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Mahavira as a young man on an elephant, Mahavira and friend at school in front of Indra (Shakra), from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra (Book of Ritual)
Mahavira as a young man on an elephant, Mahavira and friend at school in front of Indra (Shakra), from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra (Book of Ritual)

Mahavira as a young man on an elephant, Mahavira and friend at school in front of Indra (Shakra), from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra (Book of Ritual)

Place of OriginIndia
Dateapprox. 1450
CultureJain
MaterialsInk, opaque watercolors, and gold on paper
DimensionsH. 4 1/2 in x W. 10 1/2 in, H. 11.4 cm x W. 26.6 cm Each page
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. David Buchanan, Ms. Jane Lurie, and Dr. Joanna Williams
Object number1995.58.20
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsBooks And Manuscripts
On View
Not on view
More Information
In this painting can be seen the founder of the Jain religion, who is known as Mahavira ("Great Hero"), riding a decorated elephant. The elephant wears a sort of saddle held in place by girth ropes. The elephant's trunk, body, and feet appear to be brightly painted, as they often were in parades and festivals.
Subject
  • Kalpasutra
  • elephant