________________
Om.
THE
JAINA ANTIQUARY.
"श्रीमत्परमगम्भीरस्याद्वादामोघलाञ्छनम् । जीयात्रैलोक्यनाथस्य शासनं जिनशासनम् ॥"
)
Vol. I. No. "III
ARRAH, (INDIA)
December,
1935.
Jainá Art in South India (By Prof. Shripad Rama Sharma, M.A.)
The most distinctive contribution of Jainism to Art in South India was in the realm of Iconography. As with everything else in life the Jainas appear to have carried their spirit of acute analysis and asceticism into the sphere of art and arthitecture as well. There are minute details, for instance in the Mānasāra, a standard book on the subject in South India, according to which
." The image of a Jina should have only two arms, two eyes, cropped head ; either standing with legs kept straight or in the abhanga manner; or it may be scated in the padmāsana posture, wherein also the body must be kept erect. The figure should be sculptured as to indicate deep contemplation ; the right palm should be kept facing upwards upon the left palm held in the same manner (and both resting on the crossed legs). On the Simhāsana on which the image of the Jina is seated (and round the prabhāoali) should be shown the figures of Narada and other rishis hosts of gods (and goddesses), vidyādharas and others, as, either seated or standing in the air, and offering worship to the Jina.
