Answer

The 72 arts, or Bahattar Kala, are traditionally described in Jain literature as 72 skills and refinements of cultured life. The exact wording can vary by source, so the list below gives one commonly cited Jain traditional enumeration with simple English meanings. ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

Explanation

Here is the list in a clear, easy-to-understand form:

1. Sound, speech, and expression

1. Singing — गीतकला
2. Playing musical instruments — वाद्यकला
3. Intelligence and discernment — बुद्धिकला
4. Cleanliness and hygiene — शौचकला
5. Dancing — नृत्यकला
6. Speech and recitation — वाच्यकला
7. Thinking and reflection — विचारकला
8. Mantra chanting — मंत्रकला
9. Architecture — वास्तुकला
10. Entertainment and humor — विनोदकला
11. Costume, makeup, and stage dressing — नेपथ्यकला
12. Graceful refinement — विलासकला ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

2. Conduct and daily life

1. Ethics and policy — नीतिकला
2. Reading signs or omens — शकुनकला
3. Games and play — क्रीडनकला
4. Painting — चित्रकला
5. Combining and arranging well — संयोगकला
6. Hand dexterity — हस्तलाघवकला
7. Flower craft — कुसमकला
8. Illusion and magic tricks — इन्द्रजालकला
9. Needlework — सूचीकर्मकला
10. Use of oils and unguents — स्नेहकला
11. Preparing drinks — पानकला
12. Food preparation — आहारकला ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

3. Travel, beauty, and commerce

1. Travel and movement skills — विहारकला
2. Good fortune and charm — सौभाग्यकला
3. Fragrance and perfume — गन्धकला
4. Clothing and textiles — वस्त्रकला
5. Gem testing — रत्नपरीक्षा
6. Leaf writing / palm-leaf craft — पत्रकला
7. Learning and scholarship — विद्याकला
8. Local-language speaking — देशभाषितकला
9. Strategy for victory — विजयकला
10. Trade and commerce — वाणिज्यकला
11. Weapon arts — आयुधकला
12. War strategy — युद्धकला ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

4. Appraisal and craftsmanship

1. Wrestling and close combat — नियुद्धकला
2. Timekeeping — समयकला
3. Livelihood and conduct — वर्तनकला
4. Elephant appraisal — गजपरीक्षा
5. Horse appraisal — तुरङ्गपरीक्षा
6. Human appraisal — पुरुषपरीक्षा
7. Woman appraisal — स्त्रीपरीक्षा
8. Bird appraisal — पक्षिपरीक्षा
9. Land appraisal — भूमिपरीक्षा
10. Plastering or coating — लेपकला
11. Woodcraft — काष्ठकला
12. General craftsmanship — शिल्पकला ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

5. Nature, knowledge, and communication

1. Tree and plant knowledge — वृक्षकला
2. Disguise — छद्मकला
3. Skill in asking questions — प्रश्नकला
4. Skill in answering — उत्तरकला
5. Weapon handling — शस्त्रकला
6. Scriptural learning — शास्त्रकला
7. Mathematics — गणितकला
8. Reading — पठनकला
9. Writing — लिखितकला
10. Oratory — वक्तृत्वकला
11. Poetry — कवित्वकला
12. Storytelling — कथाकला ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

6. Refined expression and spiritual values

1. Word use and eloquence — वचनकला
2. Grammar — व्याकरणकला
3. Drama — नाटककला
4. Prosody and metre — छन्दकला
5. Ornamentation and figures of speech — अलंकारकला
6. Philosophy and right vision — दर्शनकला
7. Deep concentration / avadhan — अवधानकला
8. Metallurgy — धातुकला
9. Religious conduct — धर्मकला
10. Economics and wealth management — अर्थकला
11. The art of desire and worldly refinement — कामकला
12. Bodily discipline — शरीरकला ( encyclopediaofjainism.com)

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain tradition, these arts are not just worldly skills. They show that a well-lived life should include learning, discipline, creativity, good conduct, and self-control. Jain sources also describe Lord Rishabhdev as teaching 72 arts for men and 64 arts for women, and mention examples such as writing, mathematics, painting, dance, singing, war, and architecture. ( sss.jvbharati.org)

Takeaway

The 72 arts remind us that Jain culture values both outer skill and inner refinement. True greatness is not only talent, but also ethics, self-discipline, and right living.