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Sculptural Arts
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In the Hindu pantheon, the sculptures of Tri-murti are considered as most auspicious. Similarly, quadruple or four-fold popularly known as Chaumukhi is in Jainism. It is also known as Sarvatobhadra - pratima. The term, Pratima - Sarvatobhadra signifies that the image is auspicious on all the sides. 12 This four-fold image is one of the earliest and most significant forms of Jina images. Its earliest examples are procured from the Kankali-Tila, Mathura (1st century A.D.). Since then, these images remained popular in subsequent centuries. Such kind of Jina images are found in large numbers in Andhra since atleast the Rashtrakuta period, i.e., 8th-9th century A.D. The Jains also carved Mulanayaka sculptures. In this, the central figure would be either Rishabhanatha, Parsvanatha or Mahavira, flanked by other Jinas like the Dasavataras in Hindu iconography. These Mulanayaka sculptures belonging to 11th - 12th century A.D., are found in Agali, Penukonda in Anantapur district and also in Warangal in Telangana
Jainism enjoyed a long period of prosperity in Andhra Pradesh for twelve centuries, penetrating even into the nooks and corners of remote villages in Andhra. The various ruling families of Andhra like the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas of Kalyana, the Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagara and their respective subordinate chiefs, encouraged Jainism and its architecture and art. Since the Tirthankaras were accorded the highest position in the Jaina pantheon, individual figures of Tirthankaras mostly in stone were carved. The earliest phase, i.e., Eastern Chalukyan, is represented by a mutilated but finely polished image in granite, of a seated Tirthankara, noticed in Biccavolu, East Godavari district (fig-1). It is now on display in the Government Museum, Chennai. The triple parasol on the top, stands at a respectable height over the head. The lions representing the lanchanas of the throne are clearly delineated at the bottom. The technique of execution and fine workmanship of the sculpture stands in close conformity with the Early Chalukyan traditions. Another Early Tirthankara sculpture comes from Siddhantam, West Godavari district. Depicted in seated posture it is crowned by a trilinear-umbrella above the head without any attendent figures, which indicates that the sculpture belonged to the early phase. At present it is displayed in the R.S.R. Govt. Musuem,
