Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

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

Page 93

the image. There are some human representations. They are seen paying homage to the deity. Their heads show faceted crowns, as per the Jain sculptural art traditions, they could be identified as Indra and Upendra.
Most important are the side walls towards north and south. Centrally positioned on the walls are two Tirthankaras carved to a height of 2.5 m. Slightly away from the Tirthankara lies the entrance door, on the northern wall.
The Stepway: As stated the stepway from lower and middle chamber to the upper is provided along northern wall towards the northwest corner. Although the entrance outside the upper chamber is not impressive, as we enter in, and take a look inside, the entrance doorway appears ornate. It shows intricate sculptural work in panels having miniature Tirthankara figures. The triangular frame work projected by the pillar capitals on either side of the images, meet half way at the lintel and the jalli work exhibited in them, present an excellent craftsmanship of the period.
Towards the left of the door frame, as stated already, the Tirthankaras are shown in chauvimsipattika, arranged in a rectangular area 2.30 x 1m. It is divided into 10x7 cms. smaller rectangles, with each containing a minute image of a standing Tirthankara. Added to these, at the upper and ground level, there are 8 more images carved in similar rectangles. The whole configuration is ingeniously arranged into 72 images in the panel. Thus, it can be shown as tri-chauvimsi panel (plate 20)
A bigger image of the Tirthankara in the centre and a seated image of a yaksa in the rectangular or niche at the top, are brought within the miniature images of tri-chauvimsis.
The Upper Chamber: The western wall of the upper chamber is a visual splendour, with the upper limbs and face of the main image, fairly lit up by sunlight that enters through the improvised opening on the eastern wall almost throughout the whole day. The 19m. high image, the shoulders and arms cover a width of one- and- a half meters across the wall space. The mouldings of the head and chisel marks are clearly seen. Behind the head, a circular padmaprabhavali is represented.
Two rocky projections above the mulabhera, shows two elephants with stretched up trunks. They hold inverted pots of emptying waters, over the divinity. Evidently, it is the gajakalasha motif, an important associate of the Tirthankaras. Again flanking the 'Jina' on either side, there are the decorated pillars, appearing with intricately carved lamp posts at the top. These connect a wavy scroll work. The pillars emerge from the lower chambers, all along the body and the legs of the images. They bear floral scroll work. The maladhari
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