The Jainas have been amongst the foremost in contributing to the field of art and architecture since early days. The images of -Tirthankar Rasbhadeva and the figures of standing or seated nude Yogins found inscribed on some terracotta seats, relies of the prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, discovered at Moheniodaro, as well as nude Harrappan red stone statue are almost equally old. The latter is remarkably akin to the polished stone torso of a Jina image from Lohanipur (Patna), which is ascribed to the Maurya times (4th c. B.C.). King Kharavela of Kalinga reinstalled the Jaina image, which had been taken away by Nanda to Magadha in (4th C. B.C.) During the Satavahana period (60 B.C. to 225 A.D.) Mathura and Saurastra were the main centres. The earliest Mathura sculpture represented by Kankalitila where from Ayagaptta, Stupa, images, and other Jaina cultural material are recovered. Gandhara art and Mathura art belong to Kusana period (First B.C. to 2nd A.D.) in which Jainism flourished to Mathura and the Ardhaphalaka sect, Yapaniya Sangha and Nagara art came into existence.

Gupta period (4th to 7th C.A.D.) is said to be the golden period of ancient Indian Culture. Hadgupta, Siddhasena, Harisena, Ravikirti, Pujyapada, Patrakesad, Udyotanasud and other Jain acaryas have been in existence during the period. Karnataka, Mathura, Hastinapur, Saurastra, Avanti, Ahiechatra, Shinnarnala, Kausambi, Devagumpha, Vidisa, Sravasti, Varanasi, Vaisali, Pataliputra, Rajagraha, Campa etc. were the main Jaina centres of art and architecture. After the Gupta period, Kakkula, Vatsaraja, and Mahendrapala were the Jaina kings in the Pratihara dynasty. King Munja, Navasahasanka and Bhoja were followers of Jainism. Dhanapala, Affitagati, Manikyanandi, Prabhacandra, Asadhara, Dhananjaya etc. had contributed to the literary field during the same period. Chittod was the capital of Paramaras where Kalakacharya and Haribhadra devoted their lives for the development of Jaina art and architecture.

During Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho, Devagadh, Mahoba, Madanapur, Chanderi, Ahar, Papora, and Gwaliar became famous for their Jaina art. Some important inscriptions, Toranas, images and other sculptural material are found in Tripuri..

Bihar has been a prominent state since very early days with regard to Jaina culture. It is the Parinirvanabhumi of so many -Tirthankars and is enriched through Jaina statues, relies, sculpture etc. at Rajagrih, Nalanda, Parsvanatha hill, Simhabhumi, Barabar hill, Patna, Pavapuri etc. The earliest Jaina images are recovered in Bengal from Surohar and Mandoil of Mathura style. The images of Jaina Tirthankars found in Orissa at Udaigiri-Khandagiri, and some other places such as Keonjhar, Mayurabhanja, Jaipur, Cuttack are very beautiful from artistic point or view.

It is abundantly clear that Jainism, one of the most ancient animistic Indigenous religions has been contributing constantly and unforgettably to the field of history and culture. Its philosophy, ethics, dogmas, spiritual disciplines and practices are based on truth and non-violence with the nature of humanistic approach, interreligious dialogue and understanding which can be easily perceived through its extensive and perennial literature.

 

It is our duty to conserve and preserve our rich hertiage manifested in our scriptures and artitecture and practices. As we know, the sacred namokar mantra and most of literature is in prakarit language. however prakrit is not recognised as per our consititution and study of this langugage is not well spread. Similarly, the jain artifacts are scattred at many places throughout the country at times at unhabitated inaccessible places like tiktoli dumdar in Morena in MP, kila parasnath at Nagina UP, at sembattur, Tamilnadu etc. to name a few. The list would be a long one. Perhaps an institutional efforts to take care of our neglected heritage to save it from unscruplous art smugglers is required. If one have some idea or desire to contribute for such a casue, he is welcome to contact us at ahimsajain@yahoo.co.in.

An effort is under way to preserve the artifacts at kila parasnath, UP by providing for a local meuseum.