New Perspectives on Jain Architecture and Sculpture at Sravana Belagola
By Nalini Rao (Ph.D)
Summary
The paper explores the socio-religious significance of Jain architecture and sculpture at Sravana Belagola in Karnataka, emphasizing their role in shaping community identity and cultural traditions. While prior research has focused on Jain ecology and religious beliefs, this study highlights the underexplored aspects of built and natural environments in historical sites. It redefines the relationship between free-standing images of Tirthankaras and temple architecture, arguing that visual imagery in stone imparted community cohesiveness and social connectivity, integral to Jain culture. The author, Nalini Rao, is a professor of world art at Soka University of America, with a background in art history, including positions at the University of Southern California, the University of Hawaii, and others. Her work bridges iconography, regional Karnataka art, and the broader cultural implications of Jain architecture. The study contributes to the *International Journal of Indic Religions*, offering new perspectives on how built environments reflect and reinforce religious values and traditions.
Conclusion
This paper presents a significant contribution to the understanding of Jainism's architectural and sculptural heritage by emphasizing the socio-religious significance of Sravana Belagola's built and natural environment. By redefining the relationship between the free-standing image of Gommatesvara and temple architecture, it highlights how visual imagery in stone has shaped community identity, cultural traditions, and social connectivity within Jainism. The research fills a critical gap in existing scholarship, which has predominantly focused on religious beliefs and ecology while neglecting the role of aesthetics and spatial design. The findings offer valuable insights into how Jain architecture and sculpture function as expressions of cultural values and commitments, fostering cohesiveness and shared traditions. This study not only enriches academic discourse on Jainism but also provides a framework for future research on the interplay of art, religion, and cultural identity in historical contexts.