Of Jain illustrated manuscripts & art works of Hindu cosmological traditions

 Of Jain illustrated manuscripts & art works of Hindu cosmological traditions

A map of the ‘two and a half continents’ showing the various continents of the middle world. Origin: Rajasthan; Period: Late 19th century; Medium: Watercolor on paper

Team L&M

To enchant viewers as also to provide insights into the aesthetic, cosmological, and esoteric traditions of both ancient and mediaeval India, exhibition His Glory and His Monuments, has works from Jain Tirthankaras to the Sirohi Mandala.

The show is being held at The Lexicon Art, Outer Circle, Connaught Place in New Delhi.

Jain
Krishna holding Kamsa by the tuft of his hair as Balarama & wrestlers watch. Origin: Kota; Period: 1870s

The art works are selected primarily from Rajasthan and consist mostly of Jain illustrated manuscripts, rare esoteric maps about numinous realities from both Jain and Hindu cosmological traditions. Also on display is a variety of miniatures that represent sublime themes about deities domesticated settings. The exhibition is curated and also explicated through a book-length essay by Dr Kallol Roy. Roy who hold a doctorate in Social Sciences and Art History from the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta and Jadavpur University, is an Assistant Professor of English Literature at a college affiliated to Burdwan University.

Jain
Krishna and Radha Moon-Watching with a Gopi.
Origin: Boondi; Period: Early 19th century

From the cosmographical mappings of the mythical and esoteric depictions of unmanifest and transcendental realities to the illustrations of deities and sages in Jain and Rajput miniatures, His Glory and His Monuments offers a brief albeit intense visual journey into the occult nature of reality and history.

“For almost a decade, we have been organising the carefully-curated shows of contemporary Indian art. With the opening of an additional new space in Connaught Place, we are embarking on a new phase of our journey that will not only explore the various forms of Indian but also international art across a wider range of genres and media,” says Mamta Nath, Founder & Director, Lexicon Art Gallery, adding the show on Indian miniature paintings is a reflection of this aim.

Jain
Lokpurusha map
Origin: Rajasthan; Period: Early 20th century

“We hope to not only exhibit these treasures to all but to also make them accessible. For the discerning art lovers, this show brings joy and dispenses the much-hidden knowledge about an art form which remains enshrined in the scriptures and miniatures,” she adds.

 

The show ends on April 12

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