The Pandavas’ nephew Abhimanyu battles the Kauravas and their allies, from a manuscript of the Mahabharata

Date: approx. 1800-1900

Medium: Opaque watercolors on paper

Place of Origin: India Himachal Pradesh state former kingdom of Kangra

At one point in the great battle of the Mahabharata, the Kauravas gather their army into a large, impenetrable circular formation. When Abhimanyu plans to break into the formation, the Pandavas and their allies promise to follow him, providing assistance and protection. Once Abhimanyu penetrates the enemy force, however, King Jayadratha and his army prevent the Pandavas from coming to their kinsman’s aid. Abhimanyu, though he fights valiantly and slays many opponents, is eventually killed. Here he faces a force that includes the Kaurava brothers Duryodhana, Duhshasana, and Vrindaraka, as well as such allies as Karna and Drona. At the right-hand side of the page, the Pandavas face a group of warriors led by King Jayadratha, who is seated on an elephant. Jayadratha could hold the powerful Pandavas at bay through a favour he received from the Hindu god Shiva.

This painting belongs to a dated set from a north Indian princely state that illustrates the Abhimanyu episode.

PAINTING Dimensions: H. 12 7/8 in x W. 17 3/4 in, H. 32.7 cm x W. 45.1 cm