Archaeological evidences leave us in no doubt that at one time, Jainism flourished in Orissa, inspiring Indian sculptors to create rare works of the art. The discovery of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves first revealed to the world this ancient art heritage representing the earliest examples of Jain architecture throughout India. A systematic study of the Jaina monuments of Orissa is attempted in this work. The author, a reputed archaeologist, has sought out and examined the Scattered shrine images in Orissa and those displayed in museums, to probe into their antecedents. The background, traditions and history of Jainism in Orissa are firstly delineated, based on legendary and traditional accounts. The author then makes a survey of the Jaina monuments concentrated in the hill tracts of Koraput, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanja and the plains of Cuttack, Puri and Balasore districts of Orissa. The descriptions of each individual monuments are used to elucidate the development of art and architecture in Orissa. The thesis is further developed in chapters on Jaina architecture whose structural features as displayed in the famous Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves and the lesser-known Gumphas (caves) is discussed. The Jaina art and iconography as depicted in the relief sculptures and in the large number of figures in broinze and stone are described. The representation of human figures as also of various birds, animals and reptiles reflect the rare and consummate skill of the sculptors of yore. This tretise on the Jaina Monuments of Crissa, well supported by black-and white plates, will evoke wide interest among historians and scholars of Jaina religion, art and architecture.
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