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.
This folio shows 'Gautama-jnana', the attainment of perfect knowledge by Mahavira's eldest and principal disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, himself a renowned teacher. When Mahavira died, Gautama realised that affection even for Mahavira was misplaced and thus overcame the final obstacles to gaining omniscience. Gautama is shown wearing the white robe of a Shvetambara Jain monk. He is seated on a throne, and an honorific umbrella shades him.
Physical description
Part of a manuscript of the Kalpasutra consisting of 91 folios, numbered 1-92, with folio 3 missing and containing 38 illustrations. The text is written in black ink in Prakrit, seven lines to the page between red and gold marginal rules and blue border decoration. The text of a Sanskrit commentary is inserted in small Nagari characters in the margins. Central and marginal string-holes are decorated but not pierced and on the obverse of each folio the central hole only is marked. Folio numbers are written in the lower right-hand corner of the reverse of each folio but are defective from folio 85 onwards due to insect damage. The colophon is written in red on f.92 verso (see Marks).
One side of this folio has an illustration showing 'Gautama-jnana', the omniscience of Gautama. Mahavira's disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama attains perfect knowledge. He is dressed in a white patterned robe and sits on a throne between two trees, with a plant in front of the throne. His right hand is raised, holding a rosary. There is an umbrella above him. The reverse has text only.
Place of Origin
Gujarat, India (made)
Date
late 15th century to early 16th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Paper with text and illustrations
Marks and inscriptions
Iti sri paryushana kalpadhyayana samaptam
chha sri
grain 92
Pam(n)[dita] sri 5 ki stura ge [for gani] muni Motiva [for Vi]jaya ni parat saha hasata (This was) redone by the hand of Muni Moti Vijaya, disciple of Pandit Kastura Vijaya Gani.
Dimensions
Length: 10.25 in, Height: 4.25 in
Object history note
Purchased in 1959 from Mr. A. Shah
Descriptive line
Jain manuscript of the Kalpasutra, late 15th and early 16th century, Gujarat, India. Mahavira's disciple Indrabhuti Gautama attaining perfect knowledge.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Masterpieces of the Kalpasutra Paintings, Sarbhai M. Nawab. 1956.
Catalogue of the Jain Manuscripts of the British Library, Vol.2, page 87, Cat. no. 107.
Labels and date
PAGES FROM A KALPASUTRA MANUSCRIPT.
Opaque watercolour with gold on paper.
Western India, probably Gujarat, late 15th or early 16th century
BELOW: INDRABHUTI GAUTAMA ATTAINS PERFECT KNOWLEDGE
IS.46:50-1959
Indrabhuti Gautama, a renowned teacher who was one of the chief disciples of Mahavira, is shown attaining enlightenment. He is depicted in a white robe, in contrast, for example, to the depiction of Mahavira entering Nirvana in the folio to the left.
On becoming ascetics Jains originally abandoned almost all possessions including their clothing. Some monks of the Digambara (sky-clad) sect still go naked, unlike Shvetambara (white-clad) monks. [14.5.2010]
Production Note
Western India
Subjects depicted
Jainism; Indrabhuti Gautama
Categories
Manuscripts; Paintings; Jain
Collection code
SSEA
