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CONTRIBUTIONS TO LITERATURE, ETC.
125
proper subject to be represented is often indicated by a marginal legend, sometimes by a diagrammatic marginal sketch, the former doubtless due to the scribe, the latter to the artist taking note of his instructions. The same subjects are repeated in the various manuscripts almost without variation: it is very evident that both in composition and style the pictures belong to an ancient and faithfully preserved tradition."183
There is similarly an illustrated manuscript of BhaktāmaraStótra, in the Ailak Panālál Digambara Jaina Saraswati Bhavana (Bombay), which, however, being on paper, unlike the palmleaf described by Coomāraswamy, has full-page coloured paintings of unique artistic value. It is a pity that it is so damaged and worn out that at the slightest touch the paper crumbles to dust. Not the least interesting figure in it (out of nearly forty) is that of a four-headed Digambara Brahma, standing on a lotus-stool with the Bull of Adinātha below. There is a triple umbrella over his heads, the whole profile being surrounded with a halo of light. On the right is a naked sådhu standing on a wooden seat and on the left a crowned royal figure. On the inner surface of the back cover-leaf are carelessly scribbled the words : Hata 8698 ai rajonale si fa ETATATERS areret TEME ireit isara l' (Sam. 1851, Phälgun 13). But the contrast of this with the artistic script of the text, as well as, the present condition of the manuscript make it clear that it must be much earlier. Other manuscripts on palmleaves, like Pampa Bhārata in Kannada script, are not wanting in this treasure-house of Jaina manuscripts. One more example of book-illustration, is that from an illumined manuscript of Nemicandra's Trilokasāra, where the .great teacher is represented as expounding the docrtines of his religion, and among the auditorium is said to be Cāmundarāya, his famous disciple who caused the Belgola colossus to be erected.184
183 Ibid., pp. 114-15. 184 For A facsimile of this illustration see, Dravyasamgraha, S.B.J. I,
Introd. p, Xxxix (facing).
| SR No. | 011062 |
| Book Title | Jainism and Karnataka Culture |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | S R Sharma |
| Publisher | Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar |
| Publication Year | 1940 |
| Total Pages | 263 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 9 MB |