Jain Kashtapat Chitra - Book Summary

The book "Jain Kashtapat Chitra" (Jain Wooden Panel Paintings) by Vasudev Smart, published by Omkarsuri Gyanmandir Surat, is a significant work that documents and analyzes the mural paintings found in the Jain temples of South Gujarat. The book is the result of extensive research, documentation, and artistic reproductions of these ancient art forms.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the book:

1. Introduction and Tribute to the Artist:

The book begins with tributes from respected figures like Acharya Shilachandrasuriji and Acharya Yashovijaysuriji, highlighting the importance of Jain art and the contribution of Vasudev Smart.
Vasudev Smart (1925-1999) was a renowned artist and art scholar who dedicated his later years to researching and preserving Jain art. He had a deep understanding of Indian art, mural techniques, and had previously published works on art history.
The book is presented as a tribute to Smart's lifelong dedication to art and his crucial role in bringing the hitherto lesser-known Jain mural tradition of South Gujarat to the forefront.

2. The Jain Artistic Tradition:

The book emphasizes Jainism's significant contribution to various art forms, including sculpture, architecture, and painting, across India.
It highlights famous Jain architectural marvels like the Dilwara temples and the Ranakpur temple, and the intricate painting traditions seen in the Kalpasutra manuscripts.
The strong connection between Jain religious places and artistic creations is emphasized, with patrons investing heavily in adorning temples and places of worship.
The text notes that Jain art, particularly in temples, includes the creation of "Kashtapat Chitra" (wooden panel paintings).

3. Focus on South Gujarat's Jain Art:

The core of the book focuses on the wooden panel paintings found in Jain temples in South Gujarat, covering the region from Vapi to Amod-Bharuch.
The author, Vasudev Smart, undertook extensive travel and meticulous documentation of these paintings, creating replicas and sketches to preserve them.

4. Vasudev Smart's Methodology and Contribution:

Smart's approach was driven by a passion for art and a concern for the deteriorating condition of these ancient paintings.
He meticulously documented the paintings through tracing, sketching, and photography, aiming to capture their essence before they were lost to time or damage.
His work is considered a pioneering effort in documenting this specific genre of Jain art.
The book acknowledges that many of these paintings were found on wooden panels ("Kashtapat"). It also mentions that a few wall murals ("Fresco") were also documented, such as the "Nandishwar Dwip" from the Adishwar temple in Rander and "Adhai Dwip" from Ankleshwar.
Smart's dedication extended to trying to preserve the original artworks, even trying to convince temple authorities and raising public awareness through articles.

5. Key Temples and Artistic Styles Documented: The book delves into the art found in specific Jain temples and regions, providing detailed descriptions:

Randher (Surat): This section details the Jain temples in Randher, including the Adishwar Bhagvan Temple and Nemnath Temple. It describes the intricate wood carving, paintings on ceilings, pillars, and beams, and the unique "Nandishwar Dwip" wall mural which is described as a masterpiece. The influence of Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Mughal styles in the paintings is noted.
Surat (Chintamani Parshvanath Temple, Chandraprabhu Swami Jinalaya): The book provides in-depth descriptions of the art found in these temples, including detailed accounts of the wood carvings, ceiling paintings depicting various themes, and the "Chaud Lok ni akruti" (diagram of the fourteen realms). The Shreemad Chintamani Parshwanath temple is highlighted for its exceptional wood carving and paintings, representing a blend of various artistic influences.
Bharuch: The historical significance of Bharuch as a Jain pilgrimage site is discussed, along with descriptions of the art in temples like the Suvrat Swami Temple. The "Panch Tirth Pat" (paintings of five holy sites) found in Bharuch are particularly noteworthy for their detail and artistic merit. The book includes details from the "Indudoot" poem, describing Bharuch and the Narmada River.
Ankleshwar: This section details the Jain temples in Ankleshwar, describing the ancient idols, manuscripts, and the "Adhai Dwip" mural painting found in the Chintamani Parshwanath temple. The "Panch Tirth Pat" from the Digambar Jain temple is also documented.
Amod: Paintings found in the Jain temple in Amod are also presented.

6. Themes and Subject Matter of the Paintings:

The paintings primarily depict themes from Jain religious literature, including the lives of Tirthankaras, Jain cosmology (e.g., "Adhai Dwip," "Nandishwar Dwip," "Ashtapad," "Chaud Lok"), pilgrimage sites (like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Abu), and devotional narratives.
The artistic styles observed often show influences from Rajput, Mughal, and Maratha art, as well as local folk art traditions.
The paintings are characterized by their detailed linework, vibrant colors, intricate decorative elements, and narrative style.

7. The "Kashtapat Chitra" (Wooden Panel Paintings):

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the wooden panel paintings, which were often integrated into the temple architecture.
The book explains the process of creating these paintings on wooden panels, including preparation of the surface and application of colors.
Various types of panel paintings are discussed, including those depicting Jain cosmology, pilgrimage sites, religious stories, and invitation letters for religious gatherings.
The historical context of panel paintings, their evolution, and the reasons for their decline (due to damage, lack of preservation, and changing architectural styles) are also touched upon.

8. Preservation and the Future:

The book implicitly calls for the preservation of these invaluable artworks, highlighting their fragility and the ongoing threats they face.
The effort to compile and publish this work is seen as a crucial step in raising awareness and ensuring the survival of this artistic heritage.

In essence, "Jain Kashtapat Chitra" is a scholarly and artistic endeavor that serves as a vital record and appreciation of the rich but often overlooked Jain mural and panel painting traditions of South Gujarat, brought to life through the dedicated work of Vasudev Smart.