Jainism and Islam
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