Madhyapradesh Ki Prachin Jain Kala - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Madhyapradesh ki Prachin Jain Kala" by Krushnadatta Vajpai, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Madhyapradesh ki Prachin Jain Kala," authored by Prof. Krushnadatta Vajpai, highlights the significant role of the central region of India (Madhya Pradesh) in the development of fine arts from the prehistoric era to the medieval period. The text specifically focuses on the rich ancient Jain art found in this region.

Key Themes and Content:

Geographical Importance and Trade Routes: Madhya Pradesh, situated in the heart of India, served as a crucial hub due to its strategic location and numerous trade routes. These routes, established for commercial, religious, and general transit, facilitated the spread of art and culture. Notable routes connected cities like Kausambi, Bharhut, Eran, Gyaraspur, Vidisha, and Ujjain, and also extended towards Mathura and Padmavati. Along these routes, merchants and travelers commissioned the construction of temples, stupas, and dharamshalas, contributing to the artistic landscape.
Early Artistic Expressions: The region's earliest artistic expressions can be seen in the rock shelters of the Vindhya valleys, where ancient inhabitants created paintings on cave walls. These paintings provide valuable insights into the daily life of those times.
Jainism's Flourishing in Madhya Pradesh: While Bharhut and Sanchi are known for early Buddhist art, and Vidisha, Eran, Bhumra, and Nachna for Vaishnavism and Shaivism, Madhya Pradesh also holds significant importance for the emergence and early development of Jainism. Jain literature mentions Vidisha with great reverence, noting that Lord Mahavir was worshipped there in the form of 'Jivantaswami'. Legends suggest that King Pradyota of Avanti brought this idol from Sheruk (Sindh-Sauvira kingdom) and installed it in Vidisha, where grand chariot processions were held in its honor. Jainism's early propagation in Ujjain is also documented in texts like 'Kalkacharya-Kathanak'.
Patronage and Artistic Exchange: The Shunga-Sātavāhana period (2nd century BCE to 200 CE) saw the prevalence of Yaksha worship in Vidisha, with significant Yaksha and Yakshi sculptures discovered there. Naga worship was also widespread in Vidisha, Padmavati, and Kantipuri, with Naga and Nagini idols depicted in both serpentine and human forms.
Influence of Mathura and Gupta Period: The Shak-Kushana era (1st century BCE to 2nd century CE) marked a period of great advancement for Mathura as an art center, with significant developments in both Jain and Buddhist art. The text emphasizes the religious tolerance and coexistence of various Indian religions in cities like Mathura, Vidisha, and Ujjain during this time. The influence of Mathura art is evident in the artifacts from Padmavati and Vidisha, particularly in the integration of external form and spiritual beauty.
Key Developments in Jain Iconography: Mathura became a center for the introduction of specific symbols or 'laanchans' for Jain Tirthankara images. Besides the Shri Vatsa symbol, various auspicious signs and specific Tirthankara emblems began to be incorporated into their sculptures. Jain Sarvatobhadra (four-faced) images also started being produced in Mathura during the Kushana period, which were subsequently emulated in other art centers.
Significant Discoveries and Royal Patronage: The book details the discovery of three rare Tirthankara sculptures from Vidisha, inscribed in Brahmi script and Sanskrit. Two of these bear the name of Tirthankara Chandraprabha, and the third, Tirthankara Pushpadanta. The inscriptions indicate that these were commissioned by the Gupta ruler 'Maharajadhiraj' Ramagupta, the elder brother of Emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, thus confirming Ramagupta's historical existence. These sculptures, influenced by the Mathura style, depict the Tirthankaras in a meditative posture, seated in Padmasana, with a simple halo and beautifully crafted chauri-bearers on either side.
Continued Artistic Production in the Gupta Era: Jain art continued to flourish in various parts of Madhya Pradesh during the Gupta period. A particularly artistic sculpture of Tirthankara Parshvanatha was created in Cave No. 20 of Udayagiri near Vidisha during the reign of Emperor Kumaragupta I. A Tirthankara statue dating back to around 500 CE was found near Sihora hill in Panna district.
Devgarh as a Major Jain Art Center: Devgarh, in the Lalitpur tehsil of Jhansi district, experienced a significant artistic boom during the Gupta and early medieval periods (c. 650-1200 CE). While the famous Dashavatara Temple of Vishnu was built there during the Gupta period, the subsequent era saw the construction of numerous beautiful Jain temples on the banks of the Betwa River, continuing from the 7th to the 12th century. This development was supported by royal patronage, as well as contributions from the business community and the general public, leading to the creation of a large number of artworks. Jain Acharyas of the Bhattarak sect played a crucial role in spreading Jainism in the surrounding areas of Devgarh.
Other Jain Art Centers and Medieval Developments: Numerous Jain monuments and sculptures have been found at sites like Chanderi, Thabawn, Dudhai, and Chandpur, indicating the significant growth of Jainism in the early medieval period. Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district also emerged as a center with notable temples and artistic sculptures. From the late medieval period (1200-1800 CE), a vast amount of Jain material has been unearthed from various locations in Madhya Pradesh, including Ahar, Bina-Baraha, Ajaygarh, Banpura, Mohnedra, Terhi, Damoh, Gandharwal, Gwalior, Gyaraspur, Bhanpura, and Baroh-Pathari. These findings reveal the diverse development of architecture and sculpture in the region, with most temples built in the Nagar style.
Importance of Inscriptions and Preservation: A significant number of medieval Jain artworks are inscribed, providing not only religious historical information but also valuable insights into political, economic, social, and linguistic aspects. The author stresses the urgent need for the proper preservation of the vast artistic material that remains scattered across various ancient sites in Madhya Pradesh, in addition to those housed in public and private museums.

In essence, "Madhyapradesh ki Prachin Jain Kala" by Krushnadatta Vajpai is a scholarly exploration of the significant contributions of Madhya Pradesh to ancient Indian Jain art, tracing its development through various historical periods, highlighting key artistic centers, influential styles, and the importance of patronage and inscriptions.