ManuscriptsIndian18th century

Jambavan Offers His Daughter, Jambavati, to Krishna, an illustration from the Bhagavata Purana

late 18th century

Description

This painting depicts the episode of Jambavan, king of the bears, offering his daughter, Jambavati, to Krishna for marriage. The illustration can be divided into three vignettes. Starting from the left, Jambavan brings his daughter to Krishna. In the center, Jamabavati is offered to Krishna for marriage. On the right, Jambavan pays Krishna his respects. This episode from the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana recounts the tale of the precious diamond named Syamantaka. Surya, the sun god, had given the diamond to the Yadava governor Satrajit. Satrajit gave it to his brother and counselor, Prasena. During a hunt, Prasena was killed by a lion who took the jewel. The lion then entered Jambavan’s cave, where it met its demise, and Jambavan gained possession of the diamond. In the meantime, Krishna was falsely accused of stealing the diamond. To clear his name, Krishna went on an excursion and discovered what happened to Prasena and the diamond. He came across Jambavan and fought with him for twenty-eight days until the bear-king was defeated. Jambavan returned the diamond to Krishna and offered his daughter’s hand in marriage. Jambavati is one of the Ashtabharya, the eight principal queen-consorts of Krishna. Rajput, Pahari, Kangra School. Text on Verso: Bhagavata Purana, Book Ten, Chapter 56, verses 25 (second half)-26, 31-32.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Opaque watercolor with gold on paper

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art