Surya Shekhar Das
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Approximately eighty villages in the district of Purulia were found to house significant religious artefacts that speak to their rich artistic past and cross-cultural interactions in the medieval period. But unfortunately, many of the Jain sculptural treasures are deteriorating due to neglect and damaging practices like the application of vermillion, which causes corrosion and obscures details. Some abandoned Tirthankara images looked more like a sylvan deity in the solitude of the woods. Considering the exceptional quality and diversity of these invaluable heritages in this district, one can affirm without any fear of contradiction that only in a few places in India would art lovers find their souls better rewarded.
Along with a brief introduction to Jainism, this book deals with topics such as the history and diversity of Jain art in India, evidence of the existence of Jainism in Bengal from the 6th century BCE to the 13th century CE, and religious architecture and sculptural remains in the district of Purulia. Nine subchapters have dealt with the discussion of Jain sculptures, mostly dated between 700 CE and 1200 CE, from various nooks and crannies of this district. They include cognizances of the Tirthankaras, beings and elements accompanying the Tirthankara images, the Tirthankaras themselves, votive miniature temples, attendant yakṣas and yakṣis, parents of the Tirthankaras, Aşṭāpadagiri and Sahasrakuța, the planetary deities, and the guardians of the directions.
Furthermore, the book features specimens from other regions of West Bengal, including the Sundarbans, as well as from other states scattered across the country. This comparative approach not only celebrates the Jain art forms of Purulia but also situates them within a wider geographical, artistic, and cultural context. Homologies with both the Hindu and Buddhist specimens have been drawn for a better understanding of concepts and iconography across the faiths. Early Medieval Jain Sculptures in Purulia, West Bengal is not merely a book; it is one of the less-visited gateways to the soul of Bengal's artistic and spiritual heritage.
The book's visual splendour is what makes it stand out, aside from its unique content. The book is adorned with 310 meticulously curated illustrations, all of which were photographed by the author personally.
 
Publication Birutjatio Sahitya Sammiloni [] Find more information below