INDIA, KANGRA OR GARHWAL, CIRCA 1810-20

Jarasandha, the king of Magadh, decided to attack Mathura to avenge the murder of his son-in-law, Kamsa (see lots 1346-1348 for further explication). Knowing that Mathura could not withstand his army, Krishna and Balarama challenged Jarasandha to a personal duel instead. Jarasandha was fearful of Krishna's strength, so to avoid him while saving his own ego, he called Krishna a child and not worthy of a duel. However, he did agree to Balarama's challenge and was soundly defeated while Krishna obliterated his entire army. The last repetition of Balarma (also known as Balabhadra) and Jarasandha, which shows them seated at bottom, is the moment in the story when Krishna has intervened in their duel to spare Jarasandha's life.