Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya (painting, recto), illustration from the Bhagavata Purana

Artists

Description

This painting depicts blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna’s subjugation of the serpent king Kaliya in the waters of River Yamuna. Kaliya wreaked havoc on the town of Vrindavan, poisoning their source of water. To put a stop to this, the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna decides to challenge Kaliya and, after a long struggle, emerges victorious by trampling upon the serpent king’s many hoods. At this moment, Kaliya’s wives rush to his side to persuade Krishna to show mercy and let their husband go. Kaliya himself realizes Krishna’s divine nature and surrenders. The painting captures this moment of surrender. The painting has been attributed to Mola Ram (1743 - 1833) who is an important artist from Garhwal. Rajput, Pahari, Garhwal School.

Dimensions

23.6 x 16.6 cm (9 5/16 x 6 9/16 in.)

Provenance

Balak Ram Sah, Srinagar, Garhwal (by 1916-). Mukundi Lal, Lucknow, India (by 1968-). Peter Bienstock, New York (by 1974), gift; to the Fogg Museum, 1974. Footnotes: Balak Ram Sah of Garhwal (Srinagar), great grandson of artist Mola Ram (1750-1833) Mukundi Lal (1885-1982)