Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c78.s2.5

v2.c78.s2.5

**Pali Buddhist canonical literature.**—An instance of early illusions to the art of painting, the Vinaya Piṭaka, a Pālī Buddhist work has already been referred to (cf. Pleasure House of King Pasenada i.e. Prasenajit containing picture-halls cittāgāras adorned with painted figures and decorative patterns.) Its date is pre-Christian (3rd or 4th century B.C.). In Samyuttanikāya P. III p, 132 V. II, paintings of male and female figures on wooden boards, walls and cloth are discussed. This is the earliest known reference to all the three time-honoured backgrounds of painting. Similar instances can be multiplied from several other early works on Buddhism among which the Jātaka literature is very very informative on this score.