Description

This is the back of the manuscript holder. It has a rectangular shape, a dark red border and green background. The loose pages or folios of the manuscript are placed inside the holder. The two parts of the cover are different sizes. A little bigger than the front, the back cover measures 28 x 12.5 cms.

On the left is a circle divided into four sections and bordered with a thick wall. The buildings in the four sections are temples. At the centre two animals face each other.

All members of the surrounding crowd turn their backs on the enclosure as they move to the right. Some people are walking or riding in palanquins or carriages drawn by bulls or horses, while others are mounted on horses or elephants. They all seem to be in a hurry.

Their destination is the person seated to the extreme right of the scene, wearing a pale yellow garment. He is a Śvetāmbara monk in his monastic robe, holding a manuscript and wearing the mouth-cloth. The people are hastening to reach the monk because they are eager to hear the teaching of the Jinas.

The men who wear turbans are probably prominent members of society, while others may be their servants. They are dressed in robes worn over narrow trousers. This costume suggests the Mughal period of the 17th to 18th centuries.

The circle is a schematic representation of a samavasaraṇa – the enclosure where a Jina comes to preach to all beings after he has reached omniscience. The two animals are difficult to identify. They may represent pairs of natural enemies facing each other in peace, thereby symbolising the peaceful atmosphere of the preaching. Here the enclosure is likely to be a symbolic representation of the Jain teaching rather than an actual place of destination.