Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c6.400

c6.400

The first in date may be the *Chintāmaṇi Yantra* (Fig. 175), measuring 19½" × 17½", in the collection of Mr. Agarchand Nahta. This cloth-painting has the inscribed portrait of Taruṇaprabhāchārya and was perhaps painted during his life-time. It is known that Taruṇaprabhāchārya composed the *Sadāvaśyaka-Vṛttikā Bālāvabodha* in Vikrama Samvat 1411 (A.D. 1354), and, therefore, the date of the painting should fall in the third quarter of the 14th century. The painting depicts Pārśvanātha seated on a *simhāsana* placed within the concentric magical circles. He is attended by Dharaṇendra, Padmāvatī and the *chaurī*-bearers. On the top left is Pārśva Yaksha and on the top right, the goddess Vairotyā. In between these two are a couple of Gandharvas. On the lower right corner is Taruṇaprabhāchārya with two disciples, and on the left corner there are two more disciples. Outside the circle are two *chaurī*-bearers. Colours such as white, red, crimson, yellow, indigo, ultramarine, black, and green are used. Gold is used sparingly in painting the ornaments and the *mukuṭas*. There is nothing outstanding in figure drawing which conforms to the contemporary Western Indian school as depicted in the Iḍar palm-leaf manuscript.