Sambodhi 1973 Vol 02

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 45

ART NOTES ON SCULPTURE IN DHANAPĀLA'S TILAKAMAÑARI
N. M, Kansara
Since the pioneering studies by Shri C. Sivaramamurti who has drawn the attention of Indologists, very few scholars have taken note of the data about sculptural art scattered in various Sanskrit classics, although numerous studies have been devoted to actual pieces of sculptural art. Dr. Vasudev Sharan Aggraval did valuable work with reference to the art data as found in Bāna's prose romances, viz , the Kadambari and the Harşacaritam. Similarly scholars have culled out and classified such data from other Sanskrit works of Kalidasa, Dandin and a few other poets. lo his Presidential Address of Fine Arts & Technical Sciences Section, of All India Oriental Conference, XXIVth Session, Dr. U.P. Shah noticed a few references to architectural details in various descriptions of Jaina shrines in the Tilakamañjarī of Dhanapala, and pointed out that "it 18 worthwhile exploring all Jaina literary sources of different periods, especially the Katha-granthus for similar data "1 The present study is exclusively devoted to the sculptural data as found in Dhana pāla's Tilakamañjari.
I : Ornamentations in Temples and Palaces :
Among the pieces of sculptural art mentioned in the course of descriptions of temples and palaces, the following are noteworthy, viz., Dantavalabhıka (8, 19), Satakumbha-stainbha (36,3), Vikata pattrabhanga-citritacamıkara-stambha (71,14), sphagika-stambha (373,176.), Ayatana-stambhakumbhika (47,11), Rakta-candana-stambha (350, 9ff.) Manisila-darumayajayastambha (60,9), Makara-torana (265,19), Prakanda-torana (304, 15ff.). Mattavārana-maņi patta (223,7), sphatika-vilardika (267,13f.) and Rajatavedika (223,7).
II : Farnishings in Temples and Palaces :
Some more details are indicated in the case of a few other pieces, Thus, the basement of the highly precious lion-throne used to be made of golden stone or it was covered with sheets of gold. The Danta-pata was as pure as slightly ripe inner petals of a lotus and was covered with clean white silken sheet; it was set at the back of the Asthana-vedika; a Matta-varanaka each built in moon-stone was joined to it on either side; on its back side was a high golden seat.
Among the pieces of furniture, and etcetara, there are references to the extraordinarily high bedsteads of the Bhilla chief,5 jewelled bedstead