Punishments in the Various Hells

Currently not on view

Punishments in the Various Hells

1663-1664

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Like the heavens, there are a number of hells in the Jain universe. They are arranged in a hierarchy from the highest "jewel hell," located just under the earth, to the lowest "thick darkness hell." In these hells, souls (jivas) work off some of the evil results of their deeds (karma). Depending on their karma, they stay in each hell for a specific time to undergo tortures. This page shows the variety of tortures available: skewering, being thrust down in a large jar and eaten by animals, burning, and fighting (pain inflicted by and on other hell dwellers).

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Punishments in the Various Hells
Page from a manuscript of the Sangrahanisutra

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:

Books/Manuscripts/Information Artifacts

Credit Line:

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

Accession Number:

1935-34-11(44a,b)

Geography:

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

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Currently not on view