A note on the Jina Image from Medata, Rajasthan
By M. A. Dhaky
Summary
M.A. Dhaky describes a rare early medieval seated Jina image from Medata, Rajasthan, gifted by Jitendra Shah to the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad. The medium-sized stone sculpture, slightly abraded yet intact, depicts a Jina in padmasana on a lion-throne with dharmacakra flanked by deer between adorsed lions; throne ends bear Yaksa Sarvanubhuti and Yakshi Ambika. Above the throne centrally sits Jina Rsabha with usnisa and hair-tuft; fly-whisk-bearing camaradharas in dvibhanga attend the Jina; behind the bhamandala rises chatra-traya on a staff, with maladharas above camaras, profile Hiranyendras (elephants with turned heads enhancing relief, bearing mahout, Indra, and consort/apsaras), deva-dundubhi, and caitya-vrksa leaves. The balanced composition features medium-high relief carving. Dated stylistically to early 10th century (first quarter) based on outstretched padmasana elbows, elegant dvibhanga, serene faces, minimal ornaments on camaradharas, and Hiranyendra association (post-early 10th century rarity in western India); comparable to Madhya Pradesh examples. Survival attributed to evasion of iconoclastic invasions (Arabs c. 725-750 CE at Lata; Mahmud of Ghazni 1025 CE; Shihabuddin Ghori 1195-96 CE; Alauddin Khilji c. 1305 CE), which destroyed many western Indian temples and images.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
This rare early-tenth-century Medata Jina image exemplifies pre-iconoclastic western Indian medieval sculpture, its intact pratiharya ensemble and stylistic elegance underscoring survival amid Arab, Ghaznavid, Ghurid, and Khilji devastations.