Jaina Bronzes the Patna Museum

Author(s): Harikishor Prasad
Publisher: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_

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280 : SHRI MAHAVIRA JAINA VIDYALAYA GOLDEN JUBILEE VOLUME
First Group (Sunga period) (1) P.M. Arch. No. 6540.
Dharmacakra. The Dharmacakra has 16 spokes with a hub in the centre. It has got a handle which is flanked by two nude female figures (probably Yakṣiṇīs) coming out from the mouth of two Makaras -one on either side of the handle. The Malcaras have long upturned fish tails. In between the upturned fish tails there is a flowery design. The Dharmacakra has two sides. There are perforations in between the two sides. The outer rim is beset with triratna devices. Its height along with the handle is 12" and diameter 8" (Fig. 1).11 (2) P. M. Arch. No. 6550.
Kalpavšksa. The Asoka tree is shown with various branches and leaves; a female figure is seen seated on top of the tree-she is depicted from bust upwards carrying a full bowl in her hands and has scarf across arms with lotuses on her shoulders. It is very much corroded. It has pale yellow tinge throughout suggesting thereby that originally it was probably gold gilted. Broken. Height : 131". (Fig. 2) 12.
Second Group (Kuşana period) (3) P. M. Arch. No. 6538.
Image of Rşabhanātha or Adinātha recognised as such from his Keśavallari (wavy-hair) falling down on his shoulders and back; the Jina is standing in Kayotsarga attitude, his hands are just stumped below (reaching to his knees) without showing any movement of life in them, there is a circular halo (Širascakra) at his back; has flowery designs; the figure is nude and shows traces of gold slip on the body. Height : 101". See Fig. 3 for details of head and torso and see Patna Museum Catalogue, pl. XX, for a full view of the Bronze. 13 (4) P. M. Arch. No. 6539.
Image of Rşabhanātha or Adinātha recognised as such from his Kesavallari-long straight twisted hair-falling over his shoulders and also going back; the Jina, standing nude in Kayotsarga posture, has
11 For a full view of this Dharmacakra, see Patna Museum Catalogue
pl. XVIII. 12 For a full view of the Kalpavşkşa, see, ibid., pl. XVIII. 13 First published by Shah, U. P., Studies in Jaina Art, fig. 17, and
Akota Bronzes, fig. 2a.