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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
The description of 'A Proto-Historic urban settlement of Kuccha-Dholavira' is also presented in the beautiful language linking maritime activity with the Artistic activities. The author points out:
"From the other archaeological remains obtained from the excavation here, it seems that this civilization was not merely a centre of trade, but was the one developed in the handicraft, too. Numerous things made from copper, bronze, stone, conch, gold and agate that have been obtained here prove the mastery in the art of the handicraft. The archeological remains such as the sharp-ended weapons like the spears or the arrows, and the clay utensils of various shapes and colors, the bangles of conch and metal, the pearls, beads, the golden ornaments, the kiln for melting the metal, the weight and measures etc., have been obtained in profuse proportion. A circular ring of an oyster shell obtained from here is noteworthy in that twelve vertical cuts have been carved in it. It is inferred that its use may have been for suggesting the directions, or it represents the twelve signs, or the measuring rod, or the zodiac.
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
Chapter three describes 'The Antiquity of the prevalence of sakti worship in Gujarat'. The images of the Goddesses are carved in such a style that they also express the folk art and folk culture. For instance the temple constructed during the Maitraka period (470-788 A.D.). In course of time the sakta sect flourished in Gujarat. This is attested to by the Tanstric images of Navanidhi lakṣmi. The author has also provided the rare photographs and munuscripts some of which are still preserved in the B.J. Institute. The chapters like 'The Dwarf (Kicaka) Sculpture of Gujarat' and 'The Saivite and the Śaktaite images at Patan' narrate the Cultural Heritage of Gujarat. This account is followed by the medieval period and its cultural activities. After the 18th century many of the temples here were renovated, and the step-well known as Barot ni Vava, was built. Patan was then the remote headquarters of the Gaikwar of Baroda; Damajirao Gaikwar had built the castle for the Protection of New Patan.
ગ્રંથસમીક્ષા
As the title of the book shows, it contains an important chapter 'Some Unique Step wells and Tanks of Gujarat and Rajasthan.' The author describes the principle and practice of step wells and states that the step wells provided water for drinking, irrigation, washing and bathing. As a meeting place there were seperate areas designated for men and women to the bath. Women collected water for their households. This provided an important opporunity to socialise and exchange news beyond their home. The author thus links the architectural styles with the socio-cultural and economic life of Gujarat. The author describes several Step-wells and Tanks of Gujarat Räni-ni-vāva, Rudabai's väva, Bai Hari's vāva, Šakti kunda, Surya kunda, Brahma kunda and Raniji ki Bāori, Neemrana ki Baori panna meena kunda, chand Baori-kunda, in Rajasthan. The photographs of the Step-wells and Tanks capture the real cultural and sociological spirit of ancient and medieval Gujarat and Rajasthan. Dr. Savalia points out that Gujarat breathed the spirit of overseas trade and commerce. The chapter 'Maritime Heritage of Gujarat (1297 CE To 1800 CE.) reflects the maritime cultural activities of Gujarat which were
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