Add MS 15504

This manuscript, collected in the 1780s, contains copies of paintings inside a south Indian temple at Madurai named the 'Choukie Lingum'. It was commissioned by a British surgeon named David Simpson and the paintings were made by a local artist.

Part A of Add.15504 contains 30 painted panels (15 double sided panels of stiffened cotton cloth).

Part B is a booklet describing the stories in the painted panels. It is inscribed, 'Explanation of the Sacred Paintings of the Brahmins of Choukie Lingum's Pagoda at Madura.' 'This formerly belonged to the [???] Collection, purchased in 1807.' 'Transferred from the Print Room by Order of Committee, 5 Apr. 1845.'

Descriptions of the paintings in Add.15504(A), as given in Add.15504(B).

1. The main form of Vishnu in the ‘Chauki-Linga’ temple at Madurai.

2. Vishnu Narayana.

3. Madhu and Kaitabha, the demons who steal the Vedas from Brahma.

4. Vishnu in search of the Vedas, which were hidden by Madhu and Kaitabha.

5. Brahma gratefully receiving the Vedas from Vishnu.

6. Two stories showing how ‘Bhu’, the goddess represnting the earth, was created.

7. Brahma creates the ’16 Manus’.

8. The first of the Manus, as created by Vishnu, and related figures.

9. Aditi, the Great Mother of the Vedas, with her daughters, the Adityas.

10. Creation of various animals by Aditi’s daughters, the Adityas.

11. Creation of various animals by Aditi’s daughters, the Adityas.

12. Creation of various animals by Aditi’s daughters, the Adityas.

13. Creation of various animals by Aditi’s daughters, the Adityas.

14. Vishnu’s Varaha avatar.

15. Varaha looking for Bhu Devi.

16. Devendra (Indra) with his entourage.

17. Hiranyakasipu, the demon king.

18. Hiranyakasipu conquering the ‘three worlds’ of Indra.

19. Hiranyakasipu becoming enraged with his son.

20. Vishnu as Narasimha fighting Hiranyakasipu.

21. Narasimha slaying Hiranyakasipu.

22. Narasimha revealing himself to Indra.

23. Indra giving council.

24. Indra is attacked by the demon king Bali, the great grandson of Hiranyakasipu.

25. Bali conquers the ‘three worlds’ of Indra.

26. Vishnu as Vamana approaches Bali.

27. Vamana receiving water from Bali.

28. Vamana takes on his celestial form as Vishnu.

29. Vishnu reclaims the ‘three worlds’ and stands on Bali’s head.

30. ‘No.30. Represents Pattulla – Lachum the lowest of the 14 worlds where the inhabitants have tails like snakes.’

This unusual manuscript was originally in David Simpson's collection. He served as surgeon at Trichinopoly 1780-86 (D.G. Crawford, ‘Roll of the Indian Medical’ Service, Calcutta, 1930, p. 265). It was sold at Christie’s 26 May 1792, as lot 59, when it was bought by Charles Townley. Add.15504 A and B, and Add.Or.4319-4356 were both in this collection.