Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c10.s5.9

c10.s5.9

In the illustrated manuscript of the Kalpasūtra in the collection of Muni Hansavijayjī, written in 1465 A.D., at Jaunpur, there are seventy-six borders (Figs. 93–98). They are all distinguished by careful execution, perfect balance and beautiful colour schemes. The patterns are never repeated. It is remarkable that the painter has adopted many contemporary patterns from the coloured Islamic tiles. Floral meanders, diapers, guilloche, palmates, arabesque, flowers and leaves arranged in cloud pattern, lozenges in combination with sprigs, rosettes, knotted loops in combination with diaper, etc., are come of the motifs which show foreign influence. There are patterns, however, distinctively Indian in form and spirit. The hamsa-heads pecking at floral petals, rows of fish arranged decoratively, browsing does and antelopes, panels divided into compartments showing lions, horses, peacocks and geese, rows of elephants, etc., are good examples of purely Indian decoration.