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 who holds the hapless damsel in his talons as he darts across the skies, all the while dodging the shower of arrows from the three warriors who are in hot pursuit.

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper