Jaina Art in Odisha

Jainism, one of the earliest religious movements of India, had greatly influenced the religious and moral ideals and actively acted as a catalytic factor in transforming the prevalent socio-cultural order of the society. Based on the cardinal principles of Kindness, humanity and equality Jainism had built up a solid background in literature, philosophy, art, iconography, as well as in social and educational systems. This liberal religion attracted all classes of people irrespective of castes and creed. The vast magnitude of art and architecture built up during a span of about 2000 years had not only enriched the art heritage of India but introduced series of gestures and postures of the icons as the guideline to the adherents. Although the engraving of the icons did not continue after 11th-12th century A.D. mainly due to lack of royal patronage. The faith still continues as a living religion in different communities of the country. The wealthy Jaina merchants came forward to keep alive the faith as well as the art tradition.

The treatise “Jaina Art in Odisha” presents lucidly the Jaina icons and architecture that eveloped and developed in the state from the time of the Aira Monarch Mahameghavahana Kharavela in the l-century B.C. till about 11th-12th century A.D. The Jaina sculptural art of different evolutionary phases and the bronzes with exquisite incorporated in this book have been workmanship speak of the rich art heritage of the state. The art specimens brought to light mainly through field survey and exploration.

The Jaina Art is not an isolated phenomenon. It flourished simultaneously with other forms of art maintaining close liaison and interaction, despite the sectarian rivalry. jealously and intolerance. But one thing is clear that all forms of sculptural art, irrespective of pantheons were carved out by the sculptors of similar schools. This book is a type by itself as it specifically deals with the orthodox Jaina hoped this work will be of great use to the archaeologists, historians, art Art in a chronological sequence. It is historians, the Jainas themselves, the research scholars and the interested readers at large.