Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c6.174

c6.174

BEFORE the advent of paper in India, palm-leaf and birch-bark (*bhūrjapatra*) were extensively used as writing materials. In the palm-leaf manuscripts, the leaves were divided into two or three panels for writing, the division depending on the size of the leaves. On both sides of the panels generally one and half inch wide margins were left, and in the central margin a button strung on a string, which was passed through all manuscript, kept the leaves in position. On the right side, the leaves were numbered in letters, and on the left, in figures. In some manuscripts, either of these two systems of pagination was used. In several instances, the places of pagination and the central marginal hole for string were spotted with cinnabar, then the leaves were divided into two or three panels with margins separating each panel. The margins, in order to avoid the monotony of blankness, were framed with decorative lines. In some manuscripts, the end of the chapters were decorated with rosettes, lotus, *kalaśa* and other symbols.¹ If the manuscripts were to be illustrated, then the panels were left on different leaves, and, after the work of the scribe was over, they were handed over to the painters to complete their work.