Jain Pratimavigyan

The book "Jain Pratimavigyan" by Dr. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi in 1981, is a comprehensive study of Jain iconography. The book provides a detailed exploration of the development of Jain iconography from its origins up to the 12th century CE, primarily focusing on North India.

The author meticulously analyzes Jain sculptural remains from significant archaeological sites such as Devgarh, Khajuraho, Kumbhariya, Osian, Abu, Taranga, Gyarasapur, Jalor, and Ghanerao, as well as from various archaeological museums.

Key aspects and findings highlighted in the book include:

• Possible depictions of Jain Mahavidyas on Digambara sites: The book discusses attempts to depict Jain Mahavidyas, suchThe author has made an effort to interpret potential representations of Jain Mahavidyas on Digambara sites, with Khajuraho being a notable example.
• Dvitirthi and Tritirthi Jin Murtis: The study delves into the iconography of Dvitirthi (two Jinas side-by-side) and Tritirthi (three Jinas together) Jin Murtis, particularly noting the representation of Bahubali and Sarasvati alongside Jinas.
• Independent sculptures of Bahubali and Bharata Chakravarti: The book highlights the significance of independent sculptures of Bahubali and Bharata Chakravarti, recognizing their importance in Jain art.
• Depictions of Jinas' life scenes and parents: On Svetambara sites, the author notes the representation of Jinas' life events and their parents, which is a significant finding of the study.
• Jain deities not mentioned in tradition: The book makes a novel contribution by identifying and discussing Jain deities that were popular in Jain art centers but not traditionally described in Jain texts.
• Development of the entire Jain pantheon: The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the development of the entire Jain pantheon, including the first-time mention of Jin-associated sculptures in the study of Yaksha-Yakshi iconography.
• Historical perspective: The entire study is conducted within the historical framework, respecting the boundaries of time and region.

The book is considered valuable for scholars researching Jainism, art, and iconography, as well as for general readers interested in Hindi literature and culture. The author's doctoral research at Banaras Hindu University on "Jain Iconography in North India" (1977) forms the basis of this revised and comprehensive work. The publication was financially supported by the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi, and the Jivan Jagan Charitable Trust, Faridabad.

In essence, "Jain Pratimavigyan" is a seminal work that systematically traces the evolution of Jain iconography, analyzing a vast array of archaeological evidence and textual sources to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of Jain art and religious symbolism.