Two Pages from a dispersed manuscript of Jain Scripture (Kalpa Sutra), India, Gujarat, 16th century, Ink, watercolour and gold on paper, On loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, 2009.10.8, 2009.10.6

Two Pages from a dispersed manuscript of Jain Scripture (Kalpa Sutra), India, Gujarat, 16th century, Ink, watercolour and gold on paper, On loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, 2009.10.8, 2009.10.6

These two pages come from the Jain Kalpa Sutra, an important religious text that details the lives of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras (literally, 'ford-crossers'). In Jainism, it is believed that 24 religious teachers entered the world, at separate times, to teach others how to transcend the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Both pages seen here detail episodes from the story of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, roughly contemporary with Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. In this image, Mahavira plays an Amalaki game with his friends, using curved sticks and riding on each other's backs. A jealous god disguises himself as a cobra to frighten him, but Mahavira is undefeated.

Royal Ontario Museum

16th century

Photographer credit: Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

Dimensions: 11 x 28 cm (Frame dimensions: H 21" x L 17" x D 1 1/4")

Materials: Ink, watercolour and gold on paper

Prakrit

2009.10.8 and ROM 2009.10.6

India, Gujarat