Riddles of the Rock-Carved Hindu and Jaina Sculptures and Inscriptions at Rakhetrā

Main author: Flügel, Peter
Other authors: Wright, J. Clifford
Balogh, Dániel
Mevissen, Gerd
Willis, Michael
Format: Journal Article           
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Summary: The article presents new evidence on the archaeological site of Rakhetrā (M.P.), with particular attention to the rock-carved Hindu and Jaina sculptures and inscriptions. Photos of the three 10th, 15th and 17th century inscriptions on site are published for the first time, as well as a tentative transliteration of the important Jaina inscription next to a foot-image of Upādhyāya Viśālarāja, listing the names of his yet unidentified 15th century Jaina monastic lineage. The functions of rock-cut Jaina sculptures at remote places, object for worship, ornamentation or propagation, are discussed, and it is argued that the colossal sculpture of Ādinātha, that dominates the multi-functional site, was probably primarily a marker of the religious sphere of influence of the Digambara tīrtha Thūbonjī.
Other authors: Wright, J. Clifford, Balogh, Dániel, Mevissen, Gerd, Willis, Michael
Language: English
Published: Hindi Granth Karyalay 2019
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