A study on the Influence of the Indian Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) on the Motifs of Nishapur Architectural Ornaments

More than half a century after Wilkinson published his article on Nishapur excavations, despite the conducted research, there are still many ambiguities about the nature and origins of some of the motifs. Although some Sasanian roots, as well as influences from Samarra motifs, have been discovered during research, these studies have provided significant help in understanding some motifs that are distinctly different from other known motifs in the first six centuries of the Islamic era.

The present study seeks to present a new way of reading the motifs in the Eastern Islamic World.

This research attempts to present a new picture of the analysis of the motifs of Nishapur through a historical descriptive-analytical method.

The symbols and signs of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism appear to have been one of the pillars of the Nishapur motifs. These symbols and signs have made their way into the Nishapur motifs through such means as the Hindu slaves and captives, trade relations and the Silk Road, wars and the relationship of Muslim rulers with Indian religions, as well as the coexistence of Islam and Indian religions.