The Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra
1279
gum tempera and ink on palm leaf
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In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026
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FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
The text on this rare, early manuscript page tells of the birth of Mahavira, but the painting is that of a monk, seated in the yogic posture of meditation and making the gesture of recitation and discourse with his right hand. He wears a white robe, and over his shoulders is a broom that he would use to sweep the ground before him as he walks, to ensure he does not inadvertently harm a tiny creature. Strict adherence to nonviolence is a major tenet of the Jain religion.
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