Jainism and Islam Jainism O Riley pp 93

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, 10 th century (H: 18. 29 m)

3. 32 Jain Temple at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, 1031

Islamic Art and Architecture • • Islam religion 7 th 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