Jainism and Karnataka Culture

SR No.: 011062
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S R Sharma
Publisher: Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar
Publication Year: 1940
Total Pages: 263
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 144

IIO
JAINISM AND KARNATAKA CULTURE
Karnataka namely, the Brahma-deva-stambhas and the Mānastambhas. The former bear figures of the Brāhmanical god Brahma ; the latter are taller and have a small pavilion at the capital.135 We have already referred to the Tyāgada Brahmadeva-pillar at Candragiri which is considered a beautiful work of art.' The fine Māna-stambha in front of the Pārsvanātha Basti at Sravaņa Belgoļa is distinguished by a śikhara over the cell which is always surmounted by a small dome, “as is universally the case with every vimāna in Dravidian architecture, instead of with the āmalaka ornament of the Northern śikharas.” 136
These stambhas or detached pillars are quite different from dipa-stambhas or lamp-posts of Hindu temples, and in the opinion of Fergusson, "are the lineal descendents" of the Buddhist ones which bore either emblems or statues-generally the former-or figures of animals. "Pillars are found of all ages in India," he says, "from Asoka pillars down to the Jainas. They might be compared to the Egyptian obelisks but when we look at the vast difference between their designs, it becomes evident that vast ages must have elapsed before the plain straight-lined forms of the obelisks could have changed into the complicated and airy forms of the Jaina stambhas.” 137 According to Mr. Walhouse the whole capital and canopy (of Jaina pillars) are a wonder of light, elegant, lightly decorated stone work ; and nothing can surpass the stately grace of these beautiful pillars, whose proportions and adaptations to surrounding scenery are always perfect, and whose richness of decoration never offends.138
Apart from these pieces of individual statuary or architectural work, the Jainas distinguished themselves by their decorative
135 Ep Ind. VIII, p. 123. The Jainas, of course, regard this Brahma,
not as identical with the Hindu god, but as a ksetra prit or yaksa
attending on the Arbat. 136 Fergusson, op. cit., p. 75. 197 Ibid., pp. 81-83. 138 Walbouse, Ind. Ant. V., p. 39.