This manuscript of the Śālibhadra-caupaī, was made in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan, India) in the 18th century and is illustrated with forty-three colourful painted miniatures. The artist was a monk called Kanakakīrti.
The Śālibhadra-caupaī was written by Matisāra in Old Gujarati in the early 17th century. It tells the story of Śālibhadra, a very wealthy prince who lived blissfully with his thirty-two wives whilst ignoring life beyond the walls of his palace. When a visit from the king Śreṇika made him aware of the dependent nature of his condition, Śālibhadra decided to set aside his material privileges and become a monk. The story in its animated development presents many lively characters and emphasizes the merits of giving alms to Jain monks. The text, a narrative poem in verse divided in twenty-nine sections, is meant to be read but also performed with music and recitation.
View images of the entire manuscripts via our Digitised Manuscripts website.
Public Domain. Please consider cultural, religious & ethical sensitivities when re-using this material.
Professor Nalini Balbir introduces the Jain religion, describing its key features, practices and expressions of faith.
Professor Balbir introduces the distinctive cosmology of the Jain religion, discussing how it is structured and understood by followers of the faith.
An overview of articles and British Library resources relating to the Jain relgion.
Share this page
Please consider the environment before printing