Description
The exquisite Jain architecture consists of caves, temples, monasteries, and other structures. The Jaina caves with beautifully carved walls and pillars can be seen in many regions of India. The common characteristics of the Jain temples are the pyramidal elevation of the tower. In ancient times, they received great patronage under the ruling dynasties of Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and other kingdoms.
Temple architecture is of three types Nagara, Vesara, and Dravid. The gateways, pillars, ceilings, and special doorways are richly carved with floral and geometrical designs and sculptures. The bronze images and the rock-cut sculptures of the Tirthankars and deities in various sizes are exquisitely carved by expert craftsmen and artisans.
In the Nagara style, the Shikhar is circular with Kalasha and the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum is circular. Such temples are found in Odisha, West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. In the Vesara style, the Shikhar is flat and such temples are found in Central India. In the Dravidian styles of temples found in the South, the temple is marked with pillars.
In every period of history, the Jains have made valuable contributions in the field of art and architecture with the period between the 9th and 12th AD considered to be the golden age in the history of Jain Art and Culture.