groups with more than one cave with different mulabheras (Mulanayakas) and their associated images. (Caves 8, 9) Such images are shown in the same line on the back wall giving importance to both as individual mulabheras with no difference in sculptural execution. But, the identity of each can be made out only from the pedestal bearing the auspicious symbols.
As regards the images found in the caves, in general, it can always be shown that there are bigger, medium sized, small and miniatures. Some miniature images are invariably put in one panel or panels that can be identified as chauvimsis (24 Tirthankaras in one panel) or its multiples.
Some groups are practically empty and some are unfinished caves. (cave 22, 25) Some caves are store houses of several Tirthankaras. Cave No. 22 (near the cave containing the relief of Sitalamata) has housed several sculptures. Possibly, Jains had honoured the age old tradition of village deities by giving representation to them along with Jain images.
1. The identifying symbols, the yakshas, yakshis and other details of different Tirthankaras are given at the end in the table of Iconographic details.
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