Treasures from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

Author(s): L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 23

प्रभारी
13 Vidyadevi patli (detail)
Painted wooden book-cover of a palm-leaf manuscript.
Western India, Ca. 12th Century. A.D 58 x 7.8 cms.
Out of the 16 vidyadevis, goddesses of wisdom in the Jain tradition, eight devis and two female devotees are illustrated here. The vidyadevis appear to be common to both Buddhism and Jainism. This is the detail of one of a pair of covers, the other being badly damaged. The names of eight devis are labelled in Devanagri in addition to two female figures at the end as Devasri Sravika and Padmini. There appears some Pala Buddhist influence on the rendering of the figures and the backgrounds, though the
Western Indian style is apparent. For more discussion please see:
1.
Published:
Muni Punyavijayaji and U.P.Shah. "Some painted Wooden Bookcovers from Western India, JISOA, Special No. 1966, pp. 34-42
Karl Khandalavala and Saryu Doshi, 'Indian Miniature' Jain Art and Architecture, Vol. III, Bombay, 1975, pp. 397-398, Col. pl. 265 B.
2.
समाधाना
3.
4.
वा
Saryu Doshi, Masterpieces of Jain Painting, Marg. 1985, p. 43. Fig. 21
J.P.Losty, The Art of the Book In India, British Library, London 1982-p. 36