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The ligure Parsvanatha is seen in meditation holding the hands closely one over the other on the folded legs in sitting posture as padmasana. On his chest the figure of a srivatsa is seen. The snake, an emblem of the Tirthankaru, is seen with its seven hoods as canopy. It is assumed that this ligure is a product of the Rajasthani school of nineteenth century which is well preserved in the Museum, and was collected by Salar Jung III.
It is also a seated one, most probably from Rajasthan, with a figure of srivatsu on its chest and elongated ears (sce plate 8). On his head is seen a small bulbous round in three rows and a small knot on top. The figure is identified with Mahavira that is in the meditation posture of pudmasana. Another figure is preserved in the Museum under the Salar Jung collection, and depicts that the 24th Jaina Tirthankara, Mahavira, with the srivatsa emblem on his chest and seated in meditation posture known as padmasana (see plate 9). He has elongated ears, broad shoulders and a small knot on his head which is carved in wavy lines. On the whole the sculpture shows clearly the calmness and dignity of the Tirthankara. The figure is said to be imported from Rajasthan and is collected by the third Salar Jung, Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan. U
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Sastry, T.V.G., Introduction to the Iconography of Jain Tirthankaras, Arhat Vacana, Kund Kund Inanapeeth, April, 1991, Vol. 3 (2). 2. Satyamurthy, K., Pratimalakhana Sastram (Telugu version), Telugu University, Hyderabad, 1998. 3. Shantilal Nagar, Iconography of Jaina Deities, B.R. Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 2 Vols., 1999. 4. Osborn Martin, E., The Gods of India. Their History, Character & Worship, Indological Book House, New Delhi 5. Kamal Chand Sogani, Mahavira and Social Values, Deccan Chronicle, dt. 1-2-1998, p. 27. 6. Umakanth P. Shah, Jaina Bronzes and Sculpture in the Salar Jung Museum, SJM Bi-annual Research Journal, Hyderabad, 1970-71 (Vol. No. 1 & 11, page 11-14). 7, Vijaya Bharathi, B., Andhradesamuna Bouddhamu - Jainamu, Mana Samskriti Charitra (Telugu version), Navodaya Samithi, Hyderabad, 1960, p. 412-424.
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