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.
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
Hanuman vanquishes Nikumbha by wrenching off his head Folio from the Ramayana of Valmiki (The Freer Ramayana), Vol. 2, folio 242; Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper Dimensions: H: 27.5 W: 15.2 cm Origin: Northern India
Hanuman vanquishes Nikumbha by wrenching off his head Read More »