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 illustration on this folio shows the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. The upper register shows his birth, while the lower register shows his marriage.
Physical description
Illustrated leaf from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra with an illustration on the right side showing: 1)In the upper register, the birth of Rishabha, the first Tirthankara with the mother and baby; 2)In the lower register, his marriage. The text is quite large and is black on a plain background with a red marginal line on the left. There are red discs on the left, right and in the centre. The page is numbered 86.
On the reverse is text only, with a red disc in the centre.
Place of Origin
India (made)
Date
15th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Opaque watercolour and ink on paper. Illustrations in red, blue, black, white, yellow and green.
Marks and inscriptions
Samosarana sinhagat 20 Preaching of the lion's way (to salvation)
Dimensions
Length: 11.1 cm Illustration only, Height: 8.7 cm, Length: 26.3 cm Full page
Descriptive line
Page from a Jain Kalpasutra manuscript showing the birth of Rishabha and his marriage, 15th century, Western India
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
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.125-126.
Notes that the caption does not correspond to the topic of the picture and that the text is part of the section about Mahavira, not Rishabha.
Labels and date
PAGES FROM KALPASUTRA MANUSCRIPTS
BELOW: THE BIRTH OF RISHABHA AND HIS MARRIAGE
Opaque watercolour on paper
Gujarat, c. 1400-1450
IS.83-1963
This illustration shows Rishabhanatha, the first Jina, who was credited with the invention of agriculture, fire, various arts and social institutions including marriage, although the text actually concerns Mahavira. The biographies of all the Jinas in Shvetambara literature contain five great events, which can be seen in the paintings here: transfer of the embryo, birth, renunciation of worldly life, enlightenment, and final liberation on leaving mortal life. [14.05.2010]
Subjects depicted
Jainism; Rishabhanatha
Categories
Paintings; Jain
Collection code
SSEA
