Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c10.s5.1

c10.s5.1

The love of Indians for decorative ornaments in sculpture, architecture, painting and textiles is too well known to need emphasis. Even in the ancient Buddhist Vihāras, in which no human figures could be painted, the painting of such decorative patterns as wreaths, creepers, etc., was allowed to relieve the monotony of the bare walls.⁷⁸ In the bas-reliefs of Bharhut and Sāñchī, the sculptor delighted in pure decorative patterns, framing the reliefs or even sculptured separately. In Ajaṇṭā paintings, we see beautiful decorative panels framing the pictures.⁷⁹ The chief decorative patterns at Ajaṇṭā are lotus rhizomes interspersed with birds and animals and water spirits. At Bāgh as well, decorative bands made up of squares decorated with birds, animals, leaves, fruits, concentric circles and the Chinese frets, serve as ceiling decoration.⁸⁰ At Ellura, in Indra Sabhā cave, fretted decorative panels were occasionally used to separate different compartments.⁸¹ The geometrical patterns again at Indra Sabhā are the best yet seen in Indian painting.⁸²