Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c12.12

c12.12

In a painted wooden book-cover depicting the battle between Bharata and Bāhubali (Fig. 199—200) as well, the same directness of expression is followed. Both the brothers are engaged in a mortal combat, riding on chariots. Only a few soldiers are shown as the space was limited, but the grimness of the battle is emphasised by the determined expressions of the combatants, and the flying arrows which have literally strewn the field. Here, the artist is not concerned with the stereotyped scenes from the lives of the Jinas, but with the unusual scene of a battle-field, the idea of whose ferocity he must have gained from some medieval battle ground. He makes his soldiers look real, and that clearly shows that a Western Indian artist could give direct expression to his feelings, when he was given an opportunity to do so. Even in the decorative lotus meander on the reverse of this panel, the artist gives vigorous touches reminiscent of Ajaṇṭā but with a primitive vigour of its own.