Jainism and Islam

Jainism

• O’ Riley, pp. 93-95• Fonder: Mahavira (“The Great Hero”) 599-527

BCE• There are 24 tirthankaras, “Pathfiners.”; they are

known as jinas, “visits” or “Heroes.”• Goals: break out of the life cycle by living pure

lives; hope to perfect their jiva, “soul,” or “high consciousness”

3.31 The Ascetic Gommata, Karnataka, 10th century (H: 18.29 m)

3.32 Jain Temple at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, 1031

Islamic Art and Architecture• Islam religion 7th century• Monotheistic religion• Muhammad was the founder• Mecca (Saudi Arabia)--most sacred site where the kaaba is

housed• Koran--sacred text• Five Pillar of Islam: Faith (There is no gods but God), prayer,

fasting in the Ramadan, contribution to the Islamic community, pilgrim to Mecca.

• Two types of religious architecture: Mosque and Tomb• O’Riley, pp. 95-98

3.33 Jahangir Seated on an Allegorical Thorne, Mughal, c. 1625

Shan Jahan

3.34 Taj Mahal, Mughal, Agra, 1631-1643

Taj Mahal

• Taj Mahal (“Crown of the Palace”) is located in Agra

• It was built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal (“Light of the palace”), Shan Jahan’s wife built between 1631-1643

• Built of white marble and decorated with semi precious gems; motifs: floral, vegetation, geometric abstract motifs and calligraphy (

• It bulbous dome; pointed arches• Garden represents paradise

Islamic motifs• Prohibit figurative forms (architecture cannot be decorated

with human or animal figures• Allows Geometric, abstract, floral and vegetation motifs• Arabesques-complex geometric patterns and scrolling

vines• Calligraphy-drawn from the Koran• Rugs• Garden represents paradise-water, trees, and flowers with

variety of scents and colors