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Not currently on display at the V&A

Manuscript Page

second half 15th 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.

The subjects of the pictures deal mainly with the early life of Mahavira. Mahavira was was born a wealthy prince but is preparing for his renunciation of the householder’s life when he will embark on his search for enlightenment as a homeless, naked ascetic. Here he gives away his ornaments to the poor.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Painted in opaque watercolour and gold on paper
Brief description
Painting, Kalpasutra page showing Mahavira giving away his possessions, opaque watercolour and gold on paper, Gujarat, second half 15th century
Physical description
Painting, opaque watercolour and gold on paper, page from a Kalpasutra manuscript showing Mahavira distributing alms, before taking up his Mission. In front of him is a heap of gold and jewels which he hands out. The text, on the right part of the page, is handwritten in gold Nandinagari characters on a red ground with blue edgings. There are three medallions on the left, right and in the centre of the page.
Dimensions
  • Approx. length: 10.5in
  • Approx. height: 4.25in
Content description
Mahavira distributing alms, before taking up his Mission. In front of him is a heap of gold and jewels which he hands out.
Gallery label
MAHAVIRA GIVING AWAY HIS POSSESSIONS Opaque water-colour and gold on paper Gujarat Second half of the 15th century IM 9-1931 This scene is from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra or 'Book of Ritual', the major canonical and most widely illustrated Jain work. Mahavira was the last of the 24 Jinas ('Victors') or Tirthankaras ('Ford-makers') venerated by the Jains. He was born a wealthy prince but is preparing for his renunciation of the householder's life when he will embark on his search for enlightenment as a homeless, naked ascetic. Here he gives away his ornaments to the poor.(06/2008)
Subjects 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.

The subjects of the pictures deal mainly with the early life of Mahavira. Mahavira was was born a wealthy prince but is preparing for his renunciation of the householder’s life when he will embark on his search for enlightenment as a homeless, naked ascetic. Here he gives away his ornaments to the poor.
Bibliographic reference
Balbir, N. et al, 'Catalogue of the Jain Manuscripts of the British Library including the holdings of the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum'. London, British Library and Institute of Jainology, 2006. Vol 1, pp.38-39, Vol 2, pp.124-125.
Collection
Accession number
IM.9-1931

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Record createdNovember 1, 2007
Record URL
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