Loading

Guru Nanak and Raja Sudhar Sain, Jhanda Badhi the carpenter, and Indar Sain, from a manuscript of the Janam Sakhi (Life Stories)

1800s

Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, United States

The story depicted here emphasizes not only the charismatic power of Guru Nanak and his teachings but also the values of equality that are central to his message. In this episode, Nanak granted to a humble carpenter Bhai Jhanda Badhi, who had demonstrated great piety, permission to establish a new congregation of devotees. At the same time, the guru had also incurred Raja Sudhar Sain's displeasure for disrespecting traditional social hierarchies and not paying homage to him as the local ruler. The story ends with all its protagonists (seen at the left of the painting)- Raja Sudhar, his nephew lndar Sain, and Jhanda the carpenter-recognizing Guru Nanak's spiritual authority and becoming his followers.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Guru Nanak and Raja Sudhar Sain, Jhanda Badhi the carpenter, and Indar Sain, from a manuscript of the Janam Sakhi (Life Stories)
  • Date Created: 1800s
  • Location Created: India; Lahore
  • Physical Dimensions: H. 8 in x W. 6 3/4 in, H. 20.3 cm x W. 17.1 cm
  • Rights: Public Domain
  • Medium: Pigments on paper
  • Credit Line: Asian Art Museum, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.58.19
Asian Art Museum

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites