Jarasandhaâs army advances toward Krishna and Balarama, folio from a <em>Mahabharata</em>
ca. 1800-1815
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection â funds provided by the Friends of the National Museum of Asian Art
Accession Number
S2018.1.17
Tags
About this artwork
Kangra school
Art Historical Context
This vibrant folio from a *Mahabharata* series captures a tense moment from the ancient Indian epic: Jarasandha’s vast army marching toward Krishna and his brother Balarama. In the story, Jarasandha, the powerful king of Magadha, launches repeated invasions against the Yadavas to avenge his daughters' humiliation. Krishna and Balarama, divine incarnations revered in Hinduism, stand resolute amid the advancing soldiers, symbolizing dharma's triumph over tyranny. Created around 1800–1815, this painting reflects the epic's enduring themes of heroism, duty, and cosmic battle. Attributed to Purkhu...