Illustrated Sanskrit Manuscript of the Guru Gītā.

Western India (likely Gujarat or Rajasthan), ca. 1750–1850.

Oblong (9,5 x 16 cm.). 465 pp. text in Sanskrit using the Devanagari script and 10 drawings in bright colours and gold on paper. Coloured borders around the text, some more lavishly with gold and floral motifs.

The binding is made of handwoven textile featuring a repeating diamond motif in red, blue, ochre, and black. The fabric is likely of regional origin, perhaps from Gujarat or Rajasthan, and may be associated with traditional khes or mashru weaving techniques.

An illustrated Sanskrit manuscript of the Guru Gītā, likely produced in Rajasthan or Gujarat for devotional recitation and study, portraying the Guru as the embodiment of the Absolute.

This handwritten Sanskrit hymn collection is centered on the Guru Gītā, a scripture from the Skanda Purāṇa. Such manuscripts were used for daily recitation, Guru worship, and Vedantic study, especially in Śaiva and Advaita traditions, where recognizing the Guru as the Absolute is central. The manuscript is illustrated with vibrant miniatures in the Western Indian/Rajasthani style, depicting Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, Śakti, cosmic creation scenes, temple rituals, and the dialogue of Śiva and Pārvatī, visually reinforcing the verses’ message that the Guru encompasses all deities and all reality. The opening folio features a divine figure (likely Vishnu or Krishna) seated within a temple structure on a lotus throne, flanked by musicians blowing a conch and horn. Used for daily recitation, Guru-pūjā, and Vedāntic study, this manuscript represents both a textual and visual theology of the Śaiva–Advaita tradition, where worship of the Guru is worship of the Absolute.

This manuscript is a rare example combining devotional literature, miniature painting, and regional Indian textile craftsmanship. Its high artistic and material quality suggests it was commissioned by a patron of means or produced for temple use.

Condition: binding worn, leaves loose, paper slightly browned, partially thumbed and stained in the margins. Otherwise contents in good condition.