Jain images from Ancient Bengal (Introduction)

It is apparent from the database that the most popular Tīrthaṅkaras are Ṛṣabhanātha Pārśvanātha and Mahāvīra. However, the images of Ajitanātha, Candraprava, Śāntinātha, Mallinātha and Neminātha are also found in good numbers. The images of all the Tīrthaṅkaras are cast into a uniform mould and reveal a stereotyped character. The legends of their births, renunciation and salvation are similar, excepting the sixteen dreams of their mothers, lāñchanas, Yakṣas and Yakṣiṇīs etc. In our present study area Tīrthaṅkaras are found mostly with out the depictions of Yakṣas and Yakṣiṇīs in their pedestal. However, lāñchanas are always present in the centre of the pedestal except the image of Tīrthaṅkaras Pārśvanātha. The present chapter delineates the iconographic characteristics of the Jain sculptural specimens reported and documented from the different parts of the present study region.

The Tīrthaṅkaras both in the kāyotsarga and dhyānasana [dhyānāsana?] posture are found from our study area of these varieties:

1. Single depiction of Tīrthaṅkara

2. Dvi-tīrthika

3. Pañca-tīrthika

4. Caubisi

5. Tīrthaṅkara with Planetary deities
-) Planetary deities depicted on the pedestal
-) Planetary deities depicted on both sides of the Tīrthaṅkara
-) Planetary deities depicted on both the back-slab and the pedestal

6. Tīrthaṅkara with Dikpālas
-) Dikpālas depicted on both sides of the Tīrthaṅkaras
-) Dikpālas depicted on top of the back-slab

7. Tīrthaṅkara with miniature Tīrthaṅkaras and Planetary deities/ Dikpālas or both