Kalpasutra
Manuscript Page
late 15th century to early 16th century (made)
late 15th century to early 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The Kalpasutra (Book of Rituals) is the most important canonical text in Jain literature for the Svetambaras (white-clad), one of the two sects of Jainism. Jainism is one of the oldest religions to have survived until the present time and its basic teaching is one of non-violence. The Kalpasutra is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the lives of the twenty-four Jinas or Tirthankaras, who were the Jain spiritual teachers or 'ford-makers'. The second part deals with the life of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara. The third part deals with rules for the ascetics and laws during the four months (chaturmas) of the rainy season, when ascetics temporarily abandon their wandering life and settle down amidst the laity. This is the time when the festival of Paryushan is celebrated and the Kalpasutra is traditionally recited.
Mahavira is shown in the Pushpottara heaven, attended by demi-gods and demi-goddesses.
Mahavira is shown in the Pushpottara heaven, attended by demi-gods and demi-goddesses.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Kalpasutra (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Paper |
| Brief description | Jain manuscript page, Kalpasutra, Mahavira in the Pushpottara heaven, ink, paint and gold on paper, Gujarat, late 15th and early 16th century |
| Physical description | Part of a manuscript of the Kalpasutra consisting of 91 folios, numbered 1-92, with folio 3 missing and containing 38 illustrations. Blank page on the verso of IS.46:1-1959. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Purchased in 1959 from Mr. A. Shah c/o. Mrs. G.Charlston, London S.W.16. for £48. |
| Production | Western India |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | The Kalpasutra (Book of Rituals) is the most important canonical text in Jain literature for the Svetambaras (white-clad), one of the two sects of Jainism. Jainism is one of the oldest religions to have survived until the present time and its basic teaching is one of non-violence. The Kalpasutra is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the lives of the twenty-four Jinas or Tirthankaras, who were the Jain spiritual teachers or 'ford-makers'. The second part deals with the life of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara. The third part deals with rules for the ascetics and laws during the four months (chaturmas) of the rainy season, when ascetics temporarily abandon their wandering life and settle down amidst the laity. This is the time when the festival of Paryushan is celebrated and the Kalpasutra is traditionally recited. Mahavira is shown in the Pushpottara heaven, attended by demi-gods and demi-goddesses. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.46:1/2-1959 |
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| Record created | August 23, 2013 |
| Record URL |
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