In this miniature artist has narrated the opening episode of the epic, in which the Mahabharata was first recited by rishi Vaisampayana and Maharishi Saunaka at the occasion of Sarpa Yajna or snake sacrifice for king Janamajeya in the Naimesha forest. Artist has also written the test in four lines at the upper space of […]
Devayani rescued from the well by Yayati – A scene from Mahabharata During a bathing party where clothes were exchanged, a quarrel broke out between Devayani and Sarmishta , the daughter of Vrishaparva , the king of the Asuras. Devayani was hit and pushed by Sarmishta, causing her to fall into a well. Yayati helped
Nikumbha assumes bird form The present and two following illustrations are from the Vishnu Parva of the Mahabharata which recounts the struggle between Krishna and the demon Nikumbha. Nikumbha abducted a Yadava princess named Bhanumati causing Krishna, Arjuna and Pradyumna to mount a rescue effort. Here the demon assumes the form of a giant bird
Krishna chase Nikumbha The present and three following illustrations are from the Vishnu Parva of the Mahabharata which recounts the struggle between Krishna and the demon Nikumbha. Here we see Nikumbha, who has assumed the form of a giant bird, carrying the princess Bhanumati in his talons while Krishna, Arjuna and Pradyumna are in hot
Krishna rescue Arjuna In this climactic battle scene Krishna beheads Nikumbha with his discus, the Sudarshana Chakra, and rescues Arjuna from the demon’s clutches. The painting is remarkable for its virtuoso treatment of the narrative, depicting the demon’s severed head and torso hurtling through the skies while Arjuna plummets gracefully into Pradyumna’s waiting arms below.
The Pandavas in King Drupad’s Court, Folio from a Mahabharata Drawings; watercolors Opaque watercolor and gold on paper 12 1/2 x 16 5/8 in. (31.75 x 42.23 cm)
Pandavas opposing the Kauravas in semi-circular position – A Painting from The Mahabharata Large battle scene with the Pandavas opposing the Kauravas in semi-circular position, arrows flying in either direction and chaotic encounters in the foreground, few figures identified by inscriptions, with dark blue floral borders Opaque pigments and gold on wasli 13¼ x 17½
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Nikumbha kidnaps Princess Bhanumati As the Yadava elders Ugrasena and Vasudeva leave the unguarded palace, the demon Nikumbha seizes his chance and abducts the princess Bhanumati from her inner chambers, carrying her away while her helpless attendants look on. Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969
