The Birth of the Buddha, Prajnaparamita, and the Buddha's Victory over Mara (top), The Offering of Honey to the Buddha in the Parileyyaka Forest, Manjushri (?), and the Buddha's Parinirvana (bottom); Folios from a Dharanisamgraha (Collection of Charms)

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The Birth of the Buddha, Prajnaparamita, and the Buddha's Victory over Mara (top), The Offering of Honey to the Buddha in the Parileyyaka Forest, Manjushri (?), and the Buddha's Parinirvana (bottom); Folios from a Dharanisamgraha (Collection of Charms)

India, Bihar, Nalanda Monastery, circa 1075
Manuscripts
Ink and opaque watercolor on palm leaf
Sheet: 1 15/16 x 20 3/4 in. (4.92 x 52.71 cm); Image (a): 1 15/16 x 2 in. (4.92 x 5.08 cm); Image (b): 1 15/16 x 2 1/8 in. (4.92 x 5.4 cm)
From the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Museum Associates Purchase (M.72.1.20a-b)
South and Southeast Asian Art
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

...
Dharanisamgraha were collections of charms considered to be particularly propitious for averting evil influences and physical afflictions of all kinds. This copy of the Dharanisamgraha is the only surviving illuminated manuscript commissioned by a Nepalese Buddhist during a visit to the revered monastic complex of Nalanda in eastern India. It is unusual in that scenes from the Buddha's life are rarely used to illustrate Dharanisamgraha texts, which are usually adorned with images of deities. The large roundels with lotus motifs mark the beginnings and ends of chapters. Dedicatory inscription: This is the pious gift of Ramajiva, who is from Nepal and who is a devout follower of the excellent Mahayana. Whatever merit there is in this gift, let it accrue to his teacher, his parents, to all his ancestors, as well as to all sentient beings. On the thirteenth day of Phalguna (February-March) of the year fourteen of the victorious reign of Shri Nayapaladeva [r. third quarter of the 11th century], who is the great wonderful worshipful one, the great king of kings, and a great follower of the Buddha [this manuscript was dedicated or consecrated]. The scribe Svamesvara of Nalanda copied it. (Translation by Gouriswar Bhattacharya.)
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Bibliography

  • Asher, Frederick M. Nalanda: Situating the Great Monastery. Mumbai: Marg Foundation, 2015.
  • Rosenfield, John.  The Arts of India and Nepal: The Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection.  Boston:  Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1966.
  • Asher, Frederick M. Nalanda: Situating the Great Monastery. Mumbai: Marg Foundation, 2015.
  • Rosenfield, John.  The Arts of India and Nepal: The Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection.  Boston:  Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1966.
  • Pal, Pratapaditya. Indian Painting, vol.1. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1993.
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