Temples Of Kumbhariya

This comprehensive summary of "The Temples of Kumbhariya" by M.A. Dhaky and U.S. Moorti details the historical, architectural, and artistic significance of the Jain temples at Kumbhariya, Gujarat.

Introduction and Historical Context: The book begins by situating Jainism within the historical, socio-religious, and cultural landscape of Gujarat, tracing its presence from the Mauryan period to the Solanki era. It highlights the substantial contributions of Jainism to art and architecture during medieval times, despite the subsequent destruction of many structures. The authors emphasize that Kumbhariya, though a less famous site, holds significant importance for understanding the development of Western Indian Jain temple architecture, with some of its temples predating those at more renowned locations like Mount Abu. The monograph aims to fill a gap in Indological studies by providing an exhaustive account of these temples.

Kumbhariya and Contemporary Writings: Chapter 2 reviews existing scholarly and literary works on Kumbhariya, starting with Alexander Kinloch Forbes's early description in "Râs Mâlâ" (1856) and proceeding through the contributions of D.R. Bhandarkar, Henry Cousens, various Gujarati scholars, and Muni Jayantavijaya. It notes the historical significance of Bhandarkar's report, despite some inaccuracies, and highlights the systematic documentation and inscriptions published by Muni Jinavijaya and Muni Viśālavijaya. The chapter also acknowledges the use of late medieval sources in Gujarati literature.

Denomination and Historical Background: Chapter 3 delves into the site's denomination, explaining that while modern texts refer to it as Kumbhariya, medieval inscriptions consistently use "Ārāsaņa" or "Ārāsaņākara," possibly linked to local marble quarries. The chapter dismisses legends attributing the name to Mahārāṇā Kumbhā or potter communities, favoring the "Ārāsaņa" connection to marble. It discusses the settlement's establishment, likely in the early 11th century, coinciding with the exploitation of marble quarries. The temples, built between the early 11th and late 13th centuries, were primarily funded by the Jain mercantile community, not by royal patronage. The chapter details the five Jain temples and one Śiva temple, their orientation, and refutes the legend of 360 temples built by Vimala Shah, highlighting that later medieval sources only mention five temples. It traces the political history of Ārāsaņa under the Solankis and Paramaras, noting its relative abandonment in the early 14th century and subsequent desecration. The chapter concludes by describing the administration and renovation efforts by Seth Anandji Kalyanji from 1921 onwards.

Western Indian Jain Temple: Generalities: Chapter 4 provides a general overview of the typical Western Indian Jain temple complex, adhering to the Maru-Gurjara architectural style. It describes the characteristic floor plans, components like the jagatī (platform), mūlaprāsāda (main shrine), gūdhamandapa (closed hall), mukhamandapa (trika or şațcatuṣkya), and rangamandapa (assembly hall). It notes that the Kumbhariya temples largely conform to this pattern, with exceptions in the Şaţcatuṣkya and the absence of extensive devakulikās in some. The chapter details the distinctive iconographic programs that differentiate Jain temples from Brahmanical ones, such as the portrayal of pañcakalyāṇakas and Jain divinities on the vedibandha. It also touches upon the jāla (screen) patterns in the śikharas and the characteristic samvaraņā (tiered roof) of the gūdhamandapa.

Description of Temples: This extensive chapter provides detailed descriptions of each temple:

• Adinatha Temple (Phase I): Originally dedicated to Rishabha, likely founded before 1031 AD and rebuilt around 1082 AD. It later became dedicated to Shantinatha. The chapter discusses its original intent as a caturvimśati Jinālaya and the reuse of its doorframe in the Shantinatha temple.
• Mahāvīra Temple: The oldest extant building, dating to around 1062 AD. It is a complete complex with a mūlaprāsāda, gūdhamandapa, trika, rangamandapa, paṭṭaśālā-cloister with devakulikās, and khattaka-niches. The chapter details its tri-anga plan, mūlaprāsāda mouldings, sikhara with jāla pattern, the gūdhamandapa's samvaraņā roof, the trika's finely carved ceilings, and the rangamandapa's Sabhāmārga ceiling with its unique Negameșa figures.
• Śāntinātha Temple (Ādinātha Phase II): Originally dedicated to Rishabha, later to Shantinatha. It is the smallest temple but features a notable şațcatuṣkī with six elaborately carved ceilings. The chapter highlights the temple's early 11th-century doorframe and the stylistic evolution of its sculptures.
• Pārśvanātha Temple: Notable for its balānaka hall with an upper floor. The temple's rangamandapa is described as the best proportioned among the Kumbhariya group, despite later replacement of some original ceilings. The chapter details its unique five-part doorframe and the decorated bhadraprāsādas.
• Neminātha Temple: The largest and most centrally located temple, built around 1137 AD by Pāsila. It features a balānaka hall and a richly decorated exterior. The chapter discusses its historical sources, the unique Meghanāda mandapa funded by Hāṁsi, and its impressive central Sabhāmandāraka ceiling.
• Sambhavanātha Temple (Originally Śāntinātha): The fifth and least elaborate Jain foundation, dating to the 13th century. It lacks a trika and devakulikās. The chapter notes its plain exterior and relatively simple interior.
• Sangameśvara and Kumbheśvara Mahādeva Temples: The only surviving Brahmanical temples, with Kumbheśvara temple noted for its extensive sculptural decoration, though stylistically inferior to earlier periods.

Associated Sculptures: Chapter 6 analyzes the sculptures and architectural components, noting a decline in artistic quality from the mid-11th century onwards. It discusses the Jina images, their repairs and iconographic features, and the figures of Yakṣas and Yakṣīs like Sarvānubhūti and Ambikā. The chapter also highlights the symbolic representations (Samavasarana, Aṣṭāpada) and the pattas (carved slabs) as unique medieval phenomena, particularly within the Svetāmbara tradition. It also examines parikara-toraņas and the lively animal figures found on the ceilings of the Mahavira temple.

Inscriptions: Chapter 7 meticulously details the inscriptions found in the temples, categorizing them by gacchas (monastic lineages), pontiffs, rulers, high officials, and places of origin of donors. It provides lists of gacchas like Nannācārya, Vatapāla, Thārāpadra, and the influential Bṛhad-gaccha. The chapter also notes inscriptions mentioning Solanki rulers like Bhīma I and Kumārapāla, and Paramara chief Dhārāvarṣadeva. It identifies various officials and their roles in sponsoring sculptures. The table of contemporaneous towns and villages provides valuable geographical context. The chapter also analyzes inscriptions referring to temple components and symbolic representations.

Description of Plates: This final chapter offers detailed descriptions and iconographic explanations for each of the 244 plates, providing visual context for the architectural and sculptural elements discussed throughout the book.

Glossary: The book includes a comprehensive glossary of art and architectural terms, essential for understanding the technical descriptions within the text.

Bibliography: A thorough bibliography lists both Kumbhariya-specific works and relevant original Sanskrit and Prakrit sources.

In essence, "The Temples of Kumbhariya" is a scholarly treatise that meticulously documents and analyzes these significant Jain temples, contributing valuable insights into the history, architecture, and artistic traditions of Jainism in Western India.