Mahavira Gives Away His Possessions by Anonymous

Mahavira Gives Away His Possessions c. 1500

toned paper

personal sketchbook

coloured pencil

ink colored

sketchbook drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

marker colouring

watercolor

This 16th-century illustration from an Indian manuscript depicts Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, renouncing his worldly possessions as part of his journey to enlightenment. The artwork's detail and vibrant colors are characteristic of early Indian manuscript painting. The figure of Mahavira is prominent, seated on a throne, surrounded by smaller figures symbolizing the various aspects of his renunciation. This artwork showcases a significant event in Jain mythology and offers insight into the art and cultural practices of 16th-century India.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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These typical western Indian Jain manuscripts both illustrate scenes from the Kalpasutra. In the top example, the Jina Mahavira, founder of Jainism, is seated on a throne, giving his possessions to an old man. This represents Mahavira's renunciation of title, position, vanity, and wealth in preparation for his life as an ascetic and teacher. The bottom page illustrates the adoration of a tirthankara, one of the twenty-four Jain saints, including Mahavira, whose righteous existence and fine example allowed them to escape the cycle of reincarnation.