Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

SR No.: 006573
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 188
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 22 MB

Page 143

3. The Architecture of the Cave Temples
1. Neminatha Group
This is prominently seen in Neminatha group. The parts of the temple consist of i. The open mukhamandapa (Sketch No. 10)
ii. Cave consisting of
(a) Antarala
(b) Garbhagrha
1. Mukhamandapa: This is constructed over rough granite pillars, but their capitals are made, more decorative, that receive both horizontal and vertical stone beams.
In sketch 11, the uneven external contour of the hill is seen by a thick line above the pillars. To indicte the placement of the cross beams over pillar capitals, the pillar profile is separately shown below in the sketch.
ii (a) Antrala
This is the dark rectangular room formed by the lithic ceiling inside above the entrance of the dvara. It covers the eastern half of the cave. While the western half formed the sanctum. The ceiling that divides the cave is not the antarala but the roof of the upper chamber containing a window, above the entrance.
ii (b) Garbhagrha
Both in Nemigiri and Namigiri groups, this forms the western half of the cave. They have a high pedestal at the back wall, over which mulanayakas are installed. The upper chamber having the window and the entrance dvara, admit limited light, to the main images. in the back wall of the cave.
The architecture of the cave temples display the initial efforts of some of early caves of Bhaja, Bedsa etc in Maharastra. However, the well advanced features of chaitya windows, with refined sculptural features were never adopted in these temples. They are rough and display primitive workmanship.
2. Naminatha Group
These are caves, with the entrance displayed as a chaityalayas. They have two openinings (1) at the lower level (2) at the upper lewel. The lower one is made unimpressive, as it covers only the pedestal of the image portion at the back wall of the cave. But the
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