The Mahabharata is one of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics of India, the other being the Ramayana. Traditionally ascribed to Vyasa, it is the longest literary epic poem in the world. Besides being hailed as one of the greatest literary accomplishments of humanity, it is also of immense religious and philosophical importance in India. This lavishly illustrated scroll manuscript is written on a continuous silk strip, approximately 230 feet long, and mounted on rollers to enable convenient consultation. It is dated 1795 A.D. Its provenance is unknown, but it was presented to Edinburgh University Library in 1821 by Brigadier-General Alexander Walker of Bowland. There are 77 elaborate miniatures in the late Mughal or Kangra style. All the miniatures have gold backgrounds with red and white flowers, green leaves, blue diamond shapes and gold flowers in orange cartouches.