Description
This rectangular red satin cover is the back cover of a manuscript and may date back to the late 19th century. An ornate border embroidered on all four sides functions as a frame. There are eight finely sewn pictures in individual compartments.
Moving from left to right, the images are as follows:
- svastika
- śrīvatsa
- nandyāvarta
- powder box or flask – vardhamānaka
- throne – bhadrāsana
- full water-jug – kalaśa
- pair of fish – matsyayugma
- mirror – darpaṇa.
These are the eight auspicious symbols – aṣṭa-mangala – of the Śvetāmbaras. The symbols are found in Jain religious tradition. Together with the 14 dreams of the mother of a Jina-to-be, they have frequently decorated manuscript covers – pāṭhuṃ in Gujarati – since the 18th century.
In this case, the 14 dreams are depicted on the front manuscript cover.
Back cover – omniscience of a Jina