Growth of Jaina Art in India
Compiled By Mr. P. L. Jain
In olden days, the word‘art was used in a broad sense, covering diverse subjects, such as mathematics, astronomy, music, song and dance, chemistry, cookery, writing, painting dress-making, flower arrangements, entertainment and even war-fare. In the contemporary period, the meaning of this word got modified and was used only for objects which gave satisfaction and pleasure to the head and heart. Thus, music, painting, writing compositions, building and architecture were considered as a part of art. In the modern context, meaning of art is still largely confined to painting, writing, building and architecture. The followers of Jainism have in the past been not only religious but also were fond of literature and art. They had the conviction that through literature and art, one could easily attract people towards religion and keep up their interest. For this reason, they have shown great involvement in the field of temple art, which can be observed in Jaina temples, caves, stupas and shilalekhas. Eminent historians have asserted that Jaina religion has been a great supporter and patron of ancient and medieval art, nurtured and encouraged by the Jaina sanghas and laymen. The typical samples of Jaina art available even today at various places are ample proof of the fact that Jainas made vast contribution towards its growth and development and further gave it due protection.
The lovers of art have had a feeling that the ancient art originated from the palaces of kings and emperors. Subsequently, the cultural paintings of great men, warriors and important events were depicted on the walls and roofs of caves and temples. There are many such places where samples of Jaina art have been carefully preserved. One of the oldest pictures of Jaina art can be seen at‘Jogipara’caves on the Ranigiri hills in Sarguja district of Madhya Pradesh, 18 km. Away from Lakshmanpur village. These pieces of exquisite art show trees, birds, people, groups of children, apsaras and gandharvas. It is believed that these paintings were made by the king Samprati, who had great interest in painting art. Another piece of ancient art can be seen at the caves of Sittanvasal near village Paddukota, in the district of Trichinapally, about 400 km. From Madras. Then roof, walls and pillars of these caves, laden with delicate flowers and figures of temple dancers in different attractive poses present a marvelous representation of the Jaina art. These pictures were sullosed to made in the period 500 to 625 A. D. Paintings of similar style are seen in the cave temples of Udaigiri and Khandgiri near Bhubaneshwar in Orissa.
Jaina art in the form of paintings was developed to its maximum extent during the period 12th to 16th century. The Gurjar art prevailing in that period and later, duly supported by Jainas rose to tall heights and it possessed the distinction of giving birth to the contemporary Rajput and Moghul arts. In that period, Jainas also developed the use of Tad-Patras for writing scriptures and pictures. One of the oldest such patra still available was made in Vikrama year 1157. During the latter period of 1400 to 1700 Vikrama Samvat, this art was depicted in the form of paintings on cloth as well as paper. Art of writing dialects in attractive forms has also been the contribution of Jaina teachers, specially monks and nuns. In the fields of excavation, construction and architecture also, the Jaina contribution has been unequalled. The work of preparing intricate temple structures in remote mountainous areas , design and construction of stone as well as bronze statues, entrance gates and pillars and building of caves have all been wonders for the present day builders and architects.
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