ManuscriptsIndian19th century

Krishna Kidnaps Rukmini (painting, recto), folio from a Bhagavata Purana series

c. 1820

Description

The painting depicts the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna helping Rukmini to get on his horse-drawn chariot as they elope. The accompanying captions identify the figures. The scene occurs at a white outdoor shrine dedicated to the god Shiva, lord of destruction. Within the sanctum is a lingam, Shiva’s aniconic form, covered in flowers. Rukmini’s attendants show their dismay at her elopement by throwing their hands up. In this episode from the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna kidnaps and elopes with Rukmini at her request to prevent an unwanted marriage with the evil king Shishupala, who is also Krishna’s cousin. Later, Rukmini becomes Krishna's principal wife and queen. This folio most likely belonged to a Bhagavata Purana series produced in the Pahari region of Northern India. Other folios from the same Bhagavata Purana series in the Harvard Art Museum’s collection are objects 2001.336, 2001.337, 2001.338. Rajput, Pahari.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Culture

Indian

Century

19th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art