Collection
/
Asian Art

Jina Mahavira

11th–12th century (image); 16th century (base and halo)

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Object Label

This sculpture depicts the Jina Mahavira, the founder of the Jain religion and a historical contemporary of the Buddha. Here, Mahavira is shown as a Digambara, or “person clothed by air.” The Digambara sect of Jainism practices nudity as a form of asceticism. His nudity reflects his commitment to the most extreme and highest level of Jain practice. Additionally, the Jina is depicted engaged in standing meditation. This form of meditation is performed motionless and upright with hands at the sides as a method of gaining control of the body and thoughts. Ultimately, this work is centered on the idea of denying the power of the body and, despite its use of nudity, has no sexual connotations. It is actually an act of religious devotion.

Caption

Jina Mahavira, 11th–12th century (image); 16th century (base and halo). Bronze, 24 1/2 × 18 1/2 × 7 7/8 in. (62.2 × 47 × 20 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 34.752a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Jina Mahavira

Date

11th–12th century (image); 16th century (base and halo)

Geography

Possible place made: Karnataka, India

Medium

Bronze

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

24 1/2 × 18 1/2 × 7 7/8 in. (62.2 × 47 × 20 cm)

Credit Line

Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

Accession Number

34.752a-b

Frequent Art Questions

  • Does this have Indic /Buddhistic influences? Where is this from?

    It absolutely does; great eye! This is a statue of Mahavira from India, specifically the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Mahavira lived about a generation before Shakyamuni Buddha and founded the Jain tradition.
    Images of Shakyamuni Buddha and Mahavira were both formed in the same cultural context and share a number of features. Both tie into the idea that a great or superhuman man can be recognized by certain physical characteristics, such as elongated arms. Both figures also represent the idea of asceticism, which means they are shown with shorn hair and no adornments (although images of the Buddha can venture away from this in certain times/places).

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