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Jaina Monuments of Andhra
Rajahmundry, East Godavari district. Though damaged, it presents a beautiful look. Added to this, an interesting group of rock-cut Tirthankaras, carved in Sankaram, on the hill at Bojjannakonda, near Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam district, though now heavily damaged, they reveal the original high quality technique of carving and subtle sense of composition (fig-2).
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During the Rashtrakuta period, Danavulapadu in Cuddapah district was a flourishing Jaina centre. It is replete with a number of huge monolithic Tirthankara images, Yakshi figures, Chaumukhis and memorial pillars. Among them, the one that deserves attention is the portable Chaumukhi carved in the shape of a pillar (fig-3). Figures of Dikpalas, such as Agni, Yama, Varuna, Revanta etc., in association with musical instruments and Vidyadhara couples are carved exquisitely along the side-edge of the Pitha (fig-4). Interestingly, this is the earliest Chaumukhi belonging to the Rashtrakuta times as revealed from an inscription of Indra III which refers to the construction of a stone-seat, meant for performing the ceremonial-bath (i.e., abhisekha), to the image of Santinatha. Further, the figure of a rider on horse-back, followed by an umbrella-bearer, carved on one of the four faces of the pillar, perhaps represents the portraits of the general, Sri Vijaya, marching against his enemy on the battle-field (fig-5). In addition, there are two life-size images of Parsvanatha (fig-6). There is also a beautifully carved image of Yakshi, seated in ardhaparyankasana, with left leg folded was also unearthed from here (fig-7). All these finds, bear typical Rashtrakuta traits. For example, the torso of the sculptures was thrust forward while the lower ends of the arms and legs were attenuated. The statues are invariably slim and well proportioned in shaping the shoulder, hips, waist, etc.,
Recently, a a collosal Parsvanatha sculpture carved in standing pose was unearthed at Kulcharam in Medak district. This Parsvanatha image stands 9 feet and six inches high (fig-8). Here Parsvanatha was depicted in sthanaka-pose. There is a sevenheaded cobra, well-carved over the head. The Srivatsa symbol is boldly marked on the chest. This exquisitely carved huge-sculpture, well-preserved and beautiful in
