________________
Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India
Thus, the band of geometrical design and the next band of staggered half square; half circle and flowers may form the outermost rampart, which has a tōraṇa arch preserved on one side. Outside it is a narrow band with fish and turtle, which may signify water-filled moat. Though the inner two bands are not clear, the ponds with ducks are seen. The space left in the centre suggests that the other two ramparts and the gandhakuti must have been depicted. An outer band also depicts the gods, who were present during the sermon. It is true that all the details of Samvasarana provided by various literary sources are not found here, but artistic expressions always differ from the literary descriptions, which tend to be exaggerating.
8. Jina: Above the icons on the right sidewall between second and third pillars from the front wall, there are traces of a Jina figure. Only head and upper part of the body is extant. He has an oval shaped halo behind the head. An interesting feature is that above the head of painted Jina is a triple chhatra carved of rock. Possibly, a Jina figure was intended to be carved, but was instead painted (Plate 78).
9. Standing Jina: On the third pilaster from the front wall is carved a seated Parsvanatha, above which is a painted panel depicting standing Jina with halo. There are small figures around him, but are very unclear (Plate 78).
10. Seated Jina: On the right back wall, above the icon, are traces of paintings. Very few fragments remain, which show a seated Jina with triple chhatra. There are remains of a border containing geometric designs running horizontally. Above the large Jinas on backwall are also traces of some painting. Between two Jinas can be seen a painting of small Jina seated on a lion throne. He has halo behind the head and triple chhatra above the head. Below him are highly stylised tree, some plants and flying female in añjali amidst clouds. Behind her can be seen faces of two females and clouds.
114
11. Bahubali and seated Jina: Above the icon on the left sidewall, on first pilaster from the back wall is a panel depicting Bahubali. He has a single chhatra and creepers on legs and arms. Above his head is a drum player flanked by a cymbal played by a hand. Flanking Bahubali's head is a garland bearing couple.
Above Bahubali's panel, touching the ceiling is painted a figure of seated Jina.. 12. Two seated Jinas: On the same wall between first and second pilaster, there is a very well preserved painting of a seated Jina. He is shown seated in ardhapadmasana on a cushion kept on a throne, which has three lions, each in separate compartment. The throne back has pilaster and a vyāla standing on its hind legs. Above his head are a triple chhatra, a tree and clouds. There are three figures of monks to his right, while to his left are two female figures, all turned to him. All these figures are shown under a vaulted roof indicated by beams suggesting that the deity is enshrined in a structure, probably a temple or cave. This Jina figure has been identified as Mahavira (Kramrisch 1983: 98), but the curls of hair falling on the shoulders suggest that he is Rṣabhanatha.
Above this panel, between two brackets of pillars, is a painted panel of seated Jina
(Plate 79).
13. Couple: All the stone beams running between pillars had a panel each, of which only. few are preserved. The stone beam between pillars on right side near back wall has a well-preserved panel. It depicts a flying couple. The female is shown carrying a patra with offerings. This panel does not have any border.
