Seated figure of the Jina Rishabhanatha, sandstone, 9th century, Uttar Pradesh.

A seated figure of the Jina Rishabhanatha, the first tirthankara, on a lion supported throne. On each side are standing figures of chauri bearers (flywhisk bearers). The first tirthankara is the only one usually shown with hair behind the ears.
This rectangular panel has an unadorned surface out of which are carved in deep relief the figure of Rishabhanatha, the first of the twenty-four Jinas, and surrounding attendants. He is seated in full relief on a beautifully decorated cushion and throne cover which drapes forward, all on throne-stand supported by lions on a plain projecting base. The nude Jina, seated in a meditation posture is framed by an elaborate open-work nimbus which frames the head and shoulders of the image. The inner part of the aureole is decorated with a beaded border surrounding radiating flame motifs, the outer ring being ornamented with a beaded inner margin and foliated decoration. He is shown with his distinguishing tresses of hair falling over his shoulders and a quatrefoil diamond-shaped srivatsa in the middle of his chest. A wheel of law (dharamacakra) is represented at the centre of the throne, a generic emblem of Jina-hood. Demi-gods are seen seated at royal ease flanking the throne, the one on the right representing, the goat-headed Harinegameshin. On each side of the seated Jina are standing flywhisk (chauri) bearers, each with a nimbus, similar to the inner disc of the Jina's. Above two celestial garland-bearers are shown flying in veneration of the Jina in front of branches with drooping leaves, and seated on the honorific triple-umbrella in the centre is a celestial drummer.

Uniquely amongst the Jinas, Rishabhanatha is shown wearing long uncut hair, visible tucked behind his ears and falling onto his shoulders. Svetambara sect sources recount that when King Rishabha decided to renounce the world and become an ascetic, his first task was to pull all the hair from his head. However, having removed five handfuls, the god Indra asked him to desist, which he did.

Acquired to commemorate the occasion of the exhibition 'The Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art from India' (23rd November 1995 to 18th February 1996) with the generous support of the following: The Oshwal Association of the UK; The Arjav Group; De Beers Centenary AG; Vrajlal Mehta & Family; Nortel Asia South Pacific; The Rosy Blue Group; The Su-Raj Group; Unilever; Vijay & Bharat Shah of the Vijaydimon Group of Companies and the B Vijaykumar Group of Companies; The Navnat Vanik Association of the UK; Bonas & Co Ltd; The Diminco Group; The Eurostar Group. Chandaria Family-Conros Corporation; Gemasia BVBA (Asian Star Company Ltd); Indogems NV; Vishindas Holaram Lakhi & Family; MOA International; Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh; The Times of India Group; Shrenikbhai Kasturbhai - Chairman, Shwetambar Murtipujak Boarding & Dipchand Gardi, Shvetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh India; Shree Japan Jain Sangh, Kobe; Chandaria Foundation; Ajay I Shah M.B.S.; Diajewel BVBA, Antwerp; Diamstones BVBA, Antwerp; Mr Harshadbhai Kapadia, India; Mr Nemchand Khajanchi, Japan; Samdimon BVBA, Antwerp; The Meghraj Family. Shrenuj & Company Ltd; N Sethia Group of Companies; The Hari Harilela Foundation; Nagindas Doshi & Primatlal Doshi, Singapore; C Mahendra Exports; H Goldie & Co Ltd; Chamanlal Kamani, Nairobi; Lakhamshi Govindji Khimasia & Family, Hong Kong and London; Soham and Shreyas Ajmera Family, Canada; Mr Babubhai Kapadia; Sashikant Nagardas Dhruv Family, Bombay; Chhotalal Kaba Mehta Family, Durban; Asha & Ramesh Jain, Canada; Lax Nagda, Canada. With Special Thanks to: The Institute of Jainology; De Beers Centenary AG.

Bought from Colin Hodgetts with assistance from the V&A Jain Art Fund.

Uniquely amongst the Jinas, Rishabhanatha is shown wearing long uncut hair, visible tucked behind his ears and falling onto his shoulders. Svetambara sect sources recount that when King Rishabha decided to renounce the world and become an ascetic, his first task was to pull all the hair from his head. However, having removed five handfuls, the god Indra asked him to desist, which he did.
Harinegameshin, a goat-headed folk deity, shown in the lower right hand corner of the relief is a protector of women at childbirth and a patron deity of children who was absorbed early into the Jain pantheon. His function is similar to that of Hariti in Buddhism.

This sandstone sculpture shows the figure of the Jina Rishabhanatha. He was the first ‘tirthankara’ (one of the founders) of the Jain religious community. This figure has long hair, tucked behind the ears and falling on his shoulders. This feature usually only appears in depictions of Rishabhanatha.

Many details confirm his status. The wheel of law ('dharmachakra') at the centre of the throne is a emblem of his role as a Jina (salvation-teacher). He sits in meditation pose framed by an elaborate open-work nimbus or halo. The throne is supported by lions, with standing figures of ‘chauri’ (fly-whisk) bearers on each side. Above, two celestial garland-bearers venerate him and a celestial drummer sits on the honorific triple-umbrella.

IS.12-1996