SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Jain metal altars can be found in numerous museums and collections outside India. Most of these objects come from western India and were produced between the 11th and 19th century. Although large numbers of these altar pieces exist, an in-depth study of early modern and modern Jains bronzes has not yet been undertaken. While several studies of Jaina bronzes have been published, none have considered the object as a three dimensional form. They either focus only on the iconography of the front side or, where available, on the inscriptions on the back. When it comes to questions of authenticity, particularly relevant for the assessment of the historical value of the contents of inscriptions, it is essential to look at the statues from all sides, and ideally, to also investigate the material it is made of.