Nagarparkar Jain temples

The region around Nagarparkar forms a zone of transition between the marshes and salt-flats of the Rann of Kutch, and the dry grounds of stabilized sand dunes and nearby pink-granite Karoonjhar Mountains. The region had been mostly covered by the Arabian Sea until the 15th century, Jain influence in the region began to decline due to shifting of the Arabian Sea away from centres of Jain economic activity, Several new temples were built in nearby Rajasthan, which trace their heritage back to older sites in Nagarparkar. A lack of an adequate road system in the area contributed to the site's state of good preservation, though the recent construction of roadways has led to a surge of tourists, despite the lack of adequate protection at the site. In 2009, satellite imagery was employed to document the site, and to help devise a plan to manage tourism. The region was submitted by the Pakistani government in 2016 to be inscribed on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site status, not only for its architectural value, but also as reflection of Jainism as part of a commercial community based on maritime trade, and the effects of a changing natural environment around the region. ==Jain temples==

Approximately 14 Jain temples are scattered throughout the region. Gori Temple i-style, and features 3 mandaps, According to Muni Darshanvijaya, it was installed by Seth Godidas of Jhinjhuvad and was consecrated by Acharya Hemachandra at Patan in Samvat 1228. It was brought to Patan and was buried underground for safekeeping during a period of disturbance. It was rediscovered in 1375-76 and was stored in the stable of the local ruler. According to the texts, a merchant 500 years ago named Manga Oswal from Nagarparkar had gone to Pattan to purchase some items. who met local Jains to compile recent history and consulted Goorjee Kuntvujajee who had manuscripts describing the history of the temple. The temple was damaged by British troops who tried to capture a Sodha chief who had led a local rebellion. built of kanjur and redstone, with fine carvings and corbelled domes. Viravah Jain Temples The Viravah Temples were 3 temples that are located near the town of Viravah, about 15 miles north of Nagarparkar. The site is near the ruins of the ancient seaport of Parinagar on the edge of the Rann of Kutch. The area once had three temples, which are said to have been founded in 456 CE by Jeso Parmāra. One of the temples was in use during the British era, and is well-preserved and made of white marble. Another temple had a block of finely carved marble which was transferred to the Karachi Museum during the British era. The third ruined temple has 26 small domes surrounding a large central dome measuring 18 feet in diameter. The central dome features fine stone tracing It contains carved stone pillars with carved capitals. During construction of a nearby road, workers accidentally discovered numerous Jain statues, which were then placed by locals in the remaining abandoned temple, while others were taken to the museum in Umerkot. ==Architectural impact ==

Bhodesar Mosque The white marble mosque of Bhodesar is built in a style that was highly influenced by the architecture of nearby Jain temples. The mosque was built in 1505 CE by the Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. The mosque features a central dome very similar to domes found on the nearby Jain temples, resting upon a square shaped edifice measuring 9.2 metres on each side. Pillars at the mosque also reflect Jain architecture, while decorative elements along the roofline were also inspired by Jain temples. ==Conservation==

The temples and mosques are protected by the Antiquities Act 1968, which was replaced by the Antiquities Act 1975. The site is managed by Director General of Archaeology and Museums. The Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh, established in 2008, has undertaken restoration works at the site using private funding. The landscape was submitted by the Pakistani government in 2016 to be inscribed on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2016. ==Gallery==

File:Ghori Temple, Tharparkar.jpg|Gori temple File:Jain Temple 1.jpg|Jain Temple at Karoonjhar Mountains File:Jain Temple Nagarparkar by smn121-16.JPG|Shikhar of Nagarparkar Bazaar Temple File:Jain Temple, Nagarparkar - The Goddess resize.jpg|Paintings at the Bazaar Temple File:Jain_Temple_Nagarparkar_by_smn121-21.JPG|Architectural details at Nagarparkar Jain Temples File:Jain Temple Nagarparkar by smn121-6.JPG|Wall carving of Nagarparkar Bazaar Temple File:Jain Temple Nagarparkar by smn121-4.JPG|Painting of Tirthankaras at the Bazaar Temple File:Pillars_and_Roof_designs_of_Goddi_Temple.JPG|Entry to the Godi Temple File:Remains_of_Worship_Area_in_Goddi_Temple.JPG|Intricate stonework at Godi Temple File:Bhodesar_Stone_Mosque_Dome_Ceiling.JPG|The dome at the Bhodesar Mosque is similar to those found in nearby Jain temples. ==See also==