The followers of Jainism believe in a series of twenty-four tirthankaras, which means ‘ford-maker’ and refers to individuals that allow their followers to cross over from suffering and pain to happiness and perfect knowledge. They are also called Jinas, or ‘conquerors’ because they have conquered and controlled their desires and attained a state of inner enlightenment.This bronze standing Tirthankara, self-possessed with strong, wide shoulders and loose, long arms hanging almost to his knees, extended earlobes, and tight curls on the head possesses all standard features of Jain imagery. 19th century or earlier. 11 inches