The Kalpasutra is among the most widely illustrated canonical texts in the Jain tradition. What does its section that gives artists a narrative to paint recite?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Events from the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras
Option (1) The story of Acharya Kalaka — Incorrect. This is told in the Kalakacharyakatha, another Jain text.
Option (2) The code of conduct for monks — Incorrect. This is the subject of the Uttaradhyana Sutra, with the teachings of Mahavir.
Option (3) Events from the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras — Correct. The section recites events from the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras, from birth to salvation, as a biographical narrative.
Option (4) The structure of the universe — Incorrect. This belongs to the Sangrahini Sutra, a cosmological text.
NCERT (2026-27): “Western Indian School of Painting …Among the most widely illustrated canonical text in the Jain tradition is Kalpasutra. It has a section, reciting events from the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras — from their births to salvation — that provides a biographical narrative for artists to paint.” “Western Indian School of Painting …Uttaradhyana Sutra contains the teachings of Mahavir that prescribe the code of conduct that monks should follow and Sangrahini Sutra is a cosmological text composed in the twelfth century that comprises concepts about the structure of the universe and mapping of space.” |