Jaina Rock Cut Caves In Western India

This document is a preface to Viraj Shah's book, "Jaina Rock-Cut Caves in Western India," Volume II, published by Agam Kala Prakashan in 2008. The book is a detailed study of Jaina rock-cut caves, with a special focus on Maharashtra.

The author, Viraj Shah, recounts her initial encounter with Jaina caves at Ellora, which she found to be seemingly monotonous compared to the vibrant Brahmanical art. However, further study revealed that this apparent simplicity was indicative of the ascetic nature of Jainism. The scarcity of information on these caves spurred her research, aiming to bring them to light through detailed recording and tentative chronological fixing.

The book is an updated version of her 2001 Ph.D. dissertation. It presents information in a reader-friendly, tabular format where possible, but also includes tedious yet necessary descriptions to document these neglected sites. The work is illustrated with numerous line drawings of architectural components and icons, as well as photographs. The author also notes the difficulty in locating some sites due to them being forgotten by local populations.

A significant observation from the author's fieldwork is the changing landscape of these ancient sites, with Jaina communities actively involved in their "development." This includes renovations that alter the original character of the caves, raising concerns about the preservation of heritage. The author hopes for proper study before this heritage is lost.

The preface also includes extensive acknowledgments to individuals and institutions that supported her research, including her supervisor Prof. Gouri Lad, Deccan College, and various scholars. She also acknowledges the financial support from fellowships and the help of library staff and friends, especially her sister Fora, who assisted with line drawings. The work is dedicated to her late grandmother.

The book's table of contents reveals its comprehensive scope, covering:

• Chapter 1: Introduction: A survey of Jaina caves across India and a specific focus on the region of Maharashtra, including its physical features, political history, and the philosophy and iconography of Jainism.
• Chapter 2: Description and Chronology of Caves: Detailed descriptions and dating of numerous Jaina cave sites in Maharashtra, such as Dharashiva, Ambejogai, Kharosa, Ellora (early and later caves), Mangi-Tungi, Pandu Lena, Patne, Chambhara Lena, Anjaneri, Ankai-Tankai, Tringalwadi, Washale (Vase), Daulatabad, Junnar, Bhamer, Chandor, Mohida, and Dhumalwadi.
• Chapter 3: Architectural and Iconographic Trends: An analysis of the architectural elements and iconographic features found in these caves, including the development of iconographic forms, the depiction of various Jaina deities and figures, and influences from other regions.
• Chapter 4: Site: Location and Importance: Discussion on the concept of sacred space in Jainism, Jaina texts referring to tirthas (holy places) in Maharashtra, and the significance of specific locations.
• Chapter 5: Cultural Milieu of Jaina Caves: Socio-Religious Background: An exploration of Jainism in Maharashtra, its historical spread, the socio-religious and economic base of the community, religious practices, sub-sects, interactions with other religions, and patronage.
• Chapter 6: Conclusion: A summary of the architectural and iconographic features, their development, the inter-site relationships, the selection of site locations, and the socio-economic factors.

The book also includes lists of figures and plates (photographs) that illustrate the detailed descriptions of the caves and their sculptures, along with a glossary of architectural terms and references.