Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c9.s9.20

c9.s9.20

In Jain literature, the proper media for lampblack are the gums of the *nīm*, catechu and gum-arabic,⁶¹ the use of the *dhau* and other kinds of gums is expressly forbidden. In this connection, it is noteworthy that the names of gum arabic and *dhau* are mentioned for the first time, and quite possibly their use as binding medium was learnt from the Persians. In any case, it is at least certain that no medieval Sanskrit text on painting mentions gum-arabic and *dhau* as astringents.