Ancient Jain Cosmology Manuscript from Western India

This old and rare Jain cosmology manuscript painting originates from the Western Indian Jain manuscript tradition and dates to the late 19th century. Executed on handmade paper using natural mineral pigments, organic binders, and ink, the folio reflects the disciplined visual language developed to communicate Jain cosmological philosophy through diagrammatic form and sacred script.

Jain cosmology presents the universe as eternal, uncreated, and precisely ordered. Classical texts such as the Sangrahani Sutra and Brihat Sangrahani describe this structure through layered realms including Urdhva Loka (Upper World), Madhya Loka (Middle World or Jambudvipa), and Adho Loka (Lower World), culminating in Siddhashila, the realm of liberated souls. Manuscripts of this tradition functioned as tantric-diagrammatic teaching tools, integrating handwritten Sanskrit and Devanagari text with symbolic visual mapping.

The manuscript displays authentic signs of age, including natural patina, pigment mellowing, light water staining, and paper wear, confirming its historical use and provenance. Preserved as a disbound folio, it holds strong scholarly importance and long-term collector value, suitable for museum collections, academic archives, and refined heritage interiors.

Key Highlights

• Late 19th-century Jain cosmology manuscript painting
• Handwritten Sanskrit and Devanagari script
• Natural mineral pigments on handmade paper
• Authentic patina and age-related wear
• Museum-grade and academically significant artifact

Technical Specifications

USP

Extremely rare, original, museum-grade Jain cosmology manuscript preserved in authentic condition.

Story & Symbolism

This manuscript visually encodes Jain cosmological doctrine, presenting the universe as a structured, ethical system through which the soul progresses toward liberation at Siddhashila, beyond worldly existence.