Folio 40 from a Kalpa-sutra: Text (recto); Birth of Mahavira (verso)

c. 1400

Folio 40 from a Kalpa-sutra: Text (recto); Birth of Mahavira (verso), c. 1400. Western India, Gujarat. Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; overall: 9.4 x 28.4 cm (3 11/16 x 11 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski 1976.27 This page describes the joyous and peaceful pregnancy of Queen Trishala, mother of the 24th Jina Mahavira, which lasted 9 months, 7-and-a-half days. It goes on to say that Mahavira was born at midnight on the 13th day of the first month of summer, and all omens augured success. The painting shows the happy mother nestling her infant on a swing. The marginalia beginning with the "=" sign explain the content of the text.