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Citra-Kala in Jaina Canonical Literature
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sister. After leaving the kingdom, the artist prepared another portrait of the princess Malli on a canvas or cloth. According to the story, first he prepared the citra-phalaka (citra-phalam sajjei ).25 The preparation perhaps included fixing of canvas on the board and the preparation of ground. He rolled up the finished portrait and carried it under his arm to the king Adinaśatru. He notified three important elements of the art of painting to the king. These were form (ägāra), infusion of emotions (bhāva), and, portrayal of likeness (padoyire). 26 Jaimangalā of Yasodhara, a commentary on Vatsyāyana's Kāmasutra, mentions six elements of painting. The other three elements are proportion (pramāna), creation of lustre and iridescence (lāvanyaYojanā) and tonality of colours (vernikābhanga).27 Thus, Jaina sources provide the earliest reference to the six principles (fadanga) of painting which were axplained later in the Jaimangala (c. 13th century A. D.)
To mention another example, Āvasyaka Cūrni also refers to a portrait of Mrgāvatı painted by another accomplished artist who was also banished on similar charges from the kingdom.28
Then we also have likenesses from nature painted by artists even of secondary status. The Avašyaka Cürņi refers to an aged artist Citrangada whose daughter named Kanakamañjari, painted a lively picture of a peacock feather on the floor; while she was waiting to serve food to her father, who had gone to ease himself off.29 The king, who employed the old artist, was passing that way mistook the painted feather as the real one. Such was the quality of realism existent in ancient Indian painting.
Painting was also done on some other medium. The Anuyogadvara sūtra refers to painting on palm leaf besides cloth.30 The art of painting was also practiced on wall.
In the Iñātādhammakathā we also read about the art of wall painting. We are told here of Dhāriņi Devi's palace, the interior walls of which were painted with beautiful paintings (suiloyacittalamine), tie ceilings with lotus rhizomes and howering creepers.81
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