Miniature of Jain Kalpa sutra; Mahavira scenes

15th century

The Kalpasutra, one of the fundamental texts of Jainism, narrates the life of Mahavira (6th or 5th century BCE), last of the 24 jinas (conquerors). Through renunciation and nonviolence, the jinas perfected themselves and achieved moksha (release from the cycle of rebirth). Wealthy Jains often commissioned Kalpasutras illustrated with Mahavira’s key life scenes and donated them to monastic libraries. The horizontal orientation of the pages mimics early Indian books created on palm leaf, a format still used for many Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu scriptures.

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

4 5/16 x 3 1/8 in. (10.96 x 7.94 cm)

Overall h.: 4 5/16 in.

Overall w.: 10 5/16 in.

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

51.56

Not currently on view

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