History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.19

v2.c24.19

A strong presumption that the architecture of the two sects was similar arises from the fact of their principal sculptures being so nearly identical that it is not always easy for the casual observer to distinguish what belongs to the one and what to the other; and it requires some experience to do this readily. The Tîrthankaras are generally represented seated in the same cross-legged attitude as Buddha, with the same curly hair, and the same stolid contemplative expression of countenance. Where, however, the emblems that accompany the Jaina saints can be recognised, this difficulty does not exist. Another test arises from the fact that the Digambara Jaina saints are represented as naked which, in ancient times, was perhaps the orthodox sect, though the Swetâmbaras are clothed much like the Buddhists. When, therefore, a figure of the class is represented as naked it may certainly be assumed to belong to the Digambara sect; the Swetâmbara images have a loin-cloth; these and other traits, as the attendant Yakshas and Yakshinîs carved on the thrones, and the position of the hands, enable us to distinguish between Buddhist and Jaina bas-reliefs and sculptures. Probably all the earlier Jaina caves were excavated for Digambara Jains.¹