Jainism in the Madhya Pradesha

For Madhya Pradesha, the article notes that although much early material has perished, archaeological remains from the Kalacuri and Candela periods survive. The Udayagiri caves near Vidisa once housed an image of Pārsvanātha, now lost, but other remnants suggest Mauryan and Gupta‑period activity. Key centres of Jaina archaeology include Khajuraho, Mahoba, Devgarh, Ahar, Madanpur, Banpur, Raipur, Jabalpur, Satna, Gwalior, Bhojpur, Dhar and Ujjain. At Khajuraho, the Ghantai temple features bell carvings, while the adjacent Adinatha and Pārsvanātha temples have elaborate sculptures and originally housed images of the first and 23rd Tirthankaras. The Santinatha temple contains a 14‑foot image surrounded by dozens of smaller figures. Other structures such as the Sahasrakuta caitya incorporate architectural gadgets like a magic square that were thought to cure illness. The article briefly describes Mahoba’s Jaina images and Devgarh’s numerous temples, some dating from the 8th century, which contain thousands of Tirthankara carvings. These sites testify to the artistic and religious vitality of Jainism in Bundelkhand and adjacent regions.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.