Themes within Jain Sculpture

For the most part, artists in ancient India belonged to non-denominational guilds who were prepared to lend their services to any patron, whether Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain. Many of the styles they used were a function of the time and place rather than the particular religion. Therefore, Jain art from this period is stylistically similar to Hindu or Buddhist art, although its themes and iconography are specifically Jain. With some minor variations, the western style of Indian art endured throughout the 16th century and into the 17th century. The rise in Islam contributed to the decline of Jain art but did not result in its total elimination.

Jain iconography mostly has a sage in sitting or standing meditative posture without any clothes. Popular themes and icons in Jain art include the Tirthankaras (Jain saviors, or human beings who achieved the ultimate spiritual salvation and served as role models for society), yakshas and yakshinis (supernatural male and female guardian deities), and holy symbols such as the lotus and the swastika, which symbolized peace and well-being.

The two Jain Tirthankaras, British museum

This sculpture represents two Tirthankaras, or founders of Jainism. On the left is Rishabha, who was the first of the 24 tirthankaras. On the right is Mahavira, the last of those 24, who consolidated and reformed the religious and philosophical system.

Figures on various seals from the Indus Valley Civilisation bear similarity to jain images, nude and in a meditative posture. The earliest known jain image is in the Patna museum, dated approximately to the 3rd century BCE. Bronze images of the 23rd tirthankara, Pārśva, can be seen in the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai, and in the Patna museum; these are dated to the 2nd century BCE. A sandalwood sculpture of Mahāvīra was carved during his lifetime, according to tradition. Later the practice of making images of wood was abandoned, other materials being substituted.

Ayagapata 

Ayagapata is a type of votive slab or tablet associated with worship in Jainism. Many of these stone tablets, some dating back to the 1st century CE, were discovered during excavations at ancient Jain sites such as Kankali Tila near Mathura, India. These slabs are decorated with objects and designs central to Jain worship such as the stupa, dharmacakra and triratna, and were often used as offerings or for worship.

The Statue of Bahubali

A colossal monolithic statue of Bahubali at Shravanbelagola, the Jain siddha (one who has attained spiritual salvation), is located in Karnataka in southern India. This statue is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jain worshipers. The statue was carved in 981 CE out of a single block of granite; it stands 57 feet high and is completely nude, as is customary in the Jain tradition.

The statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali, 978-993 CE

The 57ft high Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, was built in 981 CE.