Manuscript page
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Opaque watercolour, ink and gold on paper
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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.
In this page, on the left a Tirthankara or Jina, having attained the degree of a Kevalin (Omniscient) is seated within the triple-walled enclosure or Samavasarana which had prepared by the god Shakra. He delivers a religious discourse on the law to gods, men and animals. On the right is a preaching scene with one monk teaching another in the presence of the Laity.
The Kalpasutra text became particularly associated with this opulent blue and gold colour scheme during the mid 15th century.
Physical description
Page from a Kalpasutra manuscript with a double picture. On the left, a Tirthankara or Jina, having attained the degree of a Kevalin (Omniscient) is seated within the triple-walled enclosure or Samavasarana. He delivers a religious discourse on the law to gods, men and animals. On the right, is a preaching scene with one monk teaching another in the presence of the Laity. There are two small sections of text between the illustrations and a red medallion with a blue surround in the centre.
On the reverse is text only with three medallions in red with a blue border, and the number 89.
The text is handwritten in gold Nandinagari characters on a red ground with blue edgings. The illustrations are in gold, blue, black and green on a dark red background.
Place of Origin
Gujarat, India (made)
Date
c.1450 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Opaque watercolour, ink and gold on paper
Descriptive line
Page from the Kalpasutra with a double picture showing a Jina in Samavasarana and monks teaching, Jain, Gujarat, c.1450
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.124-125.
Exhibition History
Nehru gallery (01/01/1993-31/12/2008)
Labels and date
SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF MAHAVIRA
Gouache, ink and gold on paper
Gujarat
Second half of the 15th century
IM 12-1931
These two scenes are from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra or ‘Book of Ritual’, the major canonical Jain work. On the left of the page, Mahavira, the founder of the Jain faith, is shown preaching in an enclosure; on the right he is shown discoursing with an ascetic. The Kalpasutra text became particularly associated with this opulent blue and gold colour scheme during the mid 15th century. [1993]
Subjects depicted
Jainism
Categories
Religion; Manuscripts; Jain
Collection code
SSEA
