Culture in the Media Age

Jain Architecture

Summary

Jainism is a religion , based on `non violence ' and `self control of the human senses . It

has its origins in India . Jains are idol worshippers , and a temple is a place where this

worship is carried out

Jain places of worship in India are unique in many respects . Temple cities are built

atop hills at a considerable height from the sea level Palitana , Delvada and Sametshikhar

are classic examples of cluster of temples built on the top of hills . These were built

during the

times when the only technology available was hand work . Ranakpur and

Shramanbelgoda are other classic examples of architectural masterpieces emerging out of

devotion to idol worship

A photographic exhibition on these five sites is proposed It will try to explain the

uniqueness of temples at each of the sites . It would be an effort to demonstrate to the

world , the marvelous results faith can bring . Attention would also be paid to the extensive

use of marble as a material of faith ( the idols ) construction ( the structures ) and

decoration ( the pillars and the domes ) of Jain temples

The team will visit each of the sites and shoot the required still pictures . Specialists

on each of sites will be personally interviewed to understand the architecture of each site

as a form of art . So far , much work is not done on documentation of Jain architecture

Nor is there any authentic analysis available to see them as a form of art . For examples

the basic geometric principles of Jain temples are hardly documented

The final form of the exhibition will be a series of still photographs , sketches or

drawings or maps supplemented by text . This will make a comprehensive presentation of

Jain temples as a form of art

Scope The scope of this exhibition is to communicate the uniqueness of Jain

architecture , mainly the five most popular sites in India namely , Sametshikhar

Palitana , Delvada , Ranakpur and Shramanbelgoda . The medium used is still

photography , supported by drawings , sketches and written text . All the photographs

will be shot on 35 mm format . All the information will be displayed on panel size 4

ft X 3 ft . Each site will be allotted 10 panels , making it 50 panels in temple site will be documented as an independent module , to facilitate erection at

any place in future . Leaving proper space between two modules will ensure a smooth

human flow , while the exhibition is on . The exhibition is not to be viewed from a

religious or a philosophical point of views , but as a form of art . It will expose the

onlooker to how Jains incorporated the element of art into their `places of worship

All the five sites chosen for this exhibition are in India . Sametshikhar , in the state of

Bihar , can be compared to Mecca of Jains . This is the place where most of the 24

`tirthankars ' of Jains , attained their `nirvan- freedom from the cycle of rebirth . Temples

are built on the top of an array of hills...