Book Title: Jainism and Modern Thought
Author(s): M M Shroff
Publisher: M M Shroff

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Page 59
________________ 128 uncarved. The statuets are so beautifully carved that one usually mistake them to be of flesh and blood The ceilings are also carved with dancing damsels and musicians in so nice a manner and in such a perfect style and harmony that looking at them one atonce finds himself or herself in a land of dreams. Figures of birds, animals and flowers are also beautifully carved at many places. Its beauty as critics of the art say in many respects is even better than the famous Taj of Agra. The variety is indeed infinite. But, "from all these emanates a great joy in the surpassing radiance of the face of men and women, in the strength and grace of animals and the loveliness and purity of birds and flowers and woven in this fabric of material beauty one percieves the ordered pattern of the spiritual realities of the universe. It is this perfect combination of material and spiritual energy which marks the great epics of art." A characteristic naturalness and simplicity of expression, a profound religious and spiritual appeal. a great sense of restraint and refinement show a highly developed cultural taste and aesthetic enjoyment on the part of those who produced such marvellous pieces of art Thus' in the sphere of art also the Jains have secured a worthy place. The Jain artists conceived like giants and finished like jewellers Being devotedly attached to religion they have built many temples and monuments the style of which even today commands the applause of 'the best architectural critics of the world.

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