Leaf from a Jain Manuscript: Kalpa-sutra: The Monk Gautama, Enthroned (recto), 1279. The text on this rare, early manuscript page tells of the birth of Mahavira, but the painting is that of a monk, seated in the yogic posture of meditation and making the gesture of recitation and discourse with his right hand. He wears a white robe, and lying over his shoulders is a broom that he would use to sweep the ground before him as he walks, to ensure he does not inadvertently harm a tiny creature. Strict adherence to nonviolence is a major tenet of the Jain religion.

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Size: 7628px × 1319px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 13th, 3, art, century, cleveland, devachandra, gujarat, heritage, india, indian, ink, leaf, manuscript, museum, opaque, painting, palm, watercolour, western