Indic Alchemy

This image depicts Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and an avatar of Vishnu, traditionally invoked at the beginning of alchemical and medical treatises. He is shown with four arms holding symbolic objects, most notably the amrita kalasha (pot of nectar), representing the quest for immortality and healing central to the Rasārṇavakalpa.

This halftone portrait depicts three Indian scholars, including Pandit Shri Jivanathji as identified by the accompanying text. Seated in traditional attire, the central figure holds an open book, emphasizing the scholarly and intellectual tradition from which the 'Rasataraṅgiṇī' emerged.