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1. Temples It can be said that the oldest temples and idols in India belong to the Jains. The earliest known Jina image, preserved in the Patna Museum comes from Lohanipur (Patna) and is dated the 3rd century B.C. It is also thought that the main image of the Svetambra temple near Nalanda may also date the 3rd century and similar claims have been made for the image in the temple at Valabhi (Gujrat). In every part of India, the Jains were pioneer in instituting the idols in the temples. During Mauryas and Shungs period, the Jain idols constructed were unique. Most of the important caves, viz., Ananta, Ani and Ganesa Gumphas in Orissa were excavated in the 2nd century B.C. The Ananta Gumpha contains many Jain symbols. The architectural style available in the caves of Khandgiri and Udaigiri is unparalleled. After the first century of Christ i.e. the Shung period the Indian idol tradition belongs to three types:
• Gandhar Kala, which developed in North-West India. • Mathura Kala, which developed nearby Mathura.
Amarawati Kala, which developed at the banks of Krishna river in central India.
The archaeological excavations of Kankali mound of Mathura brought into light the Jain stupas, temples and sculptures ranging from 2nd century B.C. to 3rd century A.D., mostly.
Sites displaying Jain art that are worth visiting are: Dilwara temple at Mt. Abu, Bahubali monolith at Sravan Belgola, temples and idols in Madhya Pradesh, especially at Deogarha, Khajuraho and Gwalior and finally elephant caves at Udaygiri Khandgiri.
Fig. 23 : Rata Mahavir Temple, Hathundi Rajasthan
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