The Jain Cosmography (Sangrahanisutra)

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The Jain Cosmography (Sangrahanisutra)

1663-1664

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

This painting shows a detailed depiction of one of the many continents in the middle world--a place between the hells and the heavens where the soul can gain liberation. This continent lies on both sides of a ring (kundala) of mountains. The large inner circle has four temples, separated by trees, surrounding a palace. Within the large outer circle, six smaller circles indicate other mountains with towns around them, although the text specifies eight. Huge, happy fish in water signify the great surrounding ocean.

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Object Details

Title:

The Jain Cosmography (Sangrahanisutra)
The Ring Continent (Kundaladvipa), one of the many places between the hells and heavens where a soul can gain liberation from the cycle of rebirth

Date:

1663-1664

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and ink on paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 4 3/8 × 10 1/4 inches (11.1 × 26 cm)

Classification:

Calligraphy

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Francis T. S. Darley Fund, 1935

Accession Number:

1935-34-11(20a,b)

Geography:

Made in Gujarat, India, Asia or made in Rajasthan, India, Asia

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