Let's Start Art sessions this month were conducted under the theme of The Winter Season and Family Pictures. The first set of workshops started in the first week of the month and we asked the students to draw their family photo. 

A number of 162 students from 10 schools attended these workshops.

The story is told at great length in the Devi Mahatmya - literally, 'Glory of the Great Goddess', also referred as Durga Saptashati - a text embedded inside 'Markandeya Purana'. The folio of is from a dispersed manuscript of the Devi Mahatmya.

The Purana describes that the Mount Meru is surrounded by four other mountains as it's supports- Suparshva, Kumud, Mandara, and Mermandara. On these four mountain ranges stand four great trees- the Mango, the Jambu, the Kadamb, and the Banyan. The manuscript of the Anandi Patan has an extraordinarily painted leaf with a picture of Mount Meru on it.

This painting is from Rasmanjari, a classical Sanskrit text by BhanuDatta.
In the text, the writer seems to be envisioning Shiva as ArdhaNarishwar, his androgynous aspect. The painter has been very creative to capture this aspect by keeping Parvati always on the right side in the painting.

This story depicts a scene from Mahabharata, where Krishna lifts the Mount Govardhana to save the animals and villagers from the wrath of Indra. 

Made using striking imagination, intricate details, and the godly figure of Krishna in the middle, lifting the mountain with ease, this painting is part of the Bhagavata Purana series. This is currently on display at British Museum, London

Depicting the scene of King Rama's return from Lanka, along with Sita, in the Vimana, made of Gold, by the Kuber, this folio from a dispersed Ramayana series is a brilliant work of art. 

This detailed work is full of different scenes, Rama uniting with Sita; residents of Lanka in despair because of Rama's departure; monkeys having fun, diving in water; birds flying in the sky.

This dazzling work is part of the dispersed Bhagvata Purana Series, done in the Pahari style during 17th Century. 

King Kamsa, tries to kill the newborn child, surrounded by a selected group of courtiers, while Devaki is seen in despair. The Child, incarnation of Goddess Yogmaya, is shining above in a glorious golden light.

This intricate work of art is part of dispersed Bhagvata-Purana series.
Made during the 17th century, this painting was most likely done at Mandi, evident from the Pahari style used in the painting.
King Kamsa is sitting in his inner apartment, conversing with an old lady, possibly about the Devaki and the coming child.
Marble floors, richly adorned decorative walls, fountains, etc. give the richness to the painting.

Done during the Mughal period, in the 16th century, this beautifully designed painting depicts a scene of King Rama in exile.
Rama is sitting in between, dark blue in color is listening to Sita. Lakshmana is sitting, listening in suspicion.
This folio is part of Ramayana series, made using Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

This exquisite work of art was made by Kamal & Chand Muhammad during the 17th century, in the Bijapur region, ruled by Safavid Dynasty. The painting shows all the Sultans, and the founder seated on the central throne. 

This painting is on display at Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Ibrahim Adil Shah II, Sultan of Bijapur during 17th century paid open tribute to Hindu gods and goddesses. he was passionate about Indian classical music, thus his tribute to Goddess Saraswati.
Painting is full of vibrant colors and richly decorated. Goddess is in the center of the painting, sitting on a throne, holding Veena, a musical instrument in her hand.

This beautiful painting, made during the Mughal rule, the regin of Akbar, clearly depicts the impact of Europe in Indian painting. Other documentary evidences including letters from Jesuit travelers, Abul Fazal also tell the interest of Indian artists in European Works.
This exquisitely done artwork is at display tt San Diego Museum of Art, Edwin Binney Collection