An enthroned Jain teacher, from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra (Book of Ritual)

The life stories of several of the most revered Jain teachers are among the subjects contained in the Kalpasutra, an important text still recited by Jain monks in an annual festival that occurs during the rainy season.

The monk depicted on this manuscript page represents one of the many teachers who preceded Mahavira, the founder of the Jain faith.

Under Mahavira's right arm is a broom, of a kind used by Jain monks to sweep the path in front of them as they walk so as not to harm any living creature. Arranged within the painting are various objects and emblems that—because of their associations with royal power, nature, and fertility—are considered auspicious by Jains, Hindus, and Buddhist alike. The emblems found in this painting include the throne in the upper-right corner and the vase, water pot, and pair of fish at the lower left.

This page derives its elongated horizontal format from earlier manuscripts that were composed of long, narrow strips of palm leaves. The red circle in its center recalls holes for the binding cord by which the pages of those earlier manuscripts were held together.