Plates: Jaina Sculptures from Bhagalpur
By Unexhibited
Summary
The two plate pages following Ajoy Kumar Sinha’s article reproduce photographs of four Jain sculptures from Bhagalpur. Figure 1 shows an Adimithuna image in which the Jina sits in meditation on a lotus pedestal with his parents seated below, children on their laps, and attendants holding a tri‑circular umbrella. Figure 2 presents a rare cauṭhī or twenty‑four‑fold panel: the central Tirthankara stands within a niche while twenty‑three smaller Jinas encircle him in meditation postures, illustrating the Jain practice of venerating all Tirthankaras at once. Figure 3 depicts a standing Tirthankara carved on a rounded stela; the figure’s elongated limbs, slender waist and serene expression reflect the influence of the Gupta style. Figure 4 is a close‑up of a Jina’s torso, emphasising the smooth modelling of the chest and the distinctive śrivatsa mark. Together, these plates provide visual corroboration of the iconographic features discussed in the preceding article—lotus pedestals, umbrellas, attendant deities and regional stylistic traits. They also allow readers to appreciate the craftsmanship of eastern India’s medieval Jain sculptors.
Conclusion
The plate section complements the textual analysis by offering visual evidence of Bhagalpur’s Jain sculptures. The images illustrate the compositional diversity of Adinatha and Yugal representations and underscore the sophistication of carving in black basalt. They reinforce the article’s argument that Bhagalpur was a vibrant centre of Jain art and invite further study of regional variations in Jain iconography.