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Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India 53. Seated Jina: 0.96m by 0.75m.
The Jina figure measures 0.7m by 0.75m. He is seated in padmāsana.
54. Seated Jina: 0.96m by 0.75m.
The Jina figure measures 0.73m by 0.75m. He is seated in padmāsana.
55. Seated Jina: 0.85m by 0.52m.
The Jina figure measures 0.63m by 0.52m. He is seated in padmāsana.
56. Main Jina: 1.7m by 1.55m.
He is seated in padmāsana. Above the head is a triple chhatra, while behind the head is a round halo. The icon is placed on a throne or a bench, which covers the entire width of the back wall. As the throne is now paved with tiles, it is difficult to say whether there were any objects or carving on it or not (Plate 94).
All the Jinas in the cave have a flower-shaped śrivatsa. The figures in the lower row on all sides of the cave are very crude and disproportionate. The figures are either too elongated or too stout. There is an acute, sudden bend at the waist. The heads are shown with a distinct demarcation between the forehead and the head and pointed top as in Cave I. All the seated Jinas, goddesses and dvārapalas in the upper row are better made. Of these, the Jina figures on left sidewall have more elaborate parikara and minute details. It is difficult to say how many changes are made.
On the roof of each cave is made a sort of sikhāra, which is white washed.
Date
These two caves are the earliest excavations at the site. Though, the caves have been completely renovated, it is clear that architecturally these are very crude. As far as the style of the sculptures is concerned, nothing much can be said because these have been ‘retouched' recently. Thus, we have only iconographic evidence for dating the site. According to Banerji, these caves belong to the 8th 9th century CE at the latest (1921-22: 67), while Naik dates the caves to circa 800 CE (1947: 357-358).
The iconographic programme of Cave I indicates relation with Ellora. The appearance of panels of Kamatha's attack on Parávanātha and the penance of Bahubali and also figures of Sarvānubhuti-Ambika flanking the shrine door in Cave I unmistakably point to the influence from Ellora. The details of the panels are also similar to those at Ellora. In the case of the Parsvanatha panel, the figures attacking Parsvanatha are depicted in the same way as at Ellora. The figure on the bull, the stone throwers and the figure on the lion are found in almost all Parsvanatha panels at Ellora. The scene of Bahubali's penance is also almost identical. The two old photographs of the back wall and the right end of verandah of Cave I (Banerji 1921-22: Plate XXXIb, XXXIIa) reveal stylistic co-relation with Ellora. The Jina figures are quite similar to Jina figures of Ellora in terms of parikara and other details. The large figures of dvarapalas with gada are reminiscent of dvārapālas at Chhota Kailasa. Though less ornamental and less elaborate, the sculptures are stylistically similar to Ellora sculptures.
