Sritatwanidhi Manuscript

by Vikas Kamat

First Online: December 12, 2004
Page Last Updated: February 17, 2024

The illustrated manuscript of Sritatwanidhi (in Kannada language) was created at the behest and leadership of Krishnaraja Wodeyar the Third, the Maharaja of Mysore. It is an encyclopedic work containing nine treasures (nidhi), namely Shaktinidhi, Vishnunidhi, Sivatatwanidhi, Brahmanidhi, Grahanidhi, Vaishnavanidhi, Shiavanidhi, Agamanidhi, and Kautukanidhi.

The manuscript contains about 1500 pages and includes a thousand illustrations, in glorious color. It is said the the king chose the best artists from his kingdom for this work and it is the most important illustrated works of the period. The paintings are excellent examples of period art and technique of Karnataka.

The manuscript describes traditional poetry, arts, music, as well as contemporary games, and entertainment. Here are some paintings from Sritatwanidhi.

© K. L. Kamat
Shri Vaishnav Guru, Mysore Parakal Muth (monestary)
Chief of Parakalmatha

© K. L. Kamat
Woman with String Instrument
Woman Plays Gurjariraga Note

 

Reference

  • Ramachandrarao S.K. (Ed), Sri Tattva Nidhi of Mummudi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, Kannda University, Hampi, 1992

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