Jaina Monuments and Places First Class Importance

Author(s): T N Ramchandran
Publisher: Veer Shasan Sangh Calcutta

Page 67

METAL IMAGES FROM ORISSA
59
METAL IMAGES
1. PAHĀRPUR, RAJSHAHI DISTRICT, BENGAL.
The metal images found at Pahārpur form an insignificant lot as compared with those discovered at Nalandā, Kurkihār and Chittagong. It is not easy to understand why Pahārpur has failed to produce any specimens of this Art. Among the images discovered that of Haragouri is the most ornamental and has to be attributed on stylistic grounds, to the tenth or beginning of the eleventh century A.D. To the same class have to be assigned the images of Ganēśa, Buddha, Jina and Kuběra. The existence of a Jaina monastic establishment at Vațagohāli in Pahărpur is attested to by inscriptions of the 4th century A.D.
TIRTHANKARA : (height 3'') : Now in the Indian Museum. Standing erect on a padmāsana between two indistinct figures, probably worshippers. Hair on the head is gathered in a top-knot and lied, as in Buddha images. It is interesting indeed to find that all the three important faiths were represented in the morastery at Pahārpur.
METAL IMAGES FROM ORISSA (NOW IN THE INDIAN
MUSEUM)
The Jaina metal images from Orissa represent the Tirthankaras. Such are :
1, RISHABHADEVA: Height with pedestal 1'-"", without pedestal 91" (Figured in A. S. I. A. R. 1934-85, pl.XXIN, 4)