The present work is a comprehensive guide to know about the various aspects of Jaina art, architecture and iconography, developed in Telugu Land (Andhra and Telangana). A large quantum of material is available in the form of architectural remains — caves, structural temples, sculptures, inscriptions images, art motifs, etc. from the earliest times to the sixteenth century ce. The present work engrossed to collage them and study systematically to trace their evolutionary development on the basis of art and architecture. The work reveals that Telugu land can be considered a galaxy for Jaina Art.

The book deals with the Jaina stupas, caves and cave temples in Telugu Land. The study focuses on the Jaina cave architecture and an attempt is also made to trace the stage by stage evolution. The study reveals some special and exclusive architectural features which are adopted by the Jains. It deals with the developments that took place in the carving techniques of the icons. Various varieties of images are classified and discussed. The physiognomy and artistic beauty of the icons are also analysed. Out of all the 24 Tirthankaras, the images of 19 Tirthankaras are identified in Telugu Land. Clear identification of Digambara and Svetambara images is also made. At the end, Sasanadevatas in detailed and minor deities like Sarasvati, Laksmi, Ganesa and others are dealt with in detail.

All these aspects are highly supported by the well-documented tables, ground plans and beautiful illustrations.

About the Author

Dr M. Madhuri Rao (b. 1968), completed her P.G. Diploma in Yoga (1991), Kaivalya Dhama Institute of Yoga, Lonavala; M.A. Indian Culture (1993), Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati and worked as Degree College Lecturer in Rajiv Gandhi Degree College, Kakinada for one year. She obtained her M.Phil. Cultural and Archaeology (1994), Telugu University, Srisailam Campus and worked as Program Officer, Sramik Vidya Pith, Kakinada for one year. She completed another M.A. History, Culture and Archaeology (1997), Osmania University, Hyderabad and Joined as Lecturer, Aditya Degree College, Kakinada and also worked as Liaison Officer and Program Officer in Administrative matters at Madurai Kamaraj University Study Centre, Kakinada for three years.

She obtained her Ph.D. (2013) in Jaina Art and Architecture in Andhra Pradesh from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Worked as Senior lecturer till 2014 and resigned from the job to concentrate on research. Her main area is temple art (Saiva, Vaisnava and Jaina). She contributed a good number of research papers to reputed journals on different topics. She associated with some local and national organizations and Temple Trusts (Jaina, Saiva and Vaisnava) and worked on translating their books and preparing materials according to their requirements in Telugu, English and Hindi languages.

She is also helping in the identification of images and preparing brief notes for Archaeology Departments of different states, organizations and research scholars.