Jain Chitra Kalpadruma 1 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Chitra Kalpadruma 1" by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, based on the provided scanned pages and catalog link.

Book Title: Jain Chitra Kalpadruma, Part 1 (જૈન ચિત્ર કલ્પદ્રુમ ભાગ-૧) Author/Editor: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab Year of Publication (First Edition): Vikrama Samvat 1992 (ઈ.સ. ૧૯૩૬) - as indicated by the date in the 'Nivedan' section.

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Jain Chitra Kalpadruma, Part 1" is a seminal work dedicated to showcasing and documenting the Jaina-influenced art of Gujarat from the 11th to the 20th century Vikram Samvat (11th to 19th century AD). The book serves as a representative collection of typical examples of this art form, primarily focusing on manuscript paintings.

The editor, Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, aimed to present to the Gujarati public the rich artistic heritage hidden within Jain manuscript repositories across Gujarat. His motivation stemmed from an exhibition of Jain literature where he recognized the need to preserve, understand, and disseminate this art. The book highlights the tradition of painting within Jain literature, the historical evolution of Jain art in Gujarat, and its distinctive features.

Key Themes and Sections:

The book is structured into several key sections, reflecting its scholarly and artistic approach:

Dedication and Foreword: The book is dedicated to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee, acknowledging his patronage of Gujarati culture, literature, and architecture. The foreword, written by Professor W. Norman Brown, provides an international perspective on Jain painting, its early Western Indian style, and its relationship with Rajput and Mughal art. Dr. Hiranand Shastri's introductory note further contextualizes the book's importance for scholars and art lovers, touching upon the dating of Jain manuscripts and the aesthetic qualities of the art.
Essays on Jain Art and Culture:
- Writing Art Section (લેખનકળા વિભાગ): Features an extensive essay by Muni Punyavijayaji on "Indian Jain Shraman Culture and the Art of Writing" (ભારતીય જૈન શ્રમણ સંસ્કૃતિ અને લેખનકળા), detailing the importance of ancient scripts and the preservation of cultural heritage.
- Painting Art Section (ચિત્રકળા વિભાગ):
  - "The Philosophy of Ancient Paintings" (પ્રાચીન ચિત્રોનું કલાતત્ત્વ) by Rasiklal Chhotalal Parekh, which delves into understanding the essence and language of ancient Indian art through color and line.
  - "Medieval Painting of Western India" (પશ્ચિમ ભારતની મધ્યકાલીન ચિત્રકળા) by Ravishankar M. Raval, which explores the development and characteristics of painting in Western India, particularly its connection to Jainism.
  - "Jain-Influenced Art of Gujarat and its History" (ગુજરાતની જૈનાશ્રિત કળા અને તેનો ઇતિહાસ) by Sarabhai M. Nawab, the editor himself, which provides a detailed historical overview of Jain art in Gujarat, its patronage, development across different eras (e.g., Solanki, Vaghela dynasties, Sultanate, Mughal periods), and its contributions to the broader Indian art landscape.
Collection of Artwork (સંગ્રહ): This is the core of the book, presenting a vast array of illustrations of Jain art, categorized as follows:
- Tradition of Painting in Jain Literature: Tracing the use of art from early Jain literature.
- Ancient Relics: Showcasing remnants of ancient Jain art.
- Mentions of Painting Art in Ancient Jain Literature: Citing scriptural references to painting.
- Jain Culture of Gujarat: Discussing the cultural context of Jainism in Gujarat.
- Jain-Influenced Art of Gujarat: Detailing the characteristics of this specific art school.
- In-Book Jain Painting Art:
  - Artistic Analysis: A detailed examination of the art from an aesthetic perspective.
  - Method of Painting: Describing the techniques used.
  - Special Characteristics of this Art: Highlighting unique features.
  - Ancient Palm-Leaf Art of Gujarat: Discussing the art on palm leaves, divided into two periods (VS 1157-1356 and VS 1357-1500).
  - Jain-Influenced Art on Cloth in Gujarat: Featuring examples of paintings on fabric.
  - Jain-Influenced Painting and Carvings on Wood in Gujarat: Showcasing intricate wood carvings and paintings.
  - Jain Woodwork of Ahmedabad: Specific examples from Ahmedabad.
  - Jain Art on Paper in Gujarat: Tracing the art from VS 1468 to 1950.
  - Mughal Period Art: Examples from the Mughal era.
  - Post-Mughal Jain Paintings: Works from the later periods.
  - Aspects of Natyashastra: Discussing representations of concepts from the Natyashastra, attributed to Dollarrai R. Makad and Manjulal R. Majmudar.
  - Illustrations of Sangrahani Sutra: Featuring paintings related to this specific Jain text.
  - Citra Virana: Detailed descriptions and analyses of individual artworks.
Illustrations Index (ચિત્રાનુક્રમ): An extensive index listing hundreds of illustrations (over 300), with detailed descriptions of their content, source manuscripts, dating, and sometimes the iconography or artistic significance. This index is crucial for understanding the scope of the visual content.
Explanation of Abbreviations (સંક્ષેપાક્ષની સમજ): A key to understand abbreviations used for different Jain Jain Jain manuscript collections and locations, such as Sha. Bha. (Shantinath Bhandar, Cambay), S. Pa. (Sanghvi's Pada Bhandar, Patan), U. Shri. Vi. Sha. San. (Upadhyay Shri Virvijayji Shastra Sangrah, Chhani), etc.

Key Contributions of the Book:

Pioneering Work: "Jain Chitra Kalpadruma" is considered a groundbreaking work in the study of Jain art history, bringing to light a wealth of previously unknown or under-researched material.
Visual Documentation: The book provides extensive visual documentation through high-quality reproductions of rare Jain manuscript paintings, covering a significant period of artistic evolution.
Scholarly Essays: It features insightful essays by renowned scholars that provide historical, cultural, and artistic context to the illustrations, enriching the understanding of the subject.
Preservation of Heritage: The publication plays a vital role in preserving the artistic and cultural heritage of Jainism, making it accessible to future generations and researchers.
Artistic Style Analysis: It offers detailed analyses of the stylistic evolution of Jain painting, from the early Western Indian style to later influences, and highlights unique artistic features and techniques.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The book connects art history with religious studies, cultural history, and literature, offering a holistic view of Jain art within its broader context.

Significance and Impact:

The "Jain Chitra Kalpadruma" is an invaluable resource for art historians, scholars of Jainism, cultural anthropologists, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Indian art. It demonstrates the significant contribution of the Jain community to the artistic landscape of Gujarat and India. The meticulous research, extensive documentation, and scholarly contributions make it a foundational text in the field of Indian miniature painting and Jain iconography.

This summary covers the primary aspects of the book as presented in the provided material, highlighting its scope, scholarly contributions, and artistic significance.