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CHAPTER 321
WOOD-CARVINGS
DEPOT
DUA
kortet
FIG. XXVI. Gujarat : wood-carving,
female musician
FIG. XXVII. Gujarat : wood-carving,
a nymph putting on anklets
Rectangular panels, once part of wooden shrines, are still more interesting as they provide us a peep into the contemporary life. One such panel shows Jaina monks (with cloth-pieces tied on their mouths) being greeted by villagers who are offering them numerous things (plate 300A). An equestrian figure, in the lower right corner, supervises the ritual and many other followers are seen bowing to the saints with folded hands. While one man is holding a garland, another stands by his side holding a pūrņa-kumbha and rosary. A pair of dogs, seen in the lower right corner, provides a realistic touch to the whole soene.
It is interesting to note that Jaina wooden panels often depict bullockcarts in their procession (plate 300B). These carts are always carved with an utmost care and show bullocks in walking-posture accompanied by figures in front and back. Yet another mode of travel in the ancient days, especially for the royal persons the palanquin-also finds depiction on these panels. The example illustrated here (plate 300C) shows a royal couple seated in the
Shab, op. cit., pp. 5 and 8.
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