Both the cloth painting itself and its content matter are extremely rare. One rarely sees the representation of subject matter related to shraddha (annual death rituals) in this medium. Of a comprehensive portrayal, in the middle is shown a large yoni shape containing several shivalingam, the an iconic representation of Lord Shiva combining both male (lingam) and female (yoni) principles. In the zone on the right are references to specific shraddha-related sites and sacred rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The celestial world is represented in the zone to the left with celestial animals Airavata, Ashva, Vasuki and Kamadhenu. Another striking part of the depiction is its detail; 90 shivalingam are painted herein. They either refer to a major jyotirlinga (a naturally-formed linga) or a regional Shiva temple. In a small area is represented a very significant event – Vishnu and his consort Laksmi seated on a sheshanaga (coiled serpent) represent the primeval waters before Vishnu created the world. Stylistically this painting bears similarities to the Basohli and Chamba schools of Pahari painting, which is usually done on paper. However, the format of this painting seems to relate more to Jaina tirthipata cloth paintings, which are like topographic renderings of sacred sites. This painting is a unique one among all known collections.

History of the Object

The format and content of this painting is much like the Jaina tirthipata cloth paintings which are like topographic renderings of sacred sites. In this work, sites related to annual death rites are depicted. These are Dashashvamedha (Varanasi), Prayag, Bodhgaya, and Gaya. There is also mention of temples within Gaya and the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. These sites are illustrated in context of a Hindu family’s visit to perform the last rites for their parents or annual death rites known as shraddha. Hence the purpose of this painting is the commemoration of this visit.