Till I visited Gwalior, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, India, I did not know that this city had such a treasure of Jain Statues. These statues have been carved or cut in the natural rocky hills by Jains between 1425 and 1459 AD. There are 26 statues in different postures like standing and sitting.
Of course over time and during invasion of Muslims they have been mutilated in the name of religion! Very sad indeed! It is beyond my ken that someone with normal thinking can do this! The people who mutilated these statues saw only religion in them and not the art that these statues represented!
There are many inscriptions in the pedestals of these statues. These inscriptions refer to the name of Tomar king, Dungar Singh.
Many of the statues are sheltered in the caves and crevices of the rocky hills. They are outstanding pieces of art and very original, the likes of which were seen in Afghanistan till they were destroyed recently by Al-Qaeda.
There are many more such instances of little known architecture in India, and it would take a whole life time to see everything! My India is a great land of culture!
Awesome pictures! Such beautiful sculptures - so sad that they've been spoiled!
ReplyDeletehow did I miss this post?
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful images destroyed,mutilated by people with no heart.
I am enjoying the virtual tours to places unknown to me.thanks Gopalan.