History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.16

v2.c24.16

When, however, we try to trace its upward progress the case is widely different. General Cunningham found some Jaina statues at Mathurâ belonging to the period of the Kushan kings, and excavations there in 1887 and following seasons, brought to light portions of a carved rail, statues, and numerous other sculptures, belonging to a stûpa, and two or more ancient temples there; but among them were images belonging to so late a date as the 11th century.¹ Before this last period, we have only fragments of temples of uncertain origin and date, and all in so very ruined a condition that they hardly assist us in our researches. Yet the Jains during the whole of this interval were a flourishing community, and had their temples as well as their rock-cut sanctuaries, such as we see at Khandagiri in Orissa, at Junâgadh, Elûrâ, Ankai, Aihole, and elsewhere.