India: Jain cosmological map called Manusya-loka or 'Map of the World of Man'. Gouache, Rajasthan, mid-19th century

The Manusya-loka map represents the world according to the cosmological traditions of Jainism, an ancient religion of India. Human couples are seen in pavilions at different levels, with rivers and world-girdling oceans (blue rings) separating them.

The central continent - Jambudvipa, the island of the rose apple tree - has rivers and six mountains represented by rows with triangles, together with Mount Meru at centre represented by a yellow circle.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History