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: Distinguish between illustrated texts and art treatises.

(A) Kalpasutra: A Jain canonical text from Western India, commonly illustrated, with many surviving historical examples.
(B) Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita: A key Mahayana Buddhist sutra ("Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines"). Contains the earliest surviving illustrated Indian manuscripts (Pala dynasty).
(C) Chitrasutra: A chapter of the Vishnudharmottara Purana, an ancient treatise {on the theory and practice of painting}. It's a text *about* art, not usually illustrated itself.
(D) Natyashastra: An ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts. Similar to the Chitrasutra, it's a theoretical work, not a narrative text intended for illustrations.

Step 2: Conclude that the Kalpasutra and Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita are key historical examples of illustrated manuscripts.