A gem of Jainism and of India that is unknown to most — Rock-Cut Statues of Gwalior

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The carvings and monuments date from between the 7th and 15th century.

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There are 26 caves in total with more than 1500 idols.

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The tallest statue - 57 feet in height - is that of Bhagwan Adinatha, the first Tirthankara.

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This is the place where Bhagwan Parshwanath gave his first holy preaching i.e. Deshna.

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There is a statue of Bhagwan Parshwanath that is 42 feet tall and 30 feet broad making it the largest sitting posture idol in the world.

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The edifice depicts Tirthankaras in seated Padmasana posture as well as standing Kayotsarga posture, a meditation pose in Jainism.

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Gopachal Parvat consists of 18 colossal statues, some up to 10m tall, but most between 2m–5m.

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Babur wanted the statues destroyed. He made ample attempts, but failed. He could only mutilate portions of some statues.

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From his memoirs of 1527:

“They have hewn the solid rock and sculpted out of it idols of larger and smaller size. On the south part is a large idol about 20 gaz (40 ft). These figures are perfectly naked, without even a rag to cover the parts of generation.

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This place is extremely unpleasant. I directed these idols to be destroyed.”

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Akbar is also said to have had a few statues destroyed. Some statues have their faces missing which is said to have happened during his reign.

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These statues and carvings are exquisite. This is our history, our culture, and our glory embossed on stone. A past that must constantly remind us of our greatness and what we’re capable of!

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