Jainism in Rajasthan

Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

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JAINĪSM ÎN RAJASTHAN pursue their studies in ideal environments. There are scores of Jaina temples spread all over Rajasthan and particularly in Western part of it formerly known as Sirohi state and Western Marwar. Every one of these buildings is well planned and designed simply but beautifully decorated and executed with the chastity and simplicity of taste.
The contributions of Jainism to the art of iconography are not insignificant. There is neither the wealth of variety as we find in Hindu temples, nor do we-find emotional poses which form the most distinctive features of several Brāhmanical temples. On the other hand, we find the statues of the Tirtharikaras, the several Jaina goddesses, the carved illustrations of the various Jaina stories or phases of Jaina religious life; and they all indicate that the Jainas did not lag behind in contribution to the Rajasthan art of iconography. The statues of Tirtharikaras indicate a serenity of pose and remarkable proportion as laid down by Jaina Sāstras. The statues of goddesses show remarkable rhythm and balance. The group of statues show that the Jaina artists knew the art of blending and harmonising. Of course, the sculptors were common for the Jainas and Hindus; and the general ideas were also not diametrically opposed, but the Jaina artistic idealogy did not indulge in exuberance. It imposed upon itself the necessity of pose and restraint and thus made the Jaina art so much emotional and inspirational.
The Jaina paintings in Rajasthan are of various types. There are collections of miniature paintings in private possessions, illustrations in Jaina books particularly in Jaina Purāņas, pictures of cities, their bazars, transactions and various other activities in the invitation letters known as Vijñaptipatras which were presented to Jaina Sadhus by the representatives of various cities where they were invited to deliver discourses. Besides these, the covers of the books, the walls of the temples, the āsanas and Chokīs used there are sometimes painted with beautiful human figures of large variety and floral designs. The wealth of art of painting is very remarkable contribution made by the Jainas; and our study of this art in Rajasthan cannot be called complete unless we make a thorough study of Jaina art of painting. The most distinguishing feature of Jaina art is its complete avoidance of amorous aspect of life; and what is further striking is this that it does not suffer in its depth, extent and appeal foi want of it. The miniature paintings exhibit a large variety. There are paintings depicting a single individual, a Sādhu, a