Bharatna Jain Tirtho

This document is an index and collection of images from the book "Bharatna Jain Tirtho ane Temnu Shilp Sthapatya" (Jain Tirths of India and their Sculpture and Architecture) by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, published in 1942.

Here's a breakdown of its content:

Key Information:

• Title: Bharatna Jain Tirtho ane Temnu Shilp Sthapatya (Jain Tirths of India and their Sculpture and Architecture)
• Author: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
• Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
• Year of Publication: 1942 (Vikram Samvat 1998)
• Purpose: To document and showcase the rich architectural and sculptural heritage of Jain pilgrimage sites and temples across India.
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008471/1

Content Summary:

The document begins with several pages of introductory material:

• Page 1: Lists various Jain books, suggesting this is part of a larger series or a compilation.
• Page 3: Dedicates the book to Sadhavis (nuns) and mentions inspiration from the Haripura Jain Sangha. It also lists the organizer and contact details for the Jain Gyan Bhandar.
• Page 5: Introduces the book as the 22nd volume in the "Shri Jain Prachin Sahitya Dwar Granthavali" series.
• Page 6: Mentions the copyright, availability, price, printer, and publisher.
• Page 7 & 8: Dedicated to someone named Seth Maneklal Chunilal Shah, J.P.
• Page 9-16: These are crucial introductory sections:
  • Publisher's Note (Page 9-10): Sarabhai Manilal Nawab explains his endeavor to publish ancient Jain literature and this specific work. He expresses gratitude to Seth Maneklal Chunilal Shah and mentions his intention to document Jain architectural marvels across India in multiple volumes. He also laments the lack of support from the affluent Jain community during a time of war and economic hardship. He highlights his new role in managing the "Jain Directory" and the importance of preserving Jain architectural heritage. He lists several prominent Jain Tirths included in the book and thanks various institutions and individuals for their support in providing photographs and printing.
  • Foreword (Page 11-12): Written by Muni Jinavijayji, a renowned archaeologist. He praises the Jain community's contribution to Indian literature and architecture. He emphasizes the immense value of Jain architectural remains as national heritage and notes the lack of comprehensive publications on this subject in India, contrasting it with European efforts. He commends Sarabhai Nawab's passion and dedication to this cause.
  • Introduction (Page 13-16): Written by Shri Ravishankar Raval, an art critic. He elaborates on the artistic appreciation within the Jain community, tracing the evolution of Jain art and architecture from ancient times. He discusses the influence of Buddhist art, the origins of stupas and temples, and the stylistic similarities across different regions and religious sects. He also highlights the skill of the artisans and the need for preservation of this art.

Index and Image Descriptions (Page 17 onwards):

The majority of the document consists of a detailed index followed by photographic plates.

• Index (Page 17-21): This section provides a comprehensive list of the images included in the book, categorized by Plate number and depicting specific Jain Tirths, deities, sculptures, architectural elements, and historical figures. Each entry is brief and descriptive.
• Photographic Plates (Page 22 onwards): This is the core of the document. It contains numerous black-and-white photographs of various Jain Tirths and their architectural and sculptural details. Each image is accompanied by:
  • A figure number (e.g., Fig 1, Fig 2).
  • A description in Gujarati, identifying the subject matter (e.g., "Sri Parsvanātha - Muttra," "Ancient carved pillars - Uperkot Junagadh," "Main temple Samet Sikhar").
  • Sometimes, copyright information is indicated.

Themes and Content Covered by the Images:

The images showcase a wide array of Jain heritage sites and art, including:

• Iconography: Symbols, foot impressions (charanpaduka), various deities (Yakshas and Yakshinis associated with Tirthankaras like Ambika, Padmavati, Chakreshvari, Sarasvati, Gomukh, Parsva Yaksha), and Tirthankara images (Rishabhdeva, Parsvanatha, Mahavir Swami, Neminatha, etc.).
• Tirths and Temples: Prominent Jain pilgrimage sites such as Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Ranakpur, Talaja, Kumbharia, Taranga, Mahudi, Ajara, Prabhaspatan, Ujjain, Mathura, and others are visually represented.
• Architectural Styles: The images capture the intricate carvings, pillars, domes, spires, doorways, ceilings, and overall structure of Jain temples. This includes examples of wooden architecture and stone sculptures.
• Historical Significance: The photographs are often accompanied by brief captions or references to their historical period (e.g., second century, tenth century, fifteenth century) and sometimes mention inscriptions.
• Artistic Merit: The emphasis is clearly on the artistic and sculptural quality of the Jain heritage.

Overall Impression:

"Bharatna Jain Tirtho ane Temnu Shilp Sthapatya" is a pioneering work in documenting Jain art and architecture. It serves as a valuable visual archive of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Jainism in India, highlighting the artistry and devotion that went into the creation of these sacred sites. The book emphasizes the preservation and appreciation of this legacy.