A painting from the Bhagavata Purana: Battle between Banasura and Krishna

NEPAL, CIRCA 1775

Details

A painting from the Bhagavata Purana: Battle between Banasura and Krishna
Nepal, circa 1775
Depicting a city encircled in flames at left as the defeated retreat, while a battle between multi-armed Banasura and blue-skinned Krishna astride Garuda continues at center, slain warriors at their feet and the victorious army at right, in red borders with an inscription at bottom
Opaque pigments on wasli
13½ x 20¼ in. (34.2 x 51.4 cm.), painting
15 x 21¾ in. (38 x 55.2 cm.), folio

Lot Essay

The present painting continues the battle that began in the previous lot. Seeing his army defeated, Banasura attacks Krishna, who in turn kills his horse and charioteer. Enraged, Banasura wields all manner of weapons in his thousand arms, which Krishna proceeds to sever using his chakra. When Banasura is down to just four arms, Shiva appears and asks Krishna for mercy on behalf of Banasura. Krishna acquiesces and, assured of safety, Banasura offers his obeisance to Krishna and returns his grandson.

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