Question

Which among the following are the examples of illustrated manuscripts?
(A). Kalpasutra
(B). Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita
(C). Chitrasutra
(D). Natyashastra
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) and (B) only.
• (A) and (D) only.
• (B) and (C) only.
• (B) and (D) only.

Hint:

Illustrated manuscripts typically contain religious narratives, epics, or biographies. Treatises like the Chitrasutra and Natyashastra are ancient textbooks, which were generally not illustrated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Differentiate between texts that are illustrated and texts that are treatises about art.

(A) Kalpasutra: A canonical Jain text, especially popular in Western India, which was frequently and lavishly illustrated. Many historical examples survive.
(B) Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita: The 'Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines', a key Mahayana Buddhist sutra. The earliest surviving Indian manuscripts with illustrations (from the Pala dynasty) are of this text.
(C) Chitrasutra: A chapter within the Vishnudharmottara Purana, it is an ancient treatise {on the theory and practice of painting}. It is a text about art, not typically a narrative text that is itself illustrated.
(D) Natyashastra: An ancient Sanskrit text on the performing arts. Like the Chitrasutra, it is a theoretical work, not a story that would be accompanied by illustrations.

Step 2: Conclude that the Kalpasutra and the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita are the prime examples of historically important illustrated manuscripts.