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Shiva, Ever Solicitous of His Other Half
by Vikas KumarThis 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. -
The Devi Rides in State: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarHow does a painter translate lines of a poem written about a goddess into a painting? The process, as explained by the other in the book, certainly involves meditating over the text, repeatedly, until a clarity dawns on him.
A Folio from the Devi series, this painting was made during the 17t century, in Pahari style and attributed to Kripal of Nurpur. -
Krishna lifting the Mount Govardhana: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarThis 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
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The Celestial Chariot: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarDepicting 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.