Parasurama Attacks Kartavirya from the Ramayama
Artist: Chamba School (Indian, ca. 1765-70)
Date: 1765-1770
Dimensions:
(Folio) H: 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); W: 10 1/4 in. (26 cm);
(Miniature) H: 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); W: 9 in. (22.9 cm)
Medium: Gouache heightened with gold and silver on paper.
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 2005.281
Label Text:What is going on here? This dramatic painting was part of an album illustrating the great Indian epic poem, the Ramayana. The scene depicted here tells the story of Parasurama, who is the ax-wielding 6th incarnation of the Hindu saviour deity, Vishnu. He is shown attacking Kartavirya, a king who had assaulted Parasurama’s father Jamadagni, and had stolen the family’s divine cow of plenty (Surabhi). Enraged, Parasurama attacks the thousand-armed Kartavirya, cutting off all of his limbs—no easy accomplishment!—before killing him.
Not on view
In Collection(s)