Mahavira Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 1

Author(s): Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya Mumbai
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 874

NEW DOCUMENTS OF JAINA PAINTINGS : 375
other external evidences, such as the size, the writing, the number of lines of the folios etc.
Folio 36 B: Birth of Mahāvira.
In the lower panel, Trisalā is lying on bed with an attendant standing on the right. She is dressed in a green coli and a patterned skirt and cădar. Red background; the halo painted on blue background.
In the top panel, Indra is carrying the baby Mahāvira in his hands. He is accompanied by Chatra-and Cămara-bearers and musicians. This scene gives an individual interpretation of the theme and is full of movement.
Apparently it is a convention in this painting that though figures are painted in gold the faces are set out by using an indigo blue background. So far the fourteenth century illustrated manuscripts are known to have used gold sparingly, but this manuscript seems to be an exception. The draughtsmanship is almost the same as the draughtsmanship in other fourteenth century manuscripts. Size : 7x 8.5 cm.
(Colour plate I, Fig. 1) Folio 3 A: Fourteen Dreams of Devänandā.
In the upper panel appear the fourteen dreams, namely the elephant, the bull, the lion, flower garland, Lakşmi, a standard, the lake, the ocean, the simhāsana and vardhamana. The symbols are very delicately painted in gold on red background.
In the lower panel Brāhmaṇi Devānandā is sleeping on a golden cot, holding a lotus in her left hand. In one corner may be seen a flower pot. Red background, with a blue strip apparently intended for clouds.
The draughtsmanship is soft and pleasing. The extension of the farther eye in no way detracts the composition. The nose and the chin are pointed and the smiling tips are tinted red. Size : 7.2 x 8.5 cm.
(Fig. 2)
Folio 99 B : Jaina monk with disciples and laymen.
The scene is laid in a monastery. On the left a Jaina acārya is shown seated on a golden simhasana preaching to the congregation. In front of him is the sthapanācārya. There are eight men and women among the devotees. The disciple holding a manuscript scroll in his hand is seated on a round blue gaddi. Red background.
All the figures are painted in dull gold which does not disturb the view. The figures follow their prototypes painted on early Jaina