Jaina Iconography

SR No.: 011018
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B Bhattacharya
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1974
Total Pages: 247
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 72

Tirthařkaras
33
Similarly, Munisuvrata's and Neminātha's respective symbols of tortoise and conch speak of their birth from the Hari family, whose connection with these Vaisņavite symbols are wellknown.
JINAS IN AYĀGAPATAS
The Karikāli Țīlā of Mathura yielded among other sculptures some Ayāgapațas of very carly age. In 3 of them, we notice the Tīrthamkara figure seated with hands laid in the lap. A feature of these representations is the inclusion of some of the Jaina Aşgamangala symbols such as a pair of fish, a Svastika etc. in a serial row around the main figure. A head-dress and trace of a parasol are visible in the case of one Ayāgapața (pl. VII, Smith's Mathura).
There is hardly any mark or Lāñchana by which we can recognise the particular Jinas figured in thcsc tablets of homage. One tablet, however, shows the figure of a Jina, which by its mark of snake-canopy we can identify as that of Pārsvanātha.
The representations of Jinas in these Ayāgapațas of pre-Kushan age as may be proved from the script of the inscriptions on them appear to be the earliest in the stages of Jaina iconography. Thus, we can infer that in the first stage of iconic developmen! Jinas had no Lāñchanas or distinctive marks, the Pārí va figure had the invariable symbol of snake canopy and some of the Aştamārgalikas had been very primitive in their growth.
The figures in this tablet of homage (VII, IX, X) as they belong to an age anterior to Kushan rule, are devoid of any mark of any classical influence and are purely of Indian origin. The conventional type of a Jina figure must have been derived from an Indian Yogi seated erect in meditation. The general appearance of Jina figures, their face, body is the same and with thc exception of their distinctive marks of Lāùchanas they would be just regarded as representing only one Tirthariikara.
VARIETIES OF JINAS OF THE
KUSHAN SCHOOL The Tīrthamkara images of the Kushan age may be divided