A folio from the Bhagavata Purana: Krishna and Balarama defeat the demon Dhenukasura

INDIA, KANGRA, CIRCA 1830-1840

Details

A folio from the Bhagavata Purana: Krishna and Balarama defeat the demon Dhenukasura
India, Kangra, circa 1830-1840
Krishna at centre leaning down to grab the leg of the unconscious donkey-demon Dhenukasura, who is also shown hanging by his hindquarters from a tree above, with his brother Balarama and a group of young cow herders to the right
Opaque pigments and gold on paper
8 7/8 x 10¾ in. (22.3 x 27.4 cm.), image
9½ x 11 5/8 in. (24.2 x 29.5 cm.), folio

Provenance

Private collection, Sussex, 1960s
Private collection, London, acquired at Sotheby's New York, 22 March 2007, lot 161

Lot Essay

The great Talavana forest, near to where Krishna and Balarama were raised, was haunted by the violent donkey-demon, Dhenukasura. All of the gopas were afraid to enter, including Krishna. Upon seeing even his brother hesitate to enter the forest, Balarama charged in and shook the trees, causing the fruit to fall heavily to the ground and enrage Dhenukasura, who had been sleeping. The demon attacked Balarama and a great fight ensued, ending only after Krishna knocked the demon unconscious. Balarama inflicted the killing blow with his fist, and the demon was vanquished. While Balarama is generally acknowledged to be the hero of this episode of the Bhagavata Purana, the artist has chosen to depict Krishna as the central focus.

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