Jainism has influenced and contributed to many artistic spheres in India, such as sculpture, architecture etc. Modern and medieval Jains built many temples, especially in western India. The earliest Jain monuments were temples based on the Brahmanical Hindu temple plan and monasteries for Jain monks.
Jain Architecture
Modern and medieval Jains built many temples, especially in western India. The earliest Jain monuments were temples based on the Brahmanical Hindu temple plan and monasteries for Jain monks.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are among the earliest Jain monuments. Located near the city of Bhubaneshwar in Orissa, India. These caves are carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela of Kalinga (second century BCE). They are partly natural and partly humanmade. They bear inscriptions and sculptures depicting Tirthankaras, elephants, women etc.
The Dilwara Temple complex was built under the Chalukya rule in Rajasthan between the 11th and 13th centuries CE. It consists of five ornately carved marble temples, each dedicated to a different Tirthankara. The interiors of marble domes are richly carved.
