Cosmographical painting

Unknown

Hanging scroll cosmographical painting (representation of the universe) from the Hindu faith, painted in colours on cotton in Nepal, dating to the 17th or 18th century. In this painting, the universe is conceptualised as a series of concentric circles spreading out from the sacred Mount Meru. Immediately surrounding Mount Meru is Jambu-dvipa, the earth or 'island of the rose-apple tree'. Jambu-dvipa is surrounded by a salt ocean and spreading out from here are seven further lands, separated by various oceans, until the realm of darkness is reached at the outer edge of the universe. Within Jambu-dvipa are a number of lands, including India. In the central lotus the god Brahma is surrounded by other deities.