Sahadeva Brings Raja Yudhisthira News of Victory

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Sahadeva Brings Raja Yudhisthira News of Victory

Artist Paras Mughal, active 1500s

Place of OriginIndia, Paras (Parasa)

Date1598-1599

DimensionsH: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); W: 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm)

MediumWatercolor on paper

ClassificationManuscripts

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1926.17

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 15

Collections

Works on Paper

Published ReferencesPage, Jutta-Annette, The Art of Glass: Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio, Toledo Museum of Art, 2006, p. 72, repr. (col.) fig. 27.1, p. 71.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Princely Pursuits: Indian Miniature Painting, Toledo Museum of Art, Aug. 22-Nov. 30 2003, title page (det.) and repr. (col.) pp. 8-9 (Carolyn M. Putney, author).Comparative ReferencesSee also Losty, G., Art of the Book in India, London, 1982, p. 123, no. 88.Label TextYudhisthira, king of the Pandavas, sits regally on his throne in a golden yellow robe, surrounded by attendants. His kinsman Shadeva brings news of a great victory, as the returning soldiers enter the court with their well-groomed horses and elephant. The scene comes from the Razmnama, or Book of War, the Persian translation of the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic from circa 400 BCE that describes events surrounding a sovereignty dispute and ensuing war in India. This leaf is likely from a version commissioned by a prince from the court of Emperor Akbar (ruled 1556–1605) of the Islamic Mughal dynasty, at a time of great conflict and Mughal expansion. With its tale of heroic battles, scenes from the Razmnama likely would have drawn great interest from both the ruling Muslims and their Hindu subjects. During Akbar’s reign, Persian and Indian court artists worked together, combining traditions to develop a distinctive style. Among these artists was Paras, recognized for his use of careful modeling and variegated textures that provide his subjects with a sense of movement. Blending the refinement found in earlier Persian miniature painting with strong rhythmic lines and vivid blocks of color, Paras re-creates the lively atmosphere of Mughal court society and its local customs.