• Additional view of object
  • Additional view of object
Sep 7, 2021
Sep 9, 2021

Queen Trishala's Grief and Happiness, Folio 29 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Queen Trishala's Grief and Happiness, Folio 29 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

c. 1475–1500

Part of a set. See all set records

Western India, Gujarat

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Overall: 12.5 x 25.7 cm (4 15/16 x 10 1/8 in.)

Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1932.119.29.a

Location

not on view

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Description

This page discusses the pregnancy of Queen Trishala when she was anxious about why she could not feel the baby move. In the painting she addresses her handmaids: “Has the child in my womb been destroyed? Has he been killed? Have I suffered a miscarriage? The child used to move, but now he does not move.” The baby is Mahavira, who will grow to be the historical founder of the Jain religion. According to the text, he remained motionless out of compassion for his mother, not wishing to disturb her. Once he realized how worried she was, he made a little movement, and this filled her with joy.

See also
Collection: 
Indian Art
Department: 
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Type of artwork: 
Painting
Medium: 
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Credit line: 
Edward L. Whittemore Fund

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