The Kalpasutra painting shown below depicts the fourteen objects that Mahavir’s mother Trishala dreamt of when she conceived Mahavir. Which of the following pairs were both among these objects?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → The Sun and the moon
Option (1) The Sun and the moon — Correct. Trishala’s fourteen objects end with the Sun and the moon; both are painted among them.
Option (2) A bull and a donkey — Incorrect. A bull is among the objects, but a donkey is not. The donkey with magical powers belongs to the Kalakacharyakatha painting.
Option (3) A pond and a fort — Incorrect. A pond is among the objects, but a fort is not. The circular fort of the evil king is in the Kalakacharyakatha painting.
Option (4) Garlands and wall hangings — Incorrect. Garlands are among the objects, but wall hangings are not. Wall hangings show the local lifestyle seen in Jain paintings.
NCERT (2026-27): “Western Indian School of Painting …Mahavir’s mother Trishala dreams about 14 objects when she conceives Mahavir. They are — an elephant, a bull, a tiger, goddess Shri, a kalash, a palanquin, a pond, a rivulet, fire, banners, garlands, heap of jewels, the Sun and the moon. She consults an astrologer to interpret her dream and was told that she will give birth to a son, who will either become a sovereign king or a great saint and teacher.”
Trishala’s fourteen dreams, Kalpasutra, Western India |
