Jain Murals in Eastern & Western Malwa: Historical Perspective
Summary
The Eastern and Western Malwa region boasts a rich heritage of Jaina murals, with historical evidence suggesting a flourishing tradition of wall painting from the 5th to the 12th centuries. The Bagh caves, painted in the Ajanta style during the 5th-6th centuries, exemplify early artistic endeavors, while scholars like Kalidasa and Raja Bhoja provided written insights into painting traditions. The tradition persisted until the 11th-12th centuries under Raja Udayaditya. A notable example of late medieval Jaina murals is found in Bajarangagadh (Jharakona), Madhya Pradesh, a site revered as an atisaya-ksetra. The Santinatha Digambara Jaina Atisaya Ksetra temple, built in 1179 CE, features murals depicting the pilgrimage site of Sammedsikharaji. These paintings showcase the veneration of Tirthankaras by the fourfold Jaina community, including Digambara and Murtipujaka monks, women, and men, alongside animals. One mural highlights the concept of Kalpavasa, or forbearance, with a dividing line separating groups. The artistic style reflects Bundelkhand influences. Mr. Narmada Prasad Upadhyaya, the author, is an art critic and researcher specializing in Jaina painting traditions, particularly illustrated Kalpsutras.
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Conclusion
The document highlights the enduring legacy of Jaina mural art in the Malwa region, emphasizing its historical continuity from the 5th-6th centuries to the late medieval period. It underscores the cultural and religious significance of sites like Bajarangagadh, where murals depict Jaina iconography, pilgrimage scenes, and the veneration of Tirthankaras, reflecting the influence of regional artistic styles like Bundelkhand. The presence of these murals, particularly those from the 12th century, provides tangible evidence of the flourishing wall painting tradition in Malwa, despite the loss of many earlier examples. The study also reveals the socio-religious dynamics of the time, as seen in the depiction of Digambara and Murtipujaka monks, alongside lay devotees. These findings not only enrich our understanding of Jaina art but also highlight the region's role in preserving India's diverse artistic heritage.